Trusted Roofer In Burwash

Burwash sits on a High Weald ridge in East Sussex, looking out across the Dudwell valley. Roofs on the ridge face more wind than weather: westerly and south-westerly autumn gales test ridge tiles and chimney pointing on exposed properties, and the heavy tree cover throughout the parish means autumn leaf fall and storm-fallen branches block gutters and valleys quickly. Frost damage to cracked pointing on older Wealden cottages and tile-hung farmhouses is the main winter risk. Salt-related corrosion is not a factor this far inland.

Yes. Burwash has a designated conservation area covering the historic High Street, with listed buildings throughout including Bateman’s (Rudyard Kipling’s home), and sits within the High Weald National Landscape. Conservation area rules and listed building consent are the homeowner’s responsibility and can restrict roof shape, slope, tile material and rooflight placement. We recommend checking with Rother District Council’s planning team before any roof work begins, and we will work to whatever specification the council approves.

Burwash’s older housing is classic High Weald vernacular: timber-framed and tile-hung cottages and farmhouses with clay-tile or peg-tile pitched roofs. Many roofs carry heavy clay peg tiles that need careful matching when replaced. Victorian and Edwardian additions usually use clay tile or natural slate. Newer estate housing and modern infill along the village edges use concrete interlocking tiles, with hot melt or EPDM on flat extensions. Each comes with a different maintenance pattern.

After a strong westerly or south-westerly across the High Weald, look for slipped, cracked or missing tiles, dislodged ridge or hip tiles, fallen branches across roof slopes, leaf-fall and debris blocking valleys and gutters, and damp patches on top-floor ceilings or chimney breasts. Storm-fallen tree limbs are a particular risk in Burwash given the wooded valley surroundings. If you spot anything, get it covered or assessed before the next weather front arrives.

Yes. We carry full public liability and employer’s liability insurance for every project we take on, and we can provide a current certificate on request before work starts.

Warranties depend on the roof system and the material used. Most pitched roof installations come with a workmanship warranty from us and a separate manufacturer’s warranty on the tiles, slates or membrane. We confirm the exact warranty terms in writing as part of your quote so you know what’s covered before any work begins.

Pitched roofs sit at an angle so rain runs off naturally, suit traditional tile or slate finishes, and tend to last longest on UK homes. Flat roofs are level or near-level, are usually finished in hot melt, EPDM or felt, and are most common on extensions, garages, dormers and some modern builds. Each needs a different approach to drainage, insulation and inspection.

A professional inspection once a year is a sensible baseline for any UK roof, with an extra check after any major storm or unusually heavy rain. Catching slipped tiles, blocked valleys or weakening flashing early is almost always cheaper than dealing with the water damage that follows.

For safety reasons we would always recommend calling a professional. Working at height on a wet roof is one of the most common causes of serious DIY injury in the UK, and the source of a leak is rarely where the water shows up indoors. A proper diagnosis usually saves money in the long run and stops the same problem returning the next time it rains.

Yes. We install sedum and biodiverse green roofs on suitable flat or low-pitch structures, and we work with recycled-content membranes, FSC-certified timber and salvageable slate or tile where possible. Green roofs add insulation, slow rainwater run-off and can support local biodiversity, which makes them a strong fit for urban roofing projects.