In 2006, Norman & Underwood were invited by Cathedral architects, Acanthus Clews, to tender for the restoration of the copper roof on Sir Basil Spence’s ‘new’ Coventry Cathedral, consecrated in 1962. With increasing incidence of high winds and heavy rain the original copper clad roof was showing signs of wind uplift with roof valleys and outlets to sumps unable to cope with heavy rain.   The tender included the removal of the original copper cladding and the supply and fix of 1,800sqm (~20 tonnes) of mill finish copper to be laid on the original copper battens. Appointed main contractors by the Dean & Chapter, the Norman & Underwood team worked with Cathedral property director, Don Linden, and project architect Andrew Salter to amend details of the roof structure in order to reduce the risk of wind uplift and improve the flow of rainwater off the roof without compromising the appearance of the original Spence design. A team of six Norman & Underwood specialists completed the works ahead of schedule in less than six months.

Project architect, Andrew Salter, commented: ‘Following observations of local water ingress to the roof to the Nave investigations were made by Michael Clews the current Cathedral Architect, into the general condition of the existing copper roof installed over 40 years ago. From pilot studies it became apparent that a number of the seams were failing. It was therefore decided that it would be prudent to renew the roof covering like for like. The detailing was to replicate the existing but allow for less seams and fewer compounded folds. The double curve of the Ove Arup designed concrete shell roof made sheeting with copper challenging however these difficulties were overcome and on completion the workmanship was considered superior to that originally executed which had itself also been to a very high standard.’

The Dean of Coventry, the Very Revd John Irvine, commented: ‘It is a significant achievement to have the roof repaired and the copper cladding restored. When the storms hit Coventry recently water came in under doors and over gutters – but not a drip came through the roof’