Timber battens and breathable roofing membrane installed during a strip and retile project in Sittingbourne

Kent peg tile repairs in Sittingbourne and Faversham with 30 years of hands-on trade craft

Protecting period homes across Sittingbourne, Faversham, and Canterbury. From sourcing authentic reclaimed Kent peg tiles and securing failed battens to repointing lime mortar ridges and dressing Code 5 lead valleys, Chris Baker surveys and completes every job personally with no subcontractors. Call 01795 904566 to arrange a roof condition assessment.

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Kent Peg Tile Repairs in Sittingbourne and Faversham

If you own a period home in Faversham, Sittingbourne, or Canterbury, you know that Kent peg tiles require a specific level of care and traditional skill. I have spent over thirty years working on these historic roofs, ensuring that every replacement tile and mortar mix matches the original character of your property. At C.L. Baker, I do not use subcontractors; when you call me to discuss your peg tile roof, I am the one who surveys the site and carries out the work. Whether your roof has slipped tiles, perished battens, or requires a full strip and retile using reclaimed materials, I provide a plain-speaking, honest assessment. We understand the heritage requirements of local conservation zones and use only the correct breathable underlays and traditional fixings to keep your home watertight while preserving its historic value. From small leak repairs in Swale to extensive restoration across North Kent, I ensure your roof remains structurally sound and aesthetically authentic.

Deal directly with your roofer from survey to sign-off

With over thirty years of trade experience across Sittingbourne, Chris Baker personally inspects your property, quotes the job, and completes the work with no salesmen or subcontractors.

What is included

  • Direct roof and loft inspection by Chris Baker to pinpoint water ingress
  • Sourcing and hand-matching authentic reclaimed Kent peg tiles
  • Re-hanging slipped tiles using durable timber pegs or non-corrosive fixings
  • Treating or replacing rotted timber battens and patching torn underlay
  • Repairing Code 4 and Code 5 lead valleys, secret gutters, and soakers
  • Traditional lime mortar re-bedding for bonnet hips and ridge tiles
  • Re-dressing stepped lead flashings around heritage chimney stacks
  • Photographic before-and-after proof of the defect and completed work

Signs your Kent peg tile roof needs repair

  • Slipped, crooked, or missing clay peg tiles caught in gutters or lying at ground level after high winds
  • Spalling and crumbling tile fragments shedding into valleys or gullies due to frost damage and weathered clay
  • Tile slippage caused by failed wooden pegs or corroded iron fixings ("nail rot") along the timber battens
  • Daylight visible through the rafters or damp spots appearing where traditional lime torching has perished
  • Visible sagging or dipping along the roof pitch caused by failing riven laths under the heavy double-lap load

Peg Tile Repairs in Sittingbourne: our recent work

Every photo is one of our own jobs.

Chris Baker on a pitched roof with fresh battens and breathable underlay installedRefurbished waterproof roof valley between plain clay tiled roof pitches in KentHandmade Kent peg tiles and new timber roofing battens on a pitched roof renewal in KentTimber battens and breathable roofing membrane installed during a strip and retile project in SittingbourneChris Baker on a pitched roof with fresh battens and breathable underlay installed

How it works

  1. 01

    Direct on-site survey

    I inspect your roof in person to identify slipped peg tiles, rotted battens, and hidden points of water ingress.

  2. 02

    Authentic tile matching

    We source genuine reclaimed Kent peg tiles to preserve your roof's historic aesthetic and satisfy local conservation standards.

  3. 03

    Hands-on repair

    I complete the re-pegging and leadwork repairs myself without subcontractors, ensuring every tile is securely bedded and hung.

  4. 04

    Final sign-off

    Your property is left spotless with all broken tiles cleared, followed by photographic evidence of the finished repair.

With over thirty years working on Kent’s historic roofs, I source authentic reclaimed peg tiles to tackle the root cause of water ingress while preserving your property’s traditional character.

Peg Tile Repairs in Sittingbourne: your questions answered

How do I know if my Kent peg tiles need replacing or just repairing?

Most of the time, I can save a significant number of your original tiles. If you see tiles slipped down into the gutter or sitting crooked, it usually means the fixings have failed, not the tiles themselves. I can often strip the affected area, save the good tiles, and relay them on fresh battens. However, if the tiles are "delaminating"—where the layers of clay are flaking off like a wafer—then they have reached the end of their life and need replacing with quality reclaimed versions.

