Walton’s character is defined by those lovely stone cottages with traditional roofing materials that need specialist care.

The village’s relatively isolated position means it’s retained much of its historic character, with few modern intrusions to spoil the roofscape. The exposed rural setting means weather protection is paramount – those roofs take a proper battering in winter storms.

Chimney stacks are often in poor condition after centuries of exposure, with failing mortar joints and perished flashings letting water penetrate.

The agricultural buildings, both working and converted, have large roof areas that present scale challenges when repairs are needed.

Stone slate is the predominant traditional covering, but sourcing matching materials for repairs gets harder and more expensive each year. The handful of newer properties typically use artificial stone slates that approximate the look of the traditional materials while offering better weather resistance.

The conservation mindset is strong here, with most property owners understanding the value of maintaining authentic appearances even if it costs more.