The Fell Partnership is only one of a handful of companies that specialise in cut roofs, and we are second to none in our profession for knowledge of cut roofs. The Fell Partnership undertakes ESA (Environmentally Sensitive Area) work which is grant aided, usually on traditional agricultural buildings, provided the buildings are restored to their original state.

You cannot buy a prefabricated cut roof to fit these traditional farm buildings; it requires our specialist craftsman to measure and cut all purlins, trusses, rafters, etc on site to suit each individual building. Trusses quite often have variable lengths rafters to accommodate crooked old walls. Of course cut roofs can only be fitted to structurally sound buildings; this often involves us undertaking complete renovation of the walls before we can begin. Purlins are then fitted over principal trusses, which then carry the rafters for the roof. A principal truss consists of two heavy truss rafters and collar, often made of oak, sometimes pegged together. The ridge is dove tailed and half housed together. Diminishing course slate roofing using oak pegs and lime mortar to gives a traditional finish. 

We try to incorporate the original timbers (strictly only if their condition allows), mixing the old with the new, thereby doing our best for the environment. For historical interest we occasionally reinstall old trusses alongside the new to keep the character of the building even though they add no structural value.

In 2006 we invested in a Merlo P30.13 Telescopic Handler. When combined with its jib attachment, it makes lifting roof timbers into place, faster, easier and much safer. Our newer Merlo Roto 38.16S can also undertake this kind of work.

The Fell Partnership Ltd can construct traditional slate roofing for barns, houses or cottages. Using materials and methods that are sympathetic to the environment. We use second hand slates, manly Delabole sourced from our local suppliers. Ridge tiles vary in colour and are chosen to match the slate choice, it is important to make doubly sure the ridge is at the correct angle according to the pitch of the roof.

For new properties we can obtain slate from Brazil, Spain and China, chosen according to taste, cost, and the environment in which it is to be situated. On random width roofs the slates vary from three inches to three foot!! For a diminishing course roof the slates vary from two foot down to ten inches. Diminishing course slate roofing using oak pegs and lime mortar to finish brings all aspects of traditional cut roofing to the modern day