Clarke Roofing e-brochure

Clarke Roofing has been a family run business since 1949 covering all aspects of roofing and related construction services with a passion for heritage restoration works.

As a specialist roofing & construction company, we achieve the highest standard on all our works. We work with a wide variety of clients; including homeowners, architects, local authorities and The National Trust and are leaders in every aspect of roofing, restoration and construction.

For further pictures and case studies please view our website: www.clarke-roofing.co.uk

Directors

After nearly 50 years in the industry Frank Clarke has the role of Non-Executive Director and External Consultant. The future of Clarke Roofing is now firmly in the experienced hands of David Beer, Paul Strudwick, Josh Clarke, Lloyd Clarke and Karl Strudwick.

Nationally recognised as an award-winning, family run roofing, heritage restoration and construction company in the South East

Frank Clarke

Lloyd Clarke

David Beer

Josh Clarke

Paul Strudwick

Karl Strudwick

Roofing

Tiling and Slating

Our highly trained operatives work across the south east on a variety of tiling & slating projects from a simple repair to extensive re-roofs on domestic houses, church roofs, spires, schools and stately homes. We work extensively in conservation areas including working on listed buildings, ancient monuments, both as main contractor and sub-contractor to other partner companies where our expertise is required.

As a company we believe in working closely with all our suppliers and have built up strong and solid relationships with them all which assists in the smooth running of all our projects.

Our Site Foreman hold SMSTS/SSSTS and NVQ Level 3 Heritage Certificates in Slating & Tiling, working on projects using a variety of slates and tiles including – Spanish & Welsh Slate, Clay Peg Tiles, Horsham Stone as well as concrete and clay plain and interlocking tiles.

Pitched roofing work is carried out to the BS 5534 - the Standard for Slating and Tiling for pitched roofs.

Flat Roofs

We are accredited installation contractors to all the leading UK and European flat roofing manufacturers and install built up bituminous, liquid waterproofing and single-ply membrane systems.

Working closely with many major flat roofing manufacturers gives us flexibility in the products and systems used on projects around the South East which include schools, churches, hospitals, private properties and public buildings.

All our flat roofing operatives undergo product-specific training directly with the manufacturers to ensure each system is installed correctly. Our site foremen and supervisors working across our flat roofing projects hold either SMSTS or SSSTS qualifications.

We are pleased to have pledged our support to the National Federation of Roofing Contractors’ Safe2Torch campaign which seeks to significantly reduce the risk of roof fires when using gas torches, either to dry out roofs or when used to install torch-on membranes.

All Flat Roofing work is carried out to the BS 6229:2018 – Flat roofs with continuously supported flexible waterproof coverings.

We work with many of the market-leading waterproofing manufacturers including:-

Green Roofing

Green roofs have grown in popularity over the last decade and offer a number of benefits including:-

• Assists with local planning

• Helps regulate internal building temperature

• Offers noise reduction

• Creates new wildlife habitats

• Helps to remove CO2 and other harmful pollutants from the atmosphere

We predominantly install the two main types of green roofs: Intensive and Extensive

Intensive: High maintenance – Replicates a ground level garden. These roofs tend to impose a significant load onto the structure below as can incorporate heavier items such as small trees, shrubs, and generally require irrigation systems.

Extensive: Low maintenance – Sedum blankets, grass and herbs are often used on these roofs. The loads imposed on the structure tend to be less than that of the Intensive systems. Both these systems can be used on commercial and domestic properties.

Solar

Solar panels can also be installed on green roofs and are becoming more popular on schools, colleges and hospitals. Extensive green roofs offer an ideal base for a bio solar roof as the substrate and vegetation provide the ballasted installation mechanism to secure the panels in place.

The solar panels installed at our head office in Eastbourne generate approximately 47% of electricity used at the site.

Timber Shingles and Shakes

Cedar shingles and oak shakes are commonly used on churches across the South East and are ideal for both traditional and modern structures.

All the imported cedar shingles we use are from Canada where strict reforestation and forest management ensures the sustainability of forests and surrounding areas.

Cleft English Oak and French and German Oak and Chestnut shingles and shakes give a longer lasting covering than Cedar. These are now used predominantly on historic restoration projects but are also suitable for new constructions.

Construction

Clarke Roofing can undertake a full range of construction services and manage your project as Main Contractor.

Services include brickwork, carpentry, plastering, redecoration, maintenance free PVC fascia and guttering, window and door installation and stonework repairs as well as M & E services on a variety of projects. These range from domestic houses, barn conversions, cathedrals, schools, blocks of flats, new build, extensions, renovations and historic restoration heritage projects. Many of our clients now prefer this approach as they can see the benefits of dealing with one contractor rather than many different sub-contractors.

On larger or more complex projects we allocate dedicated SMSTS qualified site managers who will be responsible for organising and coordinating all direct operatives and any specialist sub-contractors we may require.

