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Flat roof systems

Mastic asphalt roofing across Cumbria

Across Cumbria, many older houses, mansion blocks and commercial buildings still have asphalt roofs, some of them original to the building. Our trained teams working under S&K repair them in fresh asphalt, overlay sound roofs with compatible systems, or replace failed roofs, keeping the building weathertight and following strict hot-works control from the first day of the job to the last.

Specialist spreading hot mastic asphalt on the roof of a Victorian mansion blockComputer-generated example image
Price per m²
£81–£143
Typical life
30–60 years
Manufacturer guarantees
15-year material, up to 25-year system guarantees
30 m² roof
£3,300–£5,950

Cumbria at a glance

Largest towns
Carlisle, Barrow-in-Furness, Kendal, Whitehaven
Postcode areas
CA, LA
Building control
Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council
Neighbouring areas
Lancashire · County Durham · Tyne and Wear · Northumberland
Guide price region
North West (−5% on West Midlands rates)

How much does mastic asphalt roofing cost in Cumbria?

Guide prices including VAT at North West rates. The fixed price comes after a free survey for new and replacement roofs.

JobGuide price inc VAT
Mastic asphalt roof (30 m²), scaffold£3,300–£5,950
Localised patch repair£140–£480
Single garage (18 m²), EPDM rubber£1,500–£2,650
Extension (20 m²), EPDM, new deck + insulation£2,650–£4,650

Which flat roofs are common in Cumbria?

Flat roofs in Cumbria sit on shops with flat-roofed rear stores below flats, newer estates where the first extension roofs are now being replaced and lock-up garage blocks on estates. The North West is one of England's wetter regions, averaging roughly 1,290 mm of rain a year, so falls, outlets and well-detailed upstands matter more than the membrane colour. Approximate 1991–2020 regional averages based on Met Office data.

Building regulations in England

Replacing more than half of a roof over a heated room usually counts as renovating a thermal element, so it is insulated to current standards and notified to building control. Renovated roofs over heated rooms are insulated to around 0.16 W/m²K where that's feasible, and new extension roofs are built to 0.15 W/m²K. In Cumbria the application goes to Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council. More on the rules.

What building regulations apply when an asphalt roof is replaced?

Replacing more than half of an asphalt roof over a heated space usually counts as renovating a thermal element in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, so the roof should be insulated towards the renovation standard where technically and economically feasible; Scottish owners should check with the local authority's building standards service whether the work needs a warrant.

On older buildings, adding insulation can be constrained by parapet heights, door thresholds and the character of the building, and the regulations allow for what is technically feasible. In England, a new covering that adds 15% or more to the roof's weight also needs approval, so a switch to heavier asphalt is checked against the structure. Listed buildings may need listed building consent for changes to their character. We deal with building control or building standards where needed; see the building regulations page.

Is mastic asphalt still a good choice, or should I switch systems?

Mastic asphalt is still a good choice on concrete roofs, heritage and older buildings, and roofs that carry heavy foot traffic or plant. On lightweight timber roofs, garages and most modern extensions, another system is usually more practical.

Benefits: very long typical life; jointless and fully bonded; takes foot traffic well, especially with a paving finish; matches the original roof on many older buildings; local repairs blend into the existing surface.

Drawbacks: heavy, so the structure must be able to carry it; higher cost; needs specialist labour and hot works with molten material; can crack in cold if not well maintained, and softens in strong sun without a reflective finish.

If the structure is lightweight or the budget tight, torch-on felt or EPDM are common replacements. A compatible liquid-applied system can sometimes be laid over sound asphalt. On larger roofs, single-ply may be considered, and GRP suits smaller roofs needing a hard finish. Our repair or replace guide helps with the decision.

Which towns in Cumbria do we cover?

Mastic asphalt roofing in Cumbria: questions

Which towns in Cumbria do you cover?

All of Cumbria. The main towns have their own pages below, and if yours isn't listed we still cover it: send your postcode and we'll confirm.

How much does mastic asphalt roofing cost in Cumbria?

£3,300–£5,950 for a 30 m² mastic asphalt roof including scaffold, at North West guide rates including VAT. The fixed price comes after a free survey for new and replacement roofs.

Which postcode areas do you cover in Cumbria?

All of Cumbria, including the CA, LA postcode areas. Send your full postcode and we'll confirm.

Why is my asphalt roof cracking?

Asphalt typically cracks as it ages and becomes brittle from sun exposure, or where the building moves at skirtings and junctions. A solar reflective paint and early repairs help slow it down.

How heavy is a mastic asphalt roof?

Considerably heavier than felt, rubber or single-ply, which is why it is usually laid on concrete or strong timber decks. We check the structure before recommending asphalt on any roof.

Is mastic asphalt suitable for a balcony or terrace?

Yes, asphalt is traditionally used on terraces and walkways because it takes foot traffic well, often with paving on top. A new balcony or terrace generally needs planning permission, so check before converting a roof.

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