Office Hours 8am-5pm Yard Deliveries / Sales 7am-4pm
Trusted flat roofing specialists
working across West Sussex since 1949
Clarke Roofing is a family business that has been carrying out flat roofing in West Sussex and the surrounding counties since 1949. We're based in Eastbourne with a registered office in Hailsham, and our teams work regularly throughout West Sussex on homes, extensions, commercial buildings and new builds.
If you own a property in West Sussex, there's a strong chance there's a flat roof somewhere on it. The Victorian and Edwardian terraces in Chichester, Worthing and Bognor Regis have often had rear extensions, side returns or bathrooms added over the years, almost all with flat roofs. The same goes for the inter-war semis spread across Horsham, Burgess Hill and Haywards Heath, and the post-war bungalows that line the coast from Littlehampton through to Shoreham-by-Sea.
The properties we see most often have flat roofs over rear extensions, garages, dormer cheeks, bay window tops, porches and outbuildings. A lot of them were put on decades ago with felt systems that have now passed their sensible lifespan. By the time we're asked to look, the covering is usually blistered or split, the deck is soft underneath, and water has started showing inside the building.
We also work on newer properties. The estates being built around Crawley, Horsham, Burgess Hill and Bognor Regis often include flat roofing on garages, porches and modern single-storey extensions. Contemporary homes around Chichester Harbour and the South Downs frequently use larger areas of flat roof as a design feature, and these need careful detailing if they're going to perform long-term. Flat roofing in West Sussex isn't only about older buildings, it's just as relevant on new ones.
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 past saving, we strip back the old covering and rebuild from the deck up. For customers who want something different, we install green roof systems with planting and proper drainage.
All work comes with a minimum 10-year guarantee. We don't ask for deposits.
There are several types of flat roofing system. The right choice depends on the building, how the roof will be used, and your budget.
Single-ply membranes are lightweight, durable sheets laid in a single layer. They're long-lasting, low maintenance, and a popular choice for both homes and commercial premises.
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 cures to form a seamless coating. It works well on roofs with awkward shapes, upstands and tricky details, which is common on older West Sussex properties where extensions have been built around existing features like chimneys, bays and party walls.
EPDM rubber roofing is a hardwearing rubber membrane that's become a popular choice for domestic flat roofs on extensions and garden buildings.
We're accredited installers for Bauder, Sika, IKO, Langley, BMI Icopal, Garland and Carlisle. That means we can offer manufacturer-backed guarantees on many of our installations.
Flat roofs aren't actually flat, they have a slight fall to drain water away. If the fall is wrong, or the waterproofing fails, water pools and eventually gets into the building.
The local conditions matter. Coastal towns like Worthing, Bognor Regis, Littlehampton and Selsey deal with salt air and strong south-westerlies off the Channel, both of which can shorten the life of a flat roof if the wrong materials are specified. Inland, properties around the South Downs and in towns like Horsham and Midhurst sit higher up and take more weather. Trees are another factor, mature oak, lime and beech drop debris that blocks outlets and causes ponding, particularly on properties bordering woodland or large gardens.
Before we quote, we assess what's already there. Where it helps, we take core samples of the existing build-up to understand how the roof was constructed. That informs what we recommend, the right solution for the building, not just the cheapest one.
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. Coastal properties may see shorter lifespans if the wrong materials are used. We'll always be honest about what to expect.
How much does a flat roof cost?
It varies with size, access, the system chosen, 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 and no hidden extras.
Can you repair my flat roof or does it need replacing?
Sometimes a repair is the right answer. Other times, patching an old roof just delays the inevitable. We'll inspect it and give you an honest opinion either way.
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. Larger jobs 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 throughout the South East, including in conservation areas and on listed buildings. We can advise on what's likely to be acceptable and help with any planning requirements.
Flat roofing is 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, relevant on many of West Sussex's older buildings.
Beyond roofing, we offer carpentry, brickwork and decoration. We're 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 work throughout West Sussex, including Chichester, Worthing, Horsham, Crawley, Bognor Regis, Littlehampton, Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, Shoreham-by-Sea, Arundel, Midhurst, Petworth, Storrington and the surrounding villages.
We also cover East Sussex, Brighton, Kent, Tunbridge Wells, Surrey and Hampshire.
Whether you need a full replacement, a new flat roof on an extension or new build, or a roof that's started to fail and needs looking at, we can help. Clarke Roofing has been carrying out flat roofing in West Sussex and the surrounding counties since 1949, and we know the local housing well. Get a free quote or contact us today.