The leaking roof of the Anglican Cathedral in Hamilton will need to be completely replaced at a cost of more than $1 million, The Royal Gazette has learned.

Cathedral administrators are launching a fund-raising drive to persuade members of the public to contribute to the cost of the new copper roof.

The Cathedral currently has $350,000 for the project, but it is looking to the public to make up the shortfall. The Cathedral has also launched another "roofle" raffle.

Canon Keith Wassall said it was appropriate to ask residents to contribute to the replacement of the roof because the Cathedral is a national monument used by all sections of the community.

"It's a national monument used for all kinds of occasions and is open at all times to people of all faiths and none," he said. The Cathedral is hoping to bring in a Canadian company next March for the work, which will take between three and four months.

"All the experts say most copper roofs have a lifespan of 60 to 80 years, and we are approaching our 80th year, so the time is up really," he said.

"Where the copper joins with the masonry, there is quite considerable deterioration and corrosion, allowing water to get in through the roof and it can affect the wood which supports the roof.

"One of our concerns is to act within the next 12 months to avoid excessive damage to the roof because that would put the price up phenomenally.

"The batons that hold down the copper could be rotting, leading to the screws being lifted. When we have high winds, we do have copper vibration.

"The place will have to be scaffolded and it will be a bit of a construction site, but worship will continue."

Canon Wassall said the roof could be repaired, but it would only last for about five years, so that was not a viable option.

The Cathedral is building an office on the site of the former canon's residence in Victoria Street, and it will use some of the rent from this to make the Cathedral self-sufficient.

The Canadian team will have to bring in their own scaffolding because there is not enough on the Island, added Canon Wassall.