Heritage Roofing In Kent
Restoration That Respects Every Detail...

Kent's historic buildings tell centuries of stories. From medieval timber frames in the Weald to Georgian estates near Tunbridge Wells, flint churches on the Downs to Victorian railway towns, each one needs specialist roofing work that respects its history.

We're Clarke Roofing. Based in Eastbourne, we've worked across Kent for over seventy years, restoring roofs on listed buildings, churches, and heritage properties from Canterbury to the Romney Marsh.

Canterbury Cathedral: A Project Milestone

One of our most significant projects involved the library corridor roof at Canterbury Cathedral, a Grade I listed UNESCO World Heritage Site. The medieval roof structure needed careful restoration, along with a complete lead roof and rainwater system.

We recast existing lead and formed new hoppers and gutters. Where timber supports had deteriorated, we replaced them with heritage oak, recreating the traditional roof structure. The library corridor is a public route and exhibition space, so everything was done under strict conservation oversight with Listed Building Consent.

The result? A roof that will need only routine maintenance for decades, preserving both the building's function and its historic character.

Roofing Work Across Kent

We handle traditional roofing using reclaimed slate, handmade clay tiles, and period leadwork. Our team installs rainwater systems in cast iron or zinc where they suit the building's age and style. We repair timber shingles, decorative finials, stone parapets, whatever the building needs.

Our roofers hold NFRC certification for heritage slating and tiling. Lead workers are LCA accredited. We're members of SPAB (Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings) and hold ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 certifications, plus CHAS and Constructionline Gold.

Before scaffolding goes up, we often use aerial surveys to assess the roof's condition. It's less intrusive and gives us accurate planning data before we start.

Kent's Building Traditions

Kent has distinct building styles shaped by local materials and history. Kentish ragstone churches in the North Downs. Wealden hall houses with crown-post roofs. Weatherboarded cottages along the coast. Red brick Georgian terraces in towns like Faversham and Tenterden.

Different districts have different approaches to Listed Building Consent. Ashford, Canterbury, Dover, Maidstone, Tonbridge and Malling, each planning authority has its own conservation officers and local requirements. We've worked with them all.

We know where to source authentic materials, reclaimed Kentish peg tiles, hand-cut oak for repairs, cast iron to match Victorian guttering. That local knowledge means projects run smoothly, with fewer delays and better outcomes.

Heritage Roofing Across the South East

While Kent is a key area for our work, we bring the same expertise to heritage projects across East Sussex, West Sussex, Surrey, East Hampshire, and South London. Each region has its own architectural character, from Sussex flint and Horsham stone to Surrey's tile-hung cottages and Hampshire's chalk and brick construction. Our teams understand these local variations and work with conservation officers throughout the South East to deliver restorations that respect each building's heritage and setting.

Roofing Services for Every Project

As well as our heritage and restoration expertise, Clarke Roofing offers a full range of roofing services throughout Kent. We handle domestic projects from repairs and maintenance to complete re-roofing, manage commercial contracts for businesses and larger properties, and provide construction roofing for new-build developments. Our experienced project management team oversees every job from start to finish, ensuring quality workmanship and adherence to strict health and safety standards, whether you're preserving a listed building or undertaking a modern roofing project.

Our Process

We start with a roof assessment, either by drone or direct inspection depending on access. Then we prepare a restoration proposal explaining what needs doing and why.

We work with conservation officers, architects, and heritage consultants to secure permissions before starting work. Our team then carries out the restoration using traditional methods and materials that match the original construction.

Final stages include timber repairs, ventilation improvements where needed, and installing quality rainwater goods. We can also arrange maintenance contracts to keep roofs in good condition long-term.

No deposits required. Clear quotations. Every project comes with a minimum ten-year guarantee.

Who Trusts Our Work

We're a family company working with parish councils, private homeowners, diocesan authorities, heritage bodies, and architects across Kent. Whether it's a Grade I cathedral or a Grade II cottage, we treat every building with the same care and professionalism.

Clients value consistent communication and reliable delivery. From Sevenoaks to Sandwich, we've built relationships based on quality work and respect for historic buildings.

Start Your Project

Planning restoration work on a listed building in Kent? Contact us to arrange a site survey or discuss your project.

We'll provide a detailed proposal with transparent pricing and realistic timelines. No upfront payment needed, just honest advice and skilled craftsmanship.