Roof strip and retile in progress showing damaged underlay and exposed battens beneath concrete tiles

Pitched roof strip and retile in Sittingbourne with direct, hands-on accountability

When aged bitumen felt perishes and timber battens begin to sag, patch repairs are no longer enough. I strip your roof back to sound structural rafters, fit modern breathable underlay and treated battens, and complete a full retile that satisfies current Part L Building Regulations. Call 01795 904566 to arrange an honest, thorough roof assessment directly with me—no sales reps and no subcontractors.

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Why your Sittingbourne home might need a full strip and retile

A roof serves as the primary shield for your home, but after decades of facing Kent weather, components inevitably reach the end of their lifespan. If you notice signs of widespread failure, such as recurring water ingress, sagging roof lines, or tiles that are frequently slipping, a patch repair is often only a temporary fix. I have spent over thirty years working on roofs in Sittingbourne and across Swale, and I have seen how the cumulative effect of salt air and high winds can weaken even the most robust structures. Often, it is not just the tiles that have failed, but the underlying 1F bitumen felt which has become brittle, along with battens that have lost their integrity. When these materials break down, a full strip and retile is the most reliable way to restore your property to a secure, watertight condition for years to come.

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

  • Complete strip-down of worn tiles, degraded 1F felt, and perished battens to the rafters
  • Direct inspection of exposed structural rafters and timber framework for rot or spread
  • Installation of high-grade vapour-permeable breathable underlay to eliminate condensation
  • Pressure-treated, factory-graded BS 5534 roofing battens aligned to correct roof gauge
  • Retiling with selected Kent peg, natural slate, or interlocking concrete tiles
  • New Code 4 and Code 5 milled lead valleys, secret gutters, and chimney flashings
  • Mechanically fixed dry ridge and dry verge systems for wind-uplift protection
  • Building Regulations Part L thermal guidance and full site cleanup managed by Chris Baker

Signs your roof requires a full strip and retile

  • Perished underlay and rotted battens: Crumbling black 1F bitumen felt inside your loft space, leaving bare tiles visible and rafters exposed to driving rain.
  • Widespread tile spalling and porosity: Extensive frost damage, surface delamination, or porous clay or concrete tiles across the pitch that no longer shed water.
  • Multiple recurring leaks: Damp patches breaking through across several ceilings, external walls, or chimney breasts rather than a single isolated point of ingress.
  • Sagging or dipping rooflines: Visible troughs between rafters caused by failing timber battens, nail fatigue, or long-term moisture absorption.
  • End-of-life mortar failure: Continuous displacement of verge and ridge tiles where localized repairs and re-bedding are no longer cost-effective or viable.

Strip And Retile in Sittingbourne: our recent work

Every photo is one of our own jobs.

Timber 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 installedC.L. Baker roofing vans parked outside a domestic property with roofers working on scaffoldingNew slate roof installation and lead valley detailing on a terraced house roof in KentHandmade Kent peg tiles and new timber roofing battens on a pitched roof renewal in Kent

How it works

  1. 01

    Direct Roof Inspection

    I inspect your rafters, tile condition, and loft insulation in person to provide an honest, accurate strip and retile assessment.

  2. 02

    Complete Strip-Down

    We carefully strip away your weathered tiles, rotted battens, and perishing bitumen felt down to the sound structural rafters.

  3. 03

    Membrane and Battens

    I install modern breathable underlay and treated timber battens to ensure proper roof ventilation and Part L compliance.

  4. 04

    Precision Retiling

    We lay your chosen tiles with dry-fix systems and Code 4 leadwork, leaving the site tidy and your property completely watertight.

With over thirty years roofing across Sittingbourne, I strip every pitched roof back to sound rafters, replacing perished underlay and timber battens myself with no subcontractors.

Strip And Retile in Sittingbourne: your questions answered

Do I need building regulations approval to replace my roof in Sittingbourne?

Yes, if you are replacing more than a quarter of the roof area, you must notify building control. This is largely to make sure that the insulation is upgraded to meet Part L regulations. I can help explain this process during my site visit. It’s an important step, especially if you ever plan to sell your home, as solicitors will look for this completion certificate.

How long does a full roof renewal take?

For a standard three-bedroom semi-detached house in Sittingbourne or Rainham, you are usually looking at about one to two weeks, depending on the weather. I keep you updated every day on our progress. If I’m halfway up your roof when you call, I might not answer immediately, but I return every message as soon as I’m back on the ground.

Can you source authentic Kent peg tiles for repairs in Faversham or Canterbury?

I certainly can. Working on period properties is a core part of what I do. If your home is in a conservation area, we can source reclaimed Kent pegs or high-quality new handmade clay tiles that satisfy local planning requirements. We use traditional lead dressing and appropriate mortar mixes to keep the character of your property intact.

Is it better to repair a leak or go for a full strip and retile?

It depends on the cause. If a single tile has slipped or a bit of lead has cracked, a repair is fine. However, if I find that the nails holding your tiles are rusting away (known as nail sickness) or the felt underneath has disintegrated, then patching it up is just a temporary fix. I’ll always give you a straight answer on whether a repair is a viable long-term solution or if it’s time to consider a renewal.

Do you use subcontractors or will you be on-site myself?

You get me, Chris Baker. I personally manage and work on every job. I don't believe in subbing work out to people I don't know. This way, I can guarantee the quality of the work and you know exactly who is on your property at all times.

Strip And Retile in Sittingbourne and across

Related services

The C.L. Baker process: From bare rafters to a finished roof

When I take on a strip and retile project, I manage the entire process personally. I do not use subcontractors or sales teams; you deal with me from the first survey to the final sign-off. We start by carefully removing the existing tiles to expose the rafters. This allows me to conduct a thorough inspection for any signs of timber rot or structural deflection that might be hidden from view. Once the roof is stripped, we install a modern, high-performance breathable underlay. This is a critical upgrade, as it allows moisture to escape from within your roof space while preventing driving rain and snow from getting in. We then install new, treated timber battens, ensuring they are perfectly gauged to suit your specific tile choice. During this stage, I focus on the finer details, such as integrating high-quality Code 4 milled lead for chimney flashings and valley troughs, ensuring a seamless finish that directs water safely away from your structure.

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

Compliance: Building Regulations and Part L in Swale

Modern roofing is about more than just fitting tiles; it is about meeting current thermal and safety standards. If you are replacing more than 25% of your roof's total surface area, you are required by law to meet Building Regulations Part L regarding thermal efficiency. As part of my service, I ensure your re-roofing project complies with these requirements, which often involves upgrading your loft insulation to improve the thermal envelope of your property. I work closely with STG Building Control Partnership to ensure all notifications are handled correctly. Whether you are living in a Victorian terrace in Milton Regis or a 1930s semi-detached house in Borden, I make sure the transition to a new roof is fully documented and legally compliant.

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.