Flat Roof Material

[AndyPRK]

I had someone round for a quote today for flat roof replacement. (its in the middle of the house).

I was asked what material I want ?

Felt (with blow torch)
Rubber

Some sort of fibre glass stuff that you fit and then paint

And some others.

All guaranteed for 20 years.

Any recommendation on what material I should go for ? or why ?

Thanks

 

[Notch7]

A bit hard to say without knowing the roof shape and abutments.

EPDM and GRP are both very good if done well

Felt is also good these days but still has a limited lifespan

all somewhat depends on roof shape, abutments, whether recovering existing or ripping up and relaying.....

 

[AndyPRK]

Epdm ? Grp?

Rip up and start again.

Square / rectangular area.
It does have a sky light in it though.

 

[andyk1981]

Personally I prefer Epdm if it’s an area where the sheets can be laid one full piece. Epdm is weak on the detailing, the sun damages the tapes used. Grp is expensive but if done as a cold roof is prone for condensation problems especially over warm areas like a kitchen. If it’s done in grp I’d recommend it done as a warm roof which can be costly. In general I think Epdm is better value for money.

 

[AndyPRK]

had the quote for
FIX-R EPDM 1.2mm
single ply membrane bonded to roof decking
with FIX-R roof deck adhesive .

 

[^woody^]

All guaranteed for 20 years

By who?

 

[AndyPRK]

The installer company I guess.

Do you not think EPDM lasts that long ?

or the company will be out of business before that?

 

[Rufus Raintight]

How big is the roof and is it south facing?

 

[AndyPRK]

North facing

22msq

 

[^woody^]

The installer company I guess.

Do you not think EPDM lasts that long ?

or the company will be out of business before that?

A guarantee is only good if it's insurance-backed.

I've seen 25 year old EPDM roofs still going strong. But its all down to quality of the original fit and exposure/location which are the biggest factors affecting service life.

 

[pilsbury]

The bloke who installed my GRP roof gave me a 1000 year guarantee. Was a dashing chap too.

 

[geraldthehamster]

EPDM, definitely. No major joints generally necessary, and any joints needed for details and edges are welded. There are EPDM roofs still in good condition after 50 or 60 years. Just needs to be installed properly (as does any system)

 

[AndyPRK]

So when the roofer cracks the skylite in the roof, should they replace it for free?

 

[pilsbury]

So when the roofer cracks the skylite in the roof, should they replace it for free?

If they bust it, they pay for it.