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Trusted flat roofing specialists
based in East Sussex since 1949
Clarke Roofing is a family business based in Eastbourne, with a registered office in Hailsham. We've been working across East Sussex since 1949, and flat roofing is a big part of what we do.
If you live in East Sussex, there's a good chance your property has a flat roof somewhere. The county has a huge number of Victorian and Edwardian homes, particularly in Eastbourne, Hastings and Lewes, and many of these have had extensions, garages or porches added over the years, most of which have flat roofs. The same goes for the 1930s semis found across the county, and the post-war bungalows that are so common in coastal towns like Bexhill and Seaford. We've worked on all of them.
The types of flat roofs we see most often in East Sussex are rear extensions on Victorian and Edwardian terraces, flat-roofed garages, bay window tops, dormer cheeks, and porch roofs. Many of these were built decades ago with materials that have now reached the end of their life.
If you have a Victorian or Edwardian property in Eastbourne's Old Town, a period home in Lewes, or a terraced house in Hastings, the chances are someone added a kitchen extension or a bathroom at some point, and that extension probably has a flat roof that's now 30 or 40 years old.
We also work on newer properties. The housing developments at Sovereign Harbour in Eastbourne, and the new builds going up around Hailsham and Polegate, often include flat roofing on garages, porches and modern extensions. Flat roofing in East Sussex isn't just about old buildings.
We carry out new flat roof installations on extensions, garages, dormers, outbuildings and commercial buildings. We also handle flat roof repairs including leaks, ponding water, storm damage and failed seams. Where a roof is beyond repair, we strip back the old covering and start fresh with a complete replacement. For customers interested in something different, we also install green roof systems with plants and drainage.
All work comes with a minimum 10-year guarantee. We don't ask for deposits.
There are several types of flat roofing, and the right choice depends on your building and budget.
Single-ply membranes are lightweight, durable sheets laid in one layer. They're long-lasting and low maintenance, making them a popular choice for both homes and commercial buildings.
Built-up felt systems use multiple bonded layers to create a strong, waterproof finish. We follow the NFRC 'safe2Torch' guidelines on every installation.
Liquid waterproofing is applied as a liquid and sets to form a seamless coating. It's ideal for roofs with awkward shapes, upstands and details where sheets would be difficult to fit, which is common on older East Sussex properties where extensions have been built around existing features.
EPDM rubber roofing is a hardwearing rubber membrane that's become increasingly popular for domestic flat roofs like extensions and outbuildings.
We're accredited installers for Bauder, Sika, IKO, Langley, BMI Icopal, Garland, Carlisle and others. This means we can offer manufacturer-backed guarantees on many of our installations.
Flat roofs have a slight slope to drain water. If the slope is wrong or the waterproofing fails, water pools and eventually gets into your building.
East Sussex has some specific challenges. Coastal towns like Eastbourne, Bexhill and Hastings deal with salt air and southwesterly winds off the Channel, which can shorten the life of a flat roof if the wrong materials are used. Inland areas like Lewes, Uckfield and Crowborough sit higher and get more weather exposure. We take location into account when recommending materials.
Before quoting, we assess what's already there. If needed, we take core samples from your existing roof to understand how it was built. This helps us recommend the right solution, not just the cheapest.
How long does a flat roof last?
It depends on the system and how well it was installed. A quality single-ply or built-up felt system, properly installed, should last 20-30 years. EPDM can last even longer. Cheap felt roofs done badly might only manage 10 years. Coastal properties may see shorter lifespans if the wrong materials are used. We'll always be honest with you about what to expect.
How much does a flat roof cost?
It varies depending on size, access, the system you choose, and whether we're repairing or replacing. A small porch roof is very different to a large rear extension. We provide free, no-obligation quotes with clear pricing and no hidden extras.
Can you repair my flat roof or does it need replacing?
Sometimes a repair is all that's needed. Other times, patching an old roof just delays the inevitable. We'll inspect it and give you an honest opinion on whether repair makes sense or whether you'd be better off replacing it.
Do I need Building Regulations approval?
For most flat roof replacements, yes. We're part of the Competent Roofer scheme, so we can self-certify the work and issue a Building Regulations Completion Certificate. You don't need to involve Building Control separately.
How long does the work take?
A typical domestic flat roof on a garage or extension usually takes 1-3 days depending on weather and preparation needed. Larger projects take longer. We'll give you a realistic timeframe when we quote.
Do you work on listed buildings and properties in conservation areas?
Yes. We have experience working on period properties across East Sussex, including in the conservation areas of Lewes, Hastings Old Town, and parts of Eastbourne. We can advise on what's likely to be acceptable and help with any planning requirements.
Flat roofing is just one part of what we do. We also carry out slating and tiling, leadwork, zinc and copper roofing, and green roof installations. For period and listed properties, our heritage team specialises in restoration work using traditional methods and materials, something that's often needed on East Sussex's older buildings.
Beyond roofing, we offer carpentry, brickwork, and decoration. We're also VELUX certified installers for rooflights. If your project needs more than just a new roof, we can often handle the whole job as main contractor.
We're based in East Sussex and work throughout the county. Our teams are regularly working in Eastbourne, Hastings, Lewes, Bexhill, Uckfield, Hailsham, Seaford, Crowborough, Heathfield, Polegate, Peacehaven, and the villages in between.
We also cover West Sussex, Brighton, Kent, Tunbridge Wells, Surrey and Hampshire.
Whether you need a full flat roof replacement or a new installation on an extension or new build, we can help. Clarke Roofing has been working in East Sussex since 1949 and we know the local housing stock well. Get a free quote or contact us today.