Restoring a clay tile roof for a listed building

Handmade clay tile roof

Our team recently worked on a Grade 2 listed building in Woking, Surrey, cleaning and restoring a clay tile roof. Our client’s cottage was built in the late nineteen hundreds. The roof needed cleaning, but there was also damage to hundreds of handmade clay roof tiles.

Due to its listed status, the owner isn’t allowed to make any changes to the building, which includes the roof. Any repairs or replacements must match the original building materials. This posed a challenge, as the historic, damaged roof tiles needed sourcing and replacing.

We needed to ensure the roof would be cleaned and restored using a suitable approach to ensure we meet our high standards. Although clay tiles are a durable roofing material, which can last for many years, over time, they can become damaged due to weather exposure. Once cracks emerge, moss, lichen and algae can start to grow, weakening the tile strength.

Cleaning delicate clay tiles

There were three main challenges with this job:

• Firstly, the most difficult aspect of the job related to cleaning the existing clay tiles. As the tiles were very delicate, it was important to not cause any breakage during the cleaning process. We used specialist equipment to avoid any further damage.
• In addition to the cleaning aspect, there were 700 damaged tiles that needed replacing. This requires a specialist approach and knowledge that few roofing companies possess. Our team are experts when it comes to clay roof tiles.
• Finding matching replacement tiles was difficult, due to the age of the clay tiles and the fact they were handmade. Due to our vast supplier network, we managed to source suitable matching clay tiles from several specialist reclamation companies.

Replacing 700 damaged clay tiles

After the roof was cleaned with great care, our team started replacing the damaged tiles.

• Handmade clay tiles replaced. Using CAT ladders, we carefully and methodically worked across the roof in stages to replace the damaged tiles.
• The ridge tiles were re-pointed. The ‘ridge’ is where the curved tiles meet at the top to connect the pitched sides of the roof. Re-cementing helps to prevent water ingress, which could lead to leaks and further damage in the long term.
• The roof was treated with RENOTEC® Roof Coating. Specifically designed to protect these special tiles, this anti-fungal, waterproof roof coating repels, moss, algae, and lichen. This reduces erosion of the tiles, giving the roof a new lease of life and the coating also improves the structural strength of the tile.

Clay tile roof restoration

Through specialist cleaning and restoration methods, our client’s clay tile roof has been restored to its former glory. Not only has the cleaning and restoration improved the roof, but it has enhanced the look of the building overall. Here’s a quick summary of our process:

• Roof cleaning – We cleaned the clay roof thoroughly, removing any moss, lichen and algae, along with any dirt or debris which was causing the roof to look lacklustre.
• Roof protection – After cleaning and replacing the tiles, we applied two coats of RENOTEC® Roof Coating, which is backed by a 10-year guarantee.
• Roof tiles replaced – Handmade clay roof tiles were sourced and replaced.
• Roof appearance – As well as being protected for years to come, the clay tile roof is now more aesthetically pleasing and has improved the appearance of the property.
• 6 days – Despite the challenges, this job took less than a week to complete.