SPAB Launches New Technical Guide at Dedicated Course in February

Peg tiles are rectangular roofing tiles with one or two holes. Traditionally they are hung using wooden pegs and their shape is believed to have derived from wooden shingles. Used for centuries, their size was standardised in 1477 by a statute of Edward IV, although variations persist. Most commonly seen on roofs in the South East and East Anglia, their distinctive colour and texture adds to the character of the built landscape of those areas.

The tiles are thrown in a flat rectangular mould, but during drying and firing they can become distorted and uneven. These irregularities both add to the character of the roof and help its performance because the uneven tile surfaces are not in close contact and the risk of dampness due to capillary action is low.

A peg tile roof is a thing of great beauty. Variations in colour and texture resulting from natural clay and the fact that they are hand made are reinforced by slight differences in the position of the peg holes leading to differences in ‘tail length’ when the tiles are laid on a roof. The eye does not register the individual variations of the tiles, but the gently undulating courses create a pattern of constantly changing shadows suggesting a ‘living’ roof.

The course on February 17th will be led by Peter Minter of Bulmer Brick & Tile Co and guide author Ray Harrison, who will explore the history, manufacture, specification and construction of peg tile roofs.
Followed by an in-depth Q & A session, this informal and informative event is intended a useful resource for architects, surveyors, engineers, builders and conservation officers and owners of peg tiled properties. All delegates will receive a copy of SPAB’s new Peg Tiling technical guide as part of the information pack sent before the event.

Date: Tuesday, February 17th
Time: From 1pm
Location: SPAB HQ: 37 Spital Square, London E1 6DY
Cost £40 (CPD Afternoon)

For more information please contact:
Kate Griffin
SPAB press office
0207 456 0905