Heritage Roofing
Specialist heritage roof repairs in East Sussex, handling Horsham stone, handmade clay peg tiles, lime mortar ridge work, and traditional flashing.
Heritage roofs on old Sussex and Surrey properties require specialized, historic treatment to maintain structural integrity and weathered aesthetics. Dave Heath offers skilled repair, restoration, and structural maintenance for traditional roof typologies. From handling heavy, traditional Horsham stone installations to sourcing aged, handmade clay peg tiles, every component is placed using compliant lime mortar ridge work, traditional valley adjustments, and hand-dressed lead flashings executed strictly to Historic England criteria.
FAQs
Q1: What is Horsham stone and can it be repaired? A: Horsham stone is a type of sandstone slab that was historically used for roofing across Sussex and Surrey. It is heavy, beautiful, and long-lasting when properly maintained. Because it is no longer quarried in commercial quantities, sourcing matching stone for repairs requires specialist reclaim suppliers. I work with trusted reclaim yards and can source stone that matches your existing roof. It is expensive but worth doing properly - a well-maintained Horsham stone roof can last centuries.
Q2: Can I replace old clay peg tiles with modern concrete tiles on a listed building? A: No. For a listed building, concrete tiles are almost never approved as a replacement for traditional clay peg tiles. Concrete tiles are heavier, have a different texture and colour, and visually alter the character of the roof. Conservation officers will typically require like-for-like replacement: handmade clay peg tiles, often from reclaim. I source matching tiles for every heritage roof project. It costs more than concrete, but it is the correct - and the only consented - solution.
Q3: What causes old roofs to fail on period properties? A: Several things: failed or cracked lime mortar at ridge and hip points; worn or broken nibs on peg tiles (the small tab that hooks over the batten); rotted battens behind the tiles; failed lead flashings around chimneys and valleys; and simply age - clay tiles do eventually wear through. Regular inspection every 3-5 years means catching small problems before they become expensive ones.
Q4: How do I know if my heritage roof needs repair or full replacement? A: Walk the roof with binoculars and look for: broken or slipped tiles, open joints at the ridge, damp patches on upper ceilings after rain, and failed lead flashings. I always recommend an inspection by someone who has worked on old roofs before - a general builder may not recognise what is normal patina versus what is a structural problem. In many cases, targeted repairs extend a good roof by decades.
Q5: Can you source matching traditional tiles for a period property?A: Yes. I have good relationships with Sussex reclaim yards and specialist manufacturers of handmade clay roofing tiles. For most standard Sussex peg tile sizes and colours I can usually find a close or exact match. For very unusual or worn tiles - especially early medieval or Horsham stone - it takes more searching, but it is possible.