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Trusted flat roofing specialists
covering the South East since 1949
A flat roof that has started to leak rarely gives much warning, and once water is inside a building it spreads fast. Clarke Roofing has been carrying out flat roofing in the South East since 1949, and we cover the whole region from our base in Eastbourne, with a registered office in Hailsham. This page explains the flat roofs we work on, the systems we install, what the local weather does to them, and how we go about a job, so you know what to expect before you call us.
The South East is not one type of place, and the flat roofs reflect that. We work across East Sussex, West Sussex, Kent, Surrey, Hampshire and London, and the building stock changes as you move through it. The Victorian and Edwardian terraces in the coastal towns nearly all have flat roofs over rear extensions, bay tops and bathrooms that were added later. The commuter belt across Surrey and west Kent is full of inter-war semis with flat-roofed garages and porches. The market towns inland have older properties where extensions have been built around chimneys and party walls, and the newer estates going up around the bigger towns use flat roofing on garages, dormers and single-storey extensions.
That spread is the reason flat roofing in the South East is rarely a one-size job. A small porch roof in a seaside town and a large commercial flat roof on a business unit are different pieces of work, and the right answer for one is the wrong answer for the other.
We install new flat roofs on extensions, garages, dormers, outbuildings and commercial buildings. We repair flat roofs, including leaks, ponding water, storm damage and failed seams. Where a covering has gone past the point of repair, we strip it back and rebuild from the deck up. We also install green roof systems with planting and proper drainage for customers who want one.
We handle small repairs, domestic refurbishments, new builds and green roofs, and our installers are trained in every part of the job, with all of it carried out to current Building Regulations.
There are several flat roofing systems, and the right choice depends on the building, how the roof will be used, and the budget.
Single-ply membranes are lightweight, durable sheets laid in a single layer. They last a long time, need little maintenance, and suit both homes and commercial premises. Built-up bituminous felt systems use several bonded layers for a strong waterproof finish, and we follow the NFRC safe2Torch guidance on every installation. Liquid waterproofing is applied wet and cures into a seamless coating, which makes it useful on roofs with awkward upstands and details. EPDM rubber is a hardwearing membrane that has become a popular choice for domestic extensions and garden buildings.
We are accredited installers for Bauder, Sika, IKO, Langley, BMI Icopal, Garland, Westwood, Soprema, Proteus, MOY, Danosa, Carlisle and Baileys, so we can offer manufacturer-backed guarantees on many of our installations.
A flat roof is not actually flat, it has a slight fall built in to drain water away. If the fall is wrong, or the waterproofing fails, water pools and works its way into the building.
The local conditions across the region vary, and they matter. The coastal stretches of Sussex, Kent and Hampshire take salt air and strong south-westerly winds off the Channel, both of which shorten the life of a roof if the wrong materials are specified. Higher ground around the North and South Downs takes more weather. Trees are a constant factor across the South East, with mature oak, lime and beech dropping debris that blocks outlets and causes ponding, particularly on properties near woodland or large gardens.
Before we price anything, we look at what is already there. Our estimators can take core samples of the existing build-up where it helps, so we understand how the roof was put together. That tells us what to recommend, which is the solution that fits the building rather than the cheapest patch that will fail again next winter.
We are part of the NFRC Competent Roofer scheme, so for most flat roof replacements we can self-certify the work and issue a Building Regulations Completion Certificate. You do not need to involve Building Control separately.
How long should a flat roof last?
It depends on the system and the standard of the installation. A quality single-ply or built-up felt roof, well installed, should give 20 to 30 years. EPDM can last longer. A cheap felt roof done badly might only manage 10. Coastal properties can see shorter lifespans if the wrong materials are used, and we will always be honest about what to expect.
Can my flat roof be repaired, or does it need replacing?
Sometimes a repair is the right call. Other times, patching an old roof only delays the inevitable. We will inspect it and give you an honest opinion either way.
Do I need Building Regulations approval?
For most flat roof replacements, yes. As Competent Roofer members we can self-certify and issue the completion certificate ourselves.
How long does the work take?
A typical domestic flat roof on a garage or extension usually takes one to three days, depending on the weather and preparation. Larger and commercial jobs take longer, and we will give you a realistic timeframe when we quote.
Flat roofing is one part of what we do across the South East. We also carry out slating and tiling, leadwork, zinc and copper roofing, and green roof installations. For period and listed buildings, our heritage team restores roofs using traditional methods and materials, which matters on a great many older properties in the region. Beyond roofing we offer carpentry, brickwork and decoration, and as VELUX certified installers we fit rooflights. If a project needs more than a new roof, we can often handle the whole job as main contractor.
We work throughout the South East, including across East Sussex, West Sussex, Kent, Surrey, Hampshire and London, as well as Brighton and the towns and villages in between. Our teams travel regularly across the region for domestic, commercial and new build work.
Whether you need a full replacement, a new flat roof on an extension or new build, or a roof that has started to fail and needs looking at, we can help. Clarke Roofing has been carrying out flat roofing in the South East since 1949, and we work across every county in the region. Get a free quote or contact us today.