Replacement flat roof. Felt or edpm

[andyfr]

We have a double garage with a flat roof and a utility room behind which measures 8 x 5mtrs in total. It currently has a rubber covering but it has lifted in places and pools in others. I have just had a local roofer round to have a look and he suggested that it should have new boarding down to stop the pooling which makes sense, but he recommended we cover in felt rather than rubber even though he does both.

I thought that rubber was superior to felt so I'm a bit confused. What opinions do forum members have?

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

A good felt roof will last 20years, a good edpm roof should definitely last longer but is probably more expensive, why don't you ask him? Either will perform very well if workmanship is good. Ensure you discuss making sure the new deck has adequate falls, that seems to catch many out, don't assume the roofer has allowed for that. Commercially I've not seen a felt roof fitted for years, they are a bit old fashioned.

 

[noseall]

What opinions do forum members have?

We only ever use felt, i.e. three layer torch-on with grey mineral cap. Our flat roofer is the bees.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

We only ever use felt, i.e. three layer torch-on with grey mineral cap. Our flat roofer is the bees.

Why is that, I've seen you assert that before but when a good epdm will outlast it how is that a benefit to the homeowner?

 

[noseall]

Why is that, I've seen you assert that before but when a good epdm will outlast it how is that a benefit to the homeowner?

And EPDM is probably easier to fit DIY (?).

It's just the fella we use is very good at his job and he uses quality gear. I've been using him (and his dad before him) to do my flat roofs for decades. Never had a come-back. Not heard of any of those decades old roofs being re-done either.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Sure but if epdm (done properly) lasts longer .....