DIY Flat Roof Advice where seagulls are present

[qualeboy]

Hi,

I’m looking to replace the worn flat felt roof on my garage (6m x 6m). It’s been leaking heavily for a few years and the chipboard is sagging so will need replacing with OSB or plywood. Money is tight so I’m looking to do the roof myself. I’ve been looking at EPDM for a while now, but I am unsure whether it’s suitable as I live by the coast and during the summer a seagull builds its nest close by and is perched on the roof most days. I am concerned that its claws could pierce the membrane. There are also a load of cats in the area. I can't see anyone who deployed under this situation and wrote about it on this forum. I’ve emailed around all the online DIY EPDM suppliers (http://www.diy-epdm.co.uk/, http://www.rubba-seal.co.uk/, http://www.nationalroofing.co.uk/, http://rubber-roofing.co.uk/) a couple of times each and not one of them has replied so I take this that the membrane is totally unsuitable but they don’t want to advertise how inadequate their product is.

Could anyone confirm this with their experience? Has anyone used EPDM in this kind of situation and had any problems with leaks?

I’ve also looked at DIY GRP but I’m concerned about the board movement and cracks developing. Should I be? Is it repairable?

I may end up just going with felt as I know that will be OK for 10 years or so.

Thanks for your advise.

Karl

 

[SurreyRoofingEstimator]

Not heard of any issues with claws penetrating the rubber to be honest, I'd be very surprised if it would happen, the rubber is quite tough, especially the thicker versions 1.52mm rather than 1.14mm.

GRP would do the job great but you do have to make sure that you follow the instructions very well as far as catalyst additions are concerned or you could have issues. You shouldn't have issues with cracking on that size roof, it's only when you get to 50 sqm and above you have to introduce expansion joints.

 

[^woody^]

EPDM and a hawk should be OK