Funchal Cathedral contains valuable artistic elements, particularly its cedar wood coffered ceiling. Following inspections in May 2005 by specialists from DRAC and DGEMN, two wooden structures were identified: the older one forms part of the cedar wood alfarje ceiling, while the newer and more external layer is made of chestnut wood. It was noted that the original cedar structure was generally in good condition, although some of the decorative wooden ceiling elements showed signs of deterioration (rot) and dust accumulation. The cedar ceiling components were notched and fixed with headless nails. The chestnut wood structure was also found to be in good condition; however, the inner lining and battens were infested with wood-boring insects.

Intervention activities

The rehabilitation of the Funchal Cathedral roofs aimed to preserve the valuable carved cedar ceiling elements while improving the roof’s functional condition.

The repair works consisted mainly of the following activities:

• Removal and safe storage of existing roof tiles;
• Cleaning of roof structures;
• Application of insecticide treatment (anti-xylophagous) to the outer faces of the cedar coffered ceiling and roof structures;
• Construction of a new roof with sub-tiles, using a combination of existing tiles and new aged “Azores”-type tiles;
• Masonry stonework repairs;
• Treatment of terrace flooring;
• Removal and reapplication of lime-based plaster;
• Limewashing.