Roofing materials?

[gaz1234]

Hello
I need some new flat roofs. They are currently GRP. The roofer i think I'm going to use has a quote for EPDM, they have also now quoted for lead, which i belive would have been the material used when the property was built circa 1925. Is there anything good/bad between them both?
I was swaying towards GRP vs. EPDM, as most preferred that, but the lead is looking good. Is the weight an issue?
It's costing more than EPDM too.

THanks

 

[^woody^]

You'll get 30 years out of EPDM, and 2 or 3x that out of lead. Will you still be around to make the exta cost worth while?

Is the potentially better aesthetics of lead actually going to be seen or even appreciated?

Yes, any roof structure must be capable (or made capable) of supporting it's covering. Extra work or cost?

GRP is a bit crap IMO.

Either way, these are specialist installs, and you should be sure that the firm is competent in the system they fit.

 

[gaz1234]

Great thanks. What would constitute a competent lead installer? Certification/regualtion or just experience?

 

[stuart45]

Is the potentially better aesthetics of lead actually going to be appreciated

Will be by the people that nick it.

 

[Tetrarch]

My personal belief (with some anecdotal personal experience) is that GRP is crap, not as crap as felt, but still crap

My roof is lead and slate, my flat roof is EPDM and I'm just about to have the parapets covered with lead.

I am aware that any joint is a potential weakness and that would lean me further towards EPDM. I wouldn't go for a full lead covering as I think that lead works best in small thinner sheets, not as a series of folded sheets with all those extra joints

Regards

Tet