Cranbrook Roofing Partnership

Albert Edward Wills would have been proud to know that his roofing tradition he began circa 1910 in Charing Heath would to be passed down three generations to become Ashford and Cranbrook Roofing Partnership.

The ancient art of Kent peg tiling as we know it, was passed down from Albert to Derek. Derek Wills has followed on from his father as have his sons followed on from him.

The family craft of Kent peg tiling is a proud heritage that will continue to be entrusted to the next generation for decades to come.

Derek Wills took the mantle from his father with pride and has passed his knowledge onto many an apprentice in his time.

He has furthered the company strengths by working for many years with Marley roof tiles on sites around the country learning the different art of new build roofing.

This enabled the family to service the ever increasing need for new housing. This breadth in knowledge was surely the outlining reason why the family tradition survived where many others faltered in the recession.

Wayne Wills apprentice to his father from a young age took on running the family business with his father once the elder had fully instructed the pupil.

The company has roofers spread throughout the South East of England whom all act with the same high standards and craftsmanship passed down from Albert all those years ago."

Wayne strives to ensure the company continues to keep up with the ever evolving construction Industry. Ashford and Cranbrook Roofing Partnership. works closely with many local esteemed and well established builders and organisations, providing a service second to none.

Local property wins in National Clay Roofing Awards

Taxes Oast, a residential property in Marden, Kent recently won the Best Refurbishment - Housing category at the 2004 Clay Roofing Awards, sponsored by the Clay Roof Tile Council, which took place on 19 May at The Roof Gardens in Kensington, London.

The property was praised for its creative and innovative use of clay tiles.

Wayne Wills of Cranbrook Roofing, the roofer on the project, suggested the use of clay roof tiles on the project to ensure the roof matched the roofscapes seen in the surrounding areas of Kent and to retain Kent's local heritage. The client chose Eternit Building Materials machine made tiles for the project, to complement the property's brick work.

"The finished roof has been well received by the locals. All the hard work paid off in the end and what results is a spectacular project. We are very proud to have won this award," says Wills.

In addition to the Best Refurbishment - Housing category, the 2004 Clay roofing Awards saw over 100 applications from those involved in the building industry - architects, specifiers, conservation officers, planners and roofing contractors - who completed new or refurbishment projects, using genuine clay roof tiles, between 1st October 2001 and 31 October 2003. This year the awards were sponsored by SIG Roofing Supplies, Burton Roofing and FL Gamble & Sons.