Flat roofing in EPDM, GRP and felt

EPDM rubber, GRP fibreglass and torch on felt for extensions, dormers, garages and commercial units.

In short

EPDM rubber, GRP fibreglass and torch on felt are three different systems with three different lifespans, and the right one depends on the deck, the falls and how the roof gets used. Fitting the wrong one is the single most common reason a garage or extension roof fails again a few years later. We will tell you which suits your roof and why.

Signs you need flat roofs

  • Ponding water still sitting on the roof a day or two after rain
  • Blisters, splits or bubbling in the existing felt
  • The surface has gone brittle, chalky or crazed with age
  • Damp appearing on the ceiling below an extension or a dormer
  • Edges lifting where the trim meets the wall or the fascia
  • Green growth and standing debris in the low spots

What the job involves

Check the deck and the falls

Whatever goes on top only works if the boards underneath are sound and the roof actually drains. We check both before recommending a system.

Strip back and re-board

Old covering off and new decking where the existing has softened. Laying a new membrane over a soft deck is a guaranteed callback.

Fit the right system

EPDM rubber in a single sheet with no joins to fail, GRP fibreglass laid wet and cured in place for a hard wearing finish, or torch on felt in layers. Each has its place.

Trims, upstands and outlets

Edge trims, upstands against the wall and the outlet detail are where flat roofs actually leak, so they get the time they deserve.

Check it drains

Before we finish we make sure water runs to the outlet rather than sitting in the middle of it.

Want someone to take a look?

Free quote, no obligation, and a straight answer on whether the work is actually needed.

Flat Roofs near you

We cover Derby, Nottingham, Burton upon Trent and the towns around them.

Frequently asked questions

Which is better, EPDM or fibreglass?

Neither, in the abstract. EPDM goes on as one sheet with no joins and copes well with movement. GRP gives a harder surface that suits a roof people walk on, such as a balcony. The roof decides.

How long should a flat roof last?

A properly fitted EPDM or GRP roof on a sound deck should give you decades rather than years. The old three layer felt roofs people remember failing were a different thing entirely.

Is standing water a problem?

A little after heavy rain is normal. Water still sitting there days later means the falls are wrong, and no covering will fix that on its own.

Can you go over the top of the old roof?

We would rather not. It hides whatever is wrong with the deck and adds weight. Occasionally it is the sensible option, and we will say so if it is.

Do you do commercial flat roofs?

Yes. Garages, workshops, units and extensions all get the same approach, and we can work around your opening hours where that matters.

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