Kent Peg Tile Roofing in Faversham
Kent peg tiles are the small, slightly uneven clay tiles that give old Faversham houses, cottages, barns and oast houses their character. They need a roofer who knows how they were laid. Restoring Kent peg roofs is one of our specialities.
What makes a Kent peg roof different
Each tile is a handmade clay tile hung on the batten by one or two pegs through holes near the top, rather than the moulded nibs of a modern tile. The tiles are cambered and irregular, so the roof has a soft, rippled look that machine-made tiles can't copy. That also means they have to be laid and repaired by hand, with an eye for how each tile sits.
Common problems
The tiles themselves often outlast everything around them. What usually fails is the fixing: old wooden pegs rot and tiles slip. Battens decay, the lime mortar on ridges and hips breaks down, and frost can flake the face of softer tiles. Slipped tiles on a peg tile roof are a sign that it needs looking at before water gets to the timbers.
Repair and restoration
For local repairs we lift the tiles around the problem, renew the fixings and battens as needed, and re-hang the originals with matching tiles to replace any that are broken. When a whole slope needs doing, the tiles are carefully stripped and sorted, the sound ones are re-laid on new battens, and the shortfall is made up with tiles chosen to blend in for size, colour and camber.
Listed buildings and conservation areas
Many peg tile roofs in and around Faversham are on listed buildings or in conservation areas, where like-for-like materials are normally expected and consent may be needed for more than a repair. Check with Swale Borough Council's conservation team before work starts. We can quote for work that keeps the original tiles and appearance.
Kent Peg Tile Roofing: common questions
What is a Kent peg tile?
A Kent peg tile is a small handmade clay roof tile, traditional to Kent, that hangs from the roof batten on one or two pegs pushed through holes in the top of the tile. They are slightly curved and irregular, which gives old Kent roofs their distinctive texture.
Can a Kent peg tile roof be repaired rather than replaced?
Usually, yes. The clay tiles often last far longer than the pegs and battens holding them, so the normal approach is to renew the fixings and re-use as many original tiles as possible, replacing only the broken ones with a close match.
Can you match my existing peg tiles?
We source reclaimed or new handmade tiles to match the size, colour and camber of yours as closely as possible, and mix them in across the roof so repairs don't stand out.
Do I need permission to repair a peg tile roof on a listed building?
Like-for-like repairs often don't need consent, but larger works to a listed building usually do. The rules depend on the building, so check with Swale Borough Council's conservation officer before work starts.
Other roofing services
Flat Roofing
New flat roofs, re-boarding and re-felting for extensions, garages, dormers and porches.
Roof Repairs
Leaks, slipped or broken tiles, loose ridge and hip tiles, moss clearing and storm damage put right.
New Roofs & Re-Roofs
Complete roof replacements and new roofs for homes and extensions, in tile or slate.
Chimney Repairs & Lead Work
Chimney repairs, pots and flashings, plus lead valleys, aprons and flashings wherever a roof meets a wall.
Fascias, Soffits & Guttering
New fascias, soffits and gutters, plus gutter repairs and cleaning to carry water safely away.
Get in touch
Need a Reliable Roofer?
Whether you need a repair, a new roof or just some honest advice, call Louis or send a message for a free, no-obligation quote.