Flat Roofing Specialists in Brighton & Hove

Brighton’s Trusted Flat Roofing Contractors

Flat roofs are a common feature of Brighton and Hove’s residential and commercial building stock — from Regency extensions and Victorian bay additions to modern outbuildings, garages, and apartment blocks. When they perform well, they’re virtually invisible. When they fail, the consequences — leaks, rot, damp, and structural damage — can be costly and disruptive. At Kirby’s Building & Property Maintenance Ltd, we specialise in flat roofing systems that are built to handle the harsh coastal conditions unique to the East Sussex coastline.

We work with three primary flat roofing systems, each suited to different applications and budgets. EPDM rubber roofing is our most popular choice for domestic properties. Single-ply EPDM membranes are lightweight, highly flexible, and exceptionally resistant to UV degradation and temperature fluctuation — both significant factors in a seaside environment. EPDM roofs are typically cold-applied, meaning no open flames on your property, and when installed correctly they carry manufacturer guarantees of up to 50 years.

GRP fibreglass roofing offers a seamless, rigid surface that is ideal for roofs with complex detailing, upstands, and multiple penetrations. Once cured, GRP forms a completely monolithic waterproof layer with no seams or joints — the primary failure points on older felt roofs. GRP is also highly resistant to foot traffic, making it particularly suitable for accessible terraces and walkway roofs. Our operatives are trained and experienced in laying GRP to manufacturer specifications, ensuring the correct resin-to-glass ratio, catalyst activation, and topcoat application every time.

For clients on tighter budgets, high-performance torch-on felt systems using BS EN 13707-compliant capsheet membranes remain a cost-effective and reliable choice. Modern torch-on felt is a significant improvement on the single-layer felt roofs of previous decades: multi-layer systems with polyester-reinforced bases and granule-finished capsheets can achieve 15–20 years of reliable service when installed by qualified operatives with the correct substrate preparation.

Every flat roofing project we undertake begins with a thorough structural assessment. We check the decking — whether OSB, plywood, or older boarding — for rot, delamination, and deflection. We assess existing drainage outlets, upstands, and abutment details. Poor drainage is the primary cause of premature flat roof failure, and we ensure all falls are correct before a single sheet of membrane is laid. Where the deck is compromised, we replace it. Cutting corners on substrate preparation is the single biggest cause of premature flat roof failure, and it’s something we will not do.

We serve Brighton, Hove, Portslade, Shoreham-by-Sea, Worthing, Lewes, Peacehaven, and the wider East and West Sussex area. Whether you need a full flat roof replacement on a Victorian extension, a repair to a leaking outbuilding in Hove, or a new fibreglass roof on a commercial premises in central Brighton, contact our team today for a free, no-obligation survey and written quotation.

Flat Roofing Systems We Install