The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings

SPAB
37 Spital Square
LONDON
E1 6DY

T: 020 7377 1644
F: 020 7247 5296
E: info@spab.org.uk

Charity No. 111 3753

Scottish Charity No. SC 039244

Company No.  5743962

VAT No. 577 4276 02

 

 

 

 

A. Pantiles are large roof tiles, S-shaped in section. They are side lapping and the ends overlap only tiles in the course immediately below, unlike plain tiles which lap two courses. Pantiles are not to be confused with Roman tiles, which differ in profile. A pantile-covered roof weighs just two-thirds of a plain-tiled one, and can be laid to a lower pitch. Pantiles initially appeared in eastern coastal areas of England and Scotland during the 17^th century, being imported at first from Holland. Except around Bridgwater, Somerset, they are rarely found in western counties.

 

A. As with plain tiling, eaves, verges and abutments are vulnerable to leaks. Defects are more serious with pantiles, though because they have only a single lap. Careful detailing by a suitably experienced contractor is, therefore, essential. Localised repair, not re-roofing, will usually suffice. However, complete re-tiling is normally justified several times during the life of individual pantiles, which, though affected by frost, are long-lasting. Failure of battens and fixings is one not uncommon reason, especially on steep roofs previously thatched. Another is movement in the roof, leading to water penetration far more readily than with plain tiles.

 

A. Isolated slipped, broken or missing pantiles will, from time to time, require reinstating. Similarly, mortar fillets at abutments will need re-pointing. Where movement in the roof structure has disturbed pantiles, the joints between them are sometimes pointed in lime mortar, but this demands on-going maintenance so longer-term re-tiling is generally preferrable. Any excess moss should be carefully brushed off pantiles as it may promote dampness, hastening their deterioration.Foam or bituminous-type remedial treatments are inadvisable. They prevent proper inspection, hinder the re-use of pantiles and, by reducing ventilation, increase the risk of timber decay.

 

A. Replacement pantiles should usually match the existing ones. Substitution with concrete pantiles, profiled steel decking or plain tiles is undesirable as, generally, is replacement of handmade pantiles with machine-pressed ones (or vice-versa). When re-tiling, the maximum number of old pantiles should be re-used. Depending on circumstances, replacement pantiles can be mixed with old ones across the roof or reserved for less prominent slopes.With patch repairs, carefully-sourced second-hand pantiles give a better fit than new ones. For major work, larger deficiencies will probably need making up with new, purpose-made pantiles.

 

A. In the past, additional weather protection was often provided with pantiles by ‘torching’ underneath with lime mortar, or pointing the tail and side joints. Alternatively, side joints were bedded in mortar on laths; a variation involved laying reed bundles between the battens before the pantiles were bedded. Where the appearance of the roof underside is important, like-for-like replacement is normally desirable, using, if appropriate, riven laths and oak pegs.

In other situations, the use of ‘breather’ felt with sawn battens and non-ferrous nails may be justified, but additional ventilation must be allowed for. Proprietary ventilators, invisible externally, are now available for pantiles.

Laths and battens need spacing very carefully to ensure pantiles seat properly over each other. The roof should be made reasonably level beforehand.

 

A. The emphasis should be matching existing detail. Typical details are: 

Roof Slating and Tiling, reprint of 1948 edn, Bennett, F and Pinion, A (2000), Shaftesbury: Donhead Publishing Ltd

Some local authorities provide leaflets on pantile roofs in their areas, and repair techniques.