Mastic asphalt roofing across East Sussex

Price per m²

£94–£165

Typical life

30–60 years

Manufacturer guarantees

15-year material, up to 25-year system guarantees

30 m² roof

£3,800–£6,850

How much does mastic asphalt roofing cost in East Sussex?

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

Which flat roofs are common in East Sussex?

Flat roofs in East Sussex sit on low-rise post-war blocks of flats, 1960s and 1970s link-detached houses with flat-roofed garages and porches and lock-up garage blocks on estates. Much of the South East sits in the drier Thames catchment at roughly 730 mm of rain a year, so the usual failures are at joints, upstands and outlets rather than from sheer volume of rain. 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 East Sussex the application goes to Brighton & Hove City Council, Eastbourne Borough Council, Hastings Borough Council and 3 other councils. More on the rules.

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.

How long does mastic asphalt last, and what guarantees are available?

Mastic asphalt is one of the longest-lasting flat roof systems, typically giving 30 to 60 years with good specification and maintenance. Many older asphalt roofs are still watertight decades after they were laid.

Age does show eventually. Common signs include crazing and cracking from sun exposure, blisters where moisture has been trapped beneath, splits at skirtings where the building has moved, and ponding where the deck has settled. Regular maintenance, such as renewing solar reflective paint, keeping outlets clear and repairing cracks early, makes a real difference to life.

Material and system guarantees are available on some specified asphalt systems, and we register them for you where the system allows. Every re-roof carries our written workmanship guarantee, with the length set out in the quote, and insurance-backed options can be discussed. Our lifespan guide compares asphalt with the other systems.

Which towns in East Sussex do we cover?

• Brighton
• Eastbourne
• Hastings
• Bexhill-on-Sea
• Hailsham
• Seaford
• Rottingdean
• Crowborough
• Portslade
• Peacehaven
• Uckfield
• Lewes

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