Brickwork

Our skilled teams tackle projects from small domestic brickwork repairs to large brickwork renovation projects including repointing, rendering as well as newbuild projects.

Many of our heritage restoration and construction projects require new brickwork or repairs and we work closely with architects and surveyors to ensure the correct mortar has been specified for the brick type as well as selecting the right brick.

Carpentry & Joinery

Our carpentry and joinery teams work on a variety of projects from domestic to heritage restoration and conservation works.

All our teams have extensive experience working on listed buildings and many historic houses still have their original wood windows and floors, stairs and pieces of architectural joinery which have been manufactured hundreds of years ago but may need the occasional repair.

Our team can adapt to all types of carpentry and joinery within a project such as vaulted ceilings, oak timber frames, roof build ups and gutter formations.

We use our own directly employed brickwork and carpentry operatives and apprentices who are all NVQ trained in their trade. Our apprentices progress via a combination of on-site assessment, external courses and training.

Decoration, Plumbing & Electrical Services

We work closely with established specialist sub-contractors to undertake certain aspects of a project such as plumbing, heating, electrical and decoration services.

Works include internal refurbishments of schools, churches, theatres, domestic properties and the installation of solar panels and ground source heat pump systems on a variety of our projects around the South East.

All of our sub-contractors undergo a strict vetting procedure by our Health & Safety Advisor to ensure they have the correct paperwork and insurance in place before commencing any work with us. They are treated as part of our team and included in any site or office-based training.

Rooflights & Glazing

Our clients have peace of mind knowing that as a certified rooflight contractor we can install units to a high standard.

We are approved installers of Velux modular skylight solutions as well as installing new Velux windows, sun tunnels, electric blinds and other accessories.

For any Heritage projects we supply and fit original Conservation Rooflights from the Rooflight Company which replicates the old Victorian cast roof window but with the latest technological advances in thermal performance. Our Flat Roofing department work closely with product manufacturers to ensure any rooflights or windows specified on a commercial or domestic roofing project will work with the system being installed. Most manufacturers will specify their own roof lights to complement the roof system.

Many of our construction projects require the installation of windows and doors which we fit as part of the works. All our window installers are FENSA approved.

Restoration & Heritage

Clarke Roofing have the expertise and specialist teams to undertake a full range of heritage restoration projects around the South East. You will benefit from our experience of working on some of the finest listed properties in the UK.

Our vast portfolio includes Chartwell, the home of Sir Winston Churchill, Standen for the National Trust, Portsmouth & Canterbury Cathedrals, Jane Austen’s House and Maison Dieu in Dover as well as churches, stately homes and castles and monuments.

Stonework

We carry out Stonework repairs on many of our heritage restoration projects where most of the work is carried out in house. On occasion we do call upon highly trusted stone masons and specialists depending on the project location and size.

Our specialist stonework service encompasses lime pointing and plastering and we work closely with architects and surveyors to ensure that correct lime mortars are specified on each project.

Our project at West Dean College in West Sussex also required extensive flint work and galleting repairs which is very typical in Sussex.

West Dean College is one of the best examples of 19th century flint work in the country, the main facade being the work of James Wyatt, commissioned by Sir James Peachey in 1804 and completed by Wyatt’s son Benjamin. The full potential of flint and flint working skills is seen in the detailing of the building. Quoins are formed in square black flints; window reveals are knapped flint cavettos; the porte cochere is of limestone and flint flush work. Neat galleting of various kinds is obvious in all the work.

From Heritage to new construction, the beauty of lead, zinc and copper can be shown to be a lifetime investment as they are made to last for generations, maintenance free and sustainable.

Leadwork

Clarke Roofing are members of the Lead Contractors Association and are graded Excellent for our leadwork. We work alongside the LCA to ensure design and detailing methods comply with current guidelines.

The majority of our lead projects are in the heritage sector and include cathedrals and churches as well as working on many domestic projects.

Our leadworkers hold CSCS Gold Cards and are all heritage specialists.

Copper & Zinc

Copper offers a character and durability that no other roof can match. Its appearance can complement any style of building and its warmth and beauty make it a preferred material for many architects.

We install traditional standing seam and bespoke detailing.

Zinc has been used in roofing for over 150 years and is an ideal material for roofs, facades, gutters and rainwater management systems. We lay traditional standing seam, batten cap and bespoke detailing.

All our copper and zinc work has to comply with the guidelines of the Federation of Metal Roofing Contractors. Our teams have worked on a variety of listed buildings which have required zinc and copper works.

The Grade II Listed Madeira Lift on Brighton’s seafront was restored in 2012 and our specialist team replaced the copper fish tail tile roof (pictured) using Luvata 0.6mm natural soft copper.

Many of our zinc projects have been for churches or for private property extensions where the owner wanted to add a more modern and sustainable twist.

