The roofing words that come up most often on Eastbourne and East Sussex properties, in plain English. If anything here applies to your roof, call for a free survey.
📞 Call 01323 365960Nail sickness is the systematic corrosion of the galvanised steel nails that fix roof tiles to the battens. Once the zinc coating depletes — typically after 40–60 years — the nails rust and lose grip, and tiles begin to slip. It affects most Eastbourne homes built between 1950 and 1985 and requires re-fixing or re-roofing rather than piecemeal repair.
Lead flashing is the weatherproofing detail that seals the junction between a roof and an abutting structure such as a chimney, wall or roof window. Dressed lead sheet channels water away from the join. In Eastbourne's coastal salt air, Code 5 lead is the minimum specification because thinner Code 4 lead fatigues and corrodes faster on exposed positions.
Lead sheet is graded by thickness using a code number and colour. Code 5 lead (2.24mm, red-coded) is the standard for chimney and abutment flashings on Eastbourne roofs, offering greater durability than the thinner Code 4. Heavier Code 6 is used for valley linings and parapet gutters where water volume and exposure are highest.
EPDM is a synthetic rubber membrane used for flat roofs, supplied in large single sheets that minimise joints. It is highly resistant to UV, ozone and temperature extremes, with a service life of 25–50 years. On Eastbourne extensions and larger flat areas, EPDM is often preferred over felt or GRP for its flexibility and long lifespan.
GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) is a fibreglass flat-roofing system laid as a liquid resin over matting, curing into a seamless, rigid waterproof layer. It suits flat roofs under about 50m² with stable decks, such as garages and porches, and carries warranties of around 25 years. Correct drainage falls are essential to prevent ponding on any GRP roof.
Repointing is the renewal of the mortar joints in brickwork, chimney stacks and ridge lines. On pre-1930 Eastbourne properties, hydraulic lime mortar must be used rather than modern Portland cement, which is too hard and traps moisture, causing the softer historic bricks to spall. Correct mortar choice protects both the fabric and the appearance of period buildings.
A roof valley is the internal angle where two roof slopes meet, channelling a large volume of rainwater to the gutter. Valleys are lined with lead or a purpose-made system and are among the most leak-prone parts of a roof. In Eastbourne, autumn leaf fall commonly blocks valleys, causing water to back up under tiles and into the roof structure.
The fascia is the board fixed to the rafter ends that carries the guttering; the soffit is the horizontal underside board that closes the eaves. Together they protect the roof edge and ventilate the roof void. On Eastbourne's coastal properties, marine-grade UPVC with stainless fixings is specified because standard materials degrade rapidly in salt air.
A free survey from a local Eastbourne roofer will tell you exactly what's going on — no jargon, no call-out fee.
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