Can you match the tiles on my listed building in Faversham?

Yes. Faversham has some of the strictest conservation rules in Kent, and for good reason. I have spent three decades working in the area and understand the need for authentic Kent peg tiles. I don't use modern mass-produced tiles for these jobs. Instead, I source tiles that match the specific dimensions and shades of your roof so the repair is virtually invisible once the job is done.

Do I need building regulations approval for peg tile repairs in Sittingbourne?

If I am just fixing a small leak or replacing a few slipped tiles, you generally do not need to notify anyone. However, if I am stripping and renewing more than 25% of the roof area, Swale Borough Council and STG Building Control usually require the project to be registered. This is to make sure the insulation levels are improved to meet modern standards. I can guide you through this process to ensure everything is above board.

Why are my peg tiles slipping after a heavy frost?

This is a common issue with older clay tiles. If the tiles have absorbed water over the years, a hard frost can cause the clay to expand and crack, or it can snap the old pegs holding them in place. Once one tile slips, it often puts pressure on the ones below it. If you notice a sudden change after a cold snap, it is best to get me out to look at it before the next rainfall causes water ingress.

Peg Tile Repairs in Sittingbourne and across

Related services

Understanding Nail Sickness and Peg Rot

Many of the traditional roofs I encounter in North Kent are suffering from the inevitable decay of historic fixings. Nail sickness is a common failure where original iron nails have rusted over the decades, causing them to swell and crack the underside of the clay tile. Similarly, I frequently find that the original wooden pegs used to hold tiles in place have rotted away, leading to tiles sliding out of position and leaving your roof vulnerable to water ingress. Identifying these issues early is essential. I inspect the rafters and the state of your laths to determine whether a targeted repair will suffice or if the cumulative damage requires a more comprehensive approach to keep your building dry.

Carolyn

Google review · 5.0 ★

The work was carried out efficiently and well and I am very pleased with the result.

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Emma Woodcock

Google review · 5.0 ★

The work force went above and beyond to do the job, Very polite, great communication and happy with the work completed. Would definitely recommend these men"

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chloe

Google review · 5.0 ★

Roof repair on my tiled roof. Good communication and a fair price! Would highly recommend 5🌟

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kristie baker

Google review · 5.0 ★

Great service, would recommend.

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david checksfield

Google review · 5.0 ★

Re: refelt garage roof ,Chris was very helpful, and his lads worked very hard on a very hot day, clean and tidy,great finish highly recommend

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Our guarantee

My Technical Approach to Heritage Roofing

When I carry out repairs on period properties, I focus on materials that respect the building's original design. For areas requiring leadwork, I use Code 4 milled lead for secret gutters and soakers, ensuring a long-lasting, weather-resistant seal. I prefer traditional hydraulic lime mortar for ridge bedding and chimney repointing; this allows the structure to breathe, preventing the moisture build-up that often occurs with modern, rigid cement mixes. Whether I am installing new treated timber battens or carefully reusing original riven oak laths on historic builds, my goal is to ensure the roof is not just patched up, but genuinely restored to a durable standard.

Covered

  • Workmanship on full strip and retile projects and new tiled roofs
  • Milled lead flashings, dry valleys, ridges, and verges we install
  • Seamless GRP fibreglass and high-performance flat roof systems
  • Targeted roof repairs as agreed on your written quotation

On top

  • Tile, slate, and membrane manufacturer product warranties
  • Clear photographic evidence of battening, felting, and finished work
  • Direct contact with Chris Baker throughout—no sales reps or subcontractors
  • Guidance on Building Regulations Part L requirements for re-roofs

Not covered

  • Extreme storm damage, gale uplift, or tree strikes occurring after completion
  • Adjoining roof pitches, shared walls, or areas outside our agreed scope
  • Subsequent foot traffic or modifications carried out by third-party trades
  • Water ingress caused by uncleaned, blocked, or overflowing gutters

The guarantee for your job is written on your quote before you agree to anything. Read the full guarantee.

Roof trouble in Sittingbourne? Speak directly with Chris Baker

Call 01795 904566 for straightforward advice from an experienced local roofer. I inspect every roof myself, explain the exact issue plainly, and provide a clear, no-obligation quote with zero subcontractors.