We lay traditional standing seam, batten cap and bespoke detailing.

Cast Iron

We believe there is no substitute for cast iron on historic buildings. New cast iron rainwater goods sourced from UK foundries, are prepared, fitted and decorated by our highly trained specialists. On restoration projects where the cast is intended to be refurbished, we shot blast and zinc coat prior to powder coating or decoration. Refurbishment programmes often involve removing and reusing existing cast iron downpipes and gutters after extensive preparation. Old cast iron can be shot-blasted, cleaned, repaired and zinc-coated prior to decoration or powder coating.

Our teams will then fit the restored cast iron back onto the building in its original place.

Pictured are some refurbished cast iron downpipes and gutters which formed part of a major roofing restoration project on a Lutyens property in Surrey.

Other restoration services carried out by our specialist teams include:-

Gold Leaf

Stained Glass Windows

Lime Work

Ferramenta

Oak Timber Frames & Joinery

Plastering & Rendering

Conservation Rooflights

Wall & Floor Tiling

Social Value

Social value principles have been embedded within our business for many years, underpinned by our social value policy. We work closely with local charities and organisations to offer additional services and monetary support as much as we can.

Examples of this support include:-

• Reroofing the local Mencap office premises free of charge

• Charity golf days which have raised around £50k so far

• Attending local schools to read with the children and help with extracurricular projects

• Supporter of St Wilfrid’s Hospice

• Working with school Premises Managers to offer free Working at Height & Ladder Training

• Funding for female staff to attend Menopause Support Course

• Supporting local Mental health initiatives – SWAG & Mankind

Sustainability & the Environment

Our environmental policy outlines our commitment to sustainable practices, reducing and wherever possible eliminating negative impacts of our services on the environment and the communities in which we live and work. Prospective suppliers must demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices as part of our pre-approval process. All our timber suppliers are FSC or PEFC Accredited.

On occasion we work closely with the client appointed Ecologist if a protected species such as pipistrel bats or great crested newts are discovered on the project. If bats are found temporary bat homes can be installed nearby as high up as possible to allow work to continue without effecting their habitat.

We have also installed Swift Bricks into the spire at Battle Library under the direction of the Hastings and Rother Swift Conservation Group to give the birds somewhere to safely nest and help prevent their rapid decline. Research suggest that Swift numbers have declined by 58% over the last 25 years.

Training & Safety

Ensuring we have a fully trained workforce is of high importance and therefore we operate a robust training programme, including continuous professional development, for all our operatives, office staff and sub-contractors.

Training includes SSSTS/SMSTS for our Site Foreman & Supervisors, NVQ Training for all operatives as well as Health and Safety Awareness, plant training, Mental & Physical First Aid and Scaffold Inspection.

On our larger projects we ensure there are trainee flat roofers, tilers and slaters working under the guidance and supervision of the site foreman and supervisors, progressing through their NVQ qualification levels via the OSAT route (on-site assessment qualifying operatives for a CSCS Skilled Worker card)

Our apprentices are progressed via a combination of on-site assessment, external college courses, and internal training.

Award Winning

We are very proud of our teams who have won a plethora of awards both locally and nationally with international recognition too!

Awarding bodies include the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), Sussex Heritage Trust, Pitched Roofing Awards, the Lead Contractors Association Murdoch Awards as well as various East Sussex-based business and community awards.

Continuing Professional Development

We hold regular CPD events annually covering a wide variety of topics from green roofing, insulation and solar PV systems to hand-made clay tiles, bats and working with lime. These events have proven to be very popular with architects and surveyors as well as other specifiers based in our coverage area.

The specialist subjects are designed to offer in-depth product knowledge and assist those putting together roofing and construction specifications.

These CPD events take place at some of the most exciting and attractive venues in the South East. Whether it’s the stunning views from the i360 in Brighton, the historic charm of the Weald & Downland Living Museum near Chichester, the modern elegance of the American Express Stadium in Brighton, or the fascinating craftsmanship of Keymer’s tile and brick factory in Ewhurst, Surrey, we choose a venue that suits the topics being explored.

Accreditations & Memberships

We are Constructionline Gold, SafeContractor and CHAS accredited as well as holding ISO’s 9001, 14001 and 45001 for our Management, Environmental and Health & Safety Systems respectively.

The company is a long-established member of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) and the Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA).

Guaranteed

All new work is guaranteed for 10 years with some flat roofing systems offering a 15 – 25 year manufacturers’ guarantee.

Insurance

We are fully insured for all work undertaken. Please contact us for a copy of our insurance policy.

Competent Person

As a Competent Person-licensed roofing contractors we can self-certify our work complies with Building Regulations including Part L concerning energy performance and the conservation of fuel and power.

Aerial Surveys

We offer aerial surveys and are pleased to have members of the team trained, licenced and insured to pilot our own drone.