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Trusted flat roofing specialists
serving Kent since 1949
Clarke Roofing is a family-run business based in Eastbourne, with a registered office in Hailsham. We've been carrying out flat roofing in Kent for decades, working across the county on everything from small domestic repairs to large commercial and heritage projects. If you have a flat roof that's leaking, failing, or simply past its best, we can help, and we'll give you a straight answer on what it actually needs.
Kent has a hugely varied housing stock, and flat roofing in Kent comes in many forms. Victorian and Edwardian terraces in Canterbury, Maidstone and Folkestone often have rear kitchen or bathroom extensions with flat roofs, many of which were built decades ago and are now reaching the end of their life. The same is true of the inter-war semis you'll find across Tunbridge Wells, Sittingbourne and Faversham, and the post-war bungalows common in coastal towns like Whitstable, Herne Bay and Deal.
Beyond the older housing stock, Kent has seen significant new development over the years, and flat roofing remains common on modern extensions, garages, porches and outbuildings across the county. Whether your property is a Victorian terrace in the middle of Canterbury or a new build near Ashford, flat roofing is likely to be part of the picture somewhere.
We also work on commercial buildings, offices, schools, retail premises, hotels and multi-unit developments, where flat roofing in Kent presents its own set of requirements around access, disruption and building regulations.
We carry out new flat roof installations, repairs, and complete replacements. If your roof is leaking, holding water, showing failed seams or has been damaged by a storm, we'll inspect it and tell you honestly whether a repair makes sense or whether the whole covering needs to come off and start again. Where a roof is beyond patching, we strip back to the deck and install a new system from scratch.
We also install green roof systems with appropriate drainage and planting layers, which are increasingly popular on extensions and outbuildings where people want something a little different.
All work comes with a minimum 10-year guarantee. We don't ask for advance deposits, and our quotes are clear with no hidden extras.
There are several different types of flat roofing, and the right choice depends on your building, your budget and the specifics of the roof itself.
Single-ply membranes are lightweight, durable sheets laid in a single layer. They're long-lasting and low maintenance, and are a popular choice for both domestic and commercial buildings.
Built-up felt systems use multiple bonded layers to create a strong, waterproof finish. All of our built-up felt installations are carried out in line with the NFRC 'safe2Torch' guidelines.
Liquid waterproofing is applied as a liquid and cures to form a seamless coating. It's particularly well suited to roofs with complex details, upstands and awkward shapes, something you see a lot of on older Kent properties where extensions have been added around existing features.
EPDM rubber roofing is a hardwearing rubber membrane that has become increasingly popular for domestic flat roofs, particularly on extensions and outbuildings.
We are certified installers for Bauder, Sika, IKO, Langley, BMI Icopal, Garland, Westwood, Soprema, Proteus, MOY, Danosa, Carlisle EPDM, and Baileys. This means we can offer manufacturer-backed guarantees on many of our installations, alongside our own guarantee.
A flat roof isn't actually flat, it has a slight slope built in to drain water away. If that slope is wrong, or the waterproofing fails at a seam or detail, water builds up and eventually gets into the building. Getting it right matters.
Kent presents some specific challenges. The coastal towns, Whitstable, Herne Bay, Folkestone, Deal, face salt air and exposure from the North Sea and Channel, which can shorten the life of a flat roof if the wrong materials are chosen. Inland areas like Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks and the Weald sit higher and get more direct weather. We take location into account when we recommend a system.
Before we quote, we assess what's already there. Where needed, our estimators can take core samples from your existing roof to understand how it was built. This helps us recommend the right solution, not just the most straightforward one.
Kent has a significant number of properties in conservation areas and some outstanding listed buildings. We have experience working across all of them, including restoration work on the library corridor roof at Canterbury Cathedral, a Grade I listed building and UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we repaired the historic timber structure and installed a new lead roof using traditional methods. We've also worked at Chartwell House, the former home of Winston Churchill, and on numerous churches, schools and historic buildings across the county.
If your property is listed or sits within a conservation area, such as parts of Canterbury city centre, Tunbridge Wells or Sevenoaks, we can advise on what's likely to be acceptable and help with any planning requirements. We have a heritage team that specialises in restoration work using traditional methods and materials when that's what the building needs.
For most flat roof replacements, Building Regulations approval is required. We're part of the Competent Roofer scheme, which means we can self-certify the work and issue a Building Regulations Completion Certificate. You don't need to deal with Building Control separately.
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 done, should last 20–30 years. EPDM can last even longer. 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 a very different job to a large rear extension. We provide free, no-obligation quotes with clear pricing.
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 either way.
How long does the work take? A typical domestic flat roof on a garage or extension usually takes one to three days, depending on weather and what preparation is needed. Larger jobs take longer. We'll give you a realistic timeframe when we quote.
Flat roofing is one part of what we do. We also carry out slating, tiling, leadwork, zinc and copper roofing, green roof installations, and timber shingles and shakes. For period and listed properties, our restoration and heritage team handles conservation work using traditional methods and materials, something in demand across Kent's historic towns and villages.
Beyond roofing, we regularly act as main contractor on construction projects involving brickwork, carpentry, plastering, stonework repairs, and window and door installation. We offer dedicated project management and quantity surveying on larger contracts, and our health and safety team ensures all commercial and complex projects are managed to the right standards. We're also VELUX certified installers and can carry out aerial surveys for roof inspections.
If your project involves more than just a new flat roof, there's a good chance we can handle the whole job.
We work throughout Kent, with regular projects in Canterbury, Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells, Ashford, Sevenoaks, Sittingbourne, Faversham, Whitstable, Herne Bay, Folkestone, Deal and the surrounding villages.
Beyond Kent, we cover East Sussex (where we're based), West Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and into South London. If you're not sure whether we cover your area, just get in touch and we'll let you know.
Whether you need a repair, a full replacement or a new installation on an extension or new build, Clarke Roofing can help. We've been working in Kent for many years as part of our wider coverage across the South East, and we know the local building stock well. Get a free quote or contact us today.