Roofing Service
Peg Tiles
About Peg Tiles
The term ‘peg tile’ refers to an unadorned clay tile that hangs freely from the upper edge of a tiling lathe or batten, overlapping the two rows below it. This tile is secured using a tiny wooden peg (or more recently, an aluminum ‘drop’) that is inserted through one or both of two holes in the top of the tile. This method of attachment is different from the one where tiles are attached to battens using built-in ‘nibs’ or small protrusions.
Repairs and Re-tiling
Even when tiles are in satisfactory condition, issues can arise with peg-tiled roofs if their attachments or supporting timbers degrade. The metal nails employed to secure lathes and battens to the rafters might undergo corrosion, leading to potential failure of the battens and lathes, resulting in tile displacement. Deterioration from insect or fungal attacks can lead to the decay of battens and lathes. Frost action, particularly on north-facing slopes where moss could worsen the impact of the freeze/thaw cycle, might lead to tile deterioration. Additionally, wind-induced lift and the degradation of mortar ‘torching’ beneath the tiles can cause mechanical damage.
Considerations
The decision to repair or fully re-tile should be based on the degree of deterioration. Minor tile slippage on a small scale, with sound lathes or battens, could be addressed through routine maintenance. Complete re-tiling should only be considered when repairs are no longer economically viable.
The state of gutters and flashings also has an impact on the chosen course of action. When a roof is stripped for re-tiling, it provides an opportunity to address any necessary repairs to the supporting structure, as well as other related tasks (such as work on gutters or chimney stacks).
When dismantling a roof, caution should be exercised to prevent tile breakage during removal, preserving as many tiles as possible for potential re-use. Depending on the situation, new tiles could be integrated with old ones across the roof or reserved for less visible roof slopes.
Occasionally, making modifications is acceptable. Changes may be warranted to enhance maintenance access, for instance. However, altering features of a roof on a listed building may necessitate official consent.
The application of spray-on coatings beneath roofs or bitumen-coated fabric on top is not advisable. Such treatments hinder proper inspection, impede tile re-use, and, by reducing ventilation, heighten the risk of timber decay.
Maintenance
The primary cause of deterioration in old buildings often stems from a lack of proper maintenance. Maintenance fundamentally revolves around preventing rainwater from infiltrating where it could inflict damage. Among the most vulnerable points of entry for water is the roof. Addressing minor issues promptly in this area can avert the need for more extensive repairs later on.
It’s advisable to conduct roof inspections twice a year. Rectify instances of slipped or absent tiles, and replace those that are broken. In the case of peg tiles, minor “cornering,” involving tiles with slightly chipped corners, may not be detrimental due to their inherently diverse appearance. For isolated missing tiles, replacement can be achieved by securely hooking the pegs onto the battens or lathes. This process entails gently lifting neighboring tiles to create enough space for the new tile, complete with its peg, to be inserted into position. Subsequently, the adjacent tiles are allowed to settle back into place. Any damaged tiles can be stored for future use as trimmed half-tiles at the edges.
Office Hours
Daily - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday - 09:00 am to 12:00 am
Sunday & Holidays - Closed
