What makes East Grinstead's old town roofs different?
Age and materials. East Grinstead is one of the best surviving medieval market towns in Sussex, and the south side of the High Street has the longest run of timber-framed buildings in England.
The council's appraisal records Horsham stone on all pre-1800 buildings in the conservation area, and clay tiles for roofs and tile hanging after that. Sackville House, timber-framed around 1520, is still roofed in thick Horsham stone. Repairs on roofs like these mean matching the original materials.
Do I need consent for roof work on a listed building in East Grinstead?
Possibly, so check before work starts. Historic England advises asking your council's conservation officer first; unauthorised works to a listed building are a criminal offence.
The old town includes Grade I buildings such as Sackville College, the early 17th-century almshouses, so heritage rules come up often here. This page isn't legal advice: the council decides what needs consent.
What about newer houses in East Grinstead?
Away from the High Street, roofs are mostly modern concrete or clay tiles, with the usual problems: slipped tiles, loose ridges, worn flashing, flat roofs on extensions and blocked gutters. See roof repairs for what to do first and typical costs, or flat roofing for extensions and garages.
What should I do after a storm?
Stay off the roof until the wind has dropped, then look from the ground and take photos. In Storm Eunice (18 February 2022) most weather stations in England south of London recorded gusts over 69mph, and loose tiles often only start leaking in the next heavy rain.
Roofers covering East Grinstead
East Grinstead calls go to the same number as our main Crawley roofing page, west along the A264. We also cover Horley and Haywards Heath.