Pantile roof query

[Lindyboo]

We're in the process of buying a mid-Victorian Lincolnshire cottage which has a red pantile roof. Are there any problems normally associated with pantiles that I should be aware of - for example, are they more prone to leakage; can they be/should they be insulated; how easy are these tiles to obtain if I need replacements and how easy are they to fit?

Many thanks

 

[Penners]

Properly hung pantiles should be no more prone to leakage than any form of roof slate/tile. In fact, their large size makes them quite heavy, thus arguably more difficult for wind to dislodge.

Pantiles are still made by a consierable number of companies, although modern ones tend to have a more pronounced curvature that older ones. However, the architectural reclamation yards are a plentiful source of older styles.

The only thing you have to be careful of is to ensure that any replacements you buy exactly match your existing ones. Pantiles come in a huge variety of sizes, shapes, etc, and it isn't always easy to mix them successfully. However, provided they do match, hanging them should be a doddle. They normally just hang on the batten, retained by a nib on the back.

 

[Nimster]

What he said.

We have a pantile roof and haven't yet managed to find replacements/spares for damaged tiles. That said, I sent Mr N up onto the roof - he replaced the broken tiles with a plastic bag, glued the broken tile back together, then reset it. Seems to have done the trick as the roof no longer leaks, so we'll go with it until we can find some replacements

 

[biffvernon]

how easy are these tiles to obtain if I need replacements

There's a place in Louth that has a good supply of reclaimed pantiles. Are you in this corner of the county?

 

[middi]

Pantiles, as tiles go, are generally of a very sturdy construction and disperse rain quite well. The only problem with these tiles is that their interlocking curvature angle appears to vary quite a bit from one construction batch to another on what is supposed to be the same tile.

As already said by others, there are plenty in reclamation yards, have a sample with you when you need to buy and be prepaired to travel to more than one yard.

Depending on the efficiency of their interlocking curvatures will determine as to how efficient they are at keeping out gusts of wind and rain. They are best used with a good quality breater membrane for peace of mind.

Like many other roof tiles they are totally useless at keeping warmth in a building, you would need proper insulation in the loft aerea.

Some pantiles were very popular for farm outbuildings and outhouses.

 

[Lindyboo]

Many thanks to all for your replies - a wealth of information! Assuming the purchase goes through okay (I'm cautious because we got within 2 days of exchange of contracts last year and it all fell through) we'll be not too far from Louth (Wainfleet area) so will check out the supplier mentioned by biffvernon.

Ta once again, all.