Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Expert Heritage & Modern Roofing Solutions in Kent
Established in 1910, Ashford & Cranbrook is a fifth-generation family-run business specialising in traditional and modern roofing solutions across Kent and the South East. With over a century of combined expertise, we deliver heritage-focused services including slating, Kent peg tiling, cedar shingles, and ecclesiastical roof renewals, catering to listed buildings, oasts, barns, and new developments. Our commitment to quality is underscored by membership in the Confederation of Roofing Contractors (CORC) and adherence to the Competent Roofer Scheme, ensuring compliance with Building Regulations.We prioritise sustainability through waste reduction, efficient logistics, and reclaimed materials, while maintaining rigorous health and safety standards. Recognised with national awards for craftsmanship, we blend time-honoured techniques with modern innovation to protect properties for future generations.
Services
Slating
Kent Peg Tiling
Roof Renewals
Cedar Shingles
Ecclesiastical Roofs
Flat Roofing
Oast & Barn Restoration
New Build Roofing
Leadwork
GRP Fibreglass Roofs
Details
- Year established: 1910
Highlights and features
- Over 100 years of family heritage in traditional roofing craftsmanship
- CORC membership guarantees adherence to industry-leading standards
- Award-winning expertise in heritage and listed building restoration
- Comprehensive environmental commitment with reclaimed material sourcing
- Rigorous health and safety training with documented risk assessments
Associations and certifications
- Confederation of Roofing Contractors (CORC)
- Competent Roofer Scheme
What people say
Skilled craftsmen
Great workmanship
Thoroughly professional
Prompt response
Excellent results
Services
Heritage Roof Renewals
Specialist renewal of historic roofs for listed buildings and heritage sites. Using traditional methods passed through five generations, we restore slating, Kent peg tiles, and cedar shingles while maintaining architectural integrity. Our team works closely with conservation officers to ensure compliance with heritage regulations, employing reclaimed materials where possible to preserve authenticity while enhancing durability against modern weather challenges.
Kent Peg Tiling
Expert installation and repair of Kent peg tiles using time-honoured techniques. This rare craft, preserved through family training, ensures authentic finishes for period properties. We supply and fit handmade clay tiles that match original specifications, working with local authorities to maintain conservation area standards while incorporating modern waterproofing technologies for improved longevity and performance.
Ecclesiastical Roofing
Dedicated roofing solutions for churches and religious buildings. Our experienced team handles complex spire and tower renovations, leadwork, and tile restoration. With specialist knowledge of historic construction methods, we preserve architectural significance while implementing contemporary safety standards. Projects include major church tower reconstructions and detailed lead flashing repairs to protect centuries-old structures from weather damage.
Flat Roofing Systems
Installation and repair of durable flat roofing systems for residential and commercial properties. We offer GRP fibreglass, EPDM rubber, and lead options tailored to specific requirements. Our solutions address water drainage challenges while ensuring energy efficiency. The service includes rapid leak repairs, membrane replacements, and preventative maintenance programmes to extend roof lifespan, particularly for extensions and commercial buildings.
Oast & Barn Restoration
Specialist restoration of oast houses and barn roofs requiring unique tiling expertise. Our team rebuilds roundels and timber structures using traditional Kent peg tiles, preserving historical accuracy while reinforcing structural integrity. This niche service combines heritage knowledge with modern engineering to restore functionality to protected agricultural buildings, ensuring compliance with conservation area requirements and extending service life by decades.
People
Derek Wills
Retired Director
Second-generation roofer with 50+ years' experience in heritage roofing. Pioneered Kent peg tiling techniques and represented the company in industry leadership roles. Recognised for international restoration projects, including work at the Museum of American Frontier Culture.
Wayne Wills
Managing Director
Third-generation roofing expert leading operations since 1994. Specialises in heritage conservation and modern roofing integration. Holds key partnerships with SPAB and Kent County Council. Recipient of 2004 National Clay Roofing Award for outstanding craftsmanship in listed building restoration.
John Wills
Operations Director
Third-generation specialist in leadwork and cedar shingle roofing. Oversees complex ecclesiastical projects and heritage training programmes. Qualified Lead Sheet Association professional with expertise in historic building preservation across the South East.
Questions
Do you specialise in listed building roof repairs?
Yes, we specialise in heritage and listed building roof restoration, maintaining original architectural integrity while ensuring modern durability.
Are you CORC accredited?
Yes, we are full members of the Confederation of Roofing Contractors, meeting their strict quality and compliance standards.
Can you match existing Kent peg tiles?
We produce handmade Kent peg tiles to match original specifications, ensuring seamless integration with historic rooflines.
Do you handle church roof repairs?
Yes, we have specialist expertise in ecclesiastical roof restoration, including spires, leadwork, and historic tile conservation.
What areas do you cover?
Primarily Kent and the South East, with capability to undertake specialist projects across the UK.
Do you offer emergency roof repairs?
Yes, we provide urgent response for roof emergencies to prevent further property damage.
