Flat roofs are traditionally thought of as problematic due to the difficulties involved in sealing them effectively against the elements. It’s thought that standing water inevitably leads to a leaky roof. In some cases this may be true, but there are many methods – both new and old – of finishing flat roofs so they are long-lasting and watertight. Flat roofing Edinburgh.
New techniques and processes also mean that the headache of maintaining a flat roof can be a thing of the past. Read on for more information about the different options you have available:
Felt roofing
Often seen as the “cheap and cheerful” option, felt comes at a low price, but is the least durable of the methods of covering your flat roof. Generally, asphalt is applied to a composite felt to seal the room, although felts can simply be tacked or stapled into place.
Susceptibility to the weather, mainly around the seams, results in a shorter lifespan meaning you’ll have to replace the felt relatively frequently versus other methods.
Asphalt roofing
Asphalt is versatile, very hard wearing and is extremely long-lasting but it is waning in popularity as it faces competition from newer methods.
Otherwise known as a ‘tar roofing’, asphalt is just that: a layer of tar that seals the roof. Although it is fantastically strong, the downside is that the tar has to be used at very high temperatures, and at height. Its popularity has also dropped because bitumen – one of its constituents – is not considered an environmentally friendly material. Installation requires a lot of labour and these days installers are becoming harder to find.
Single Ply roofing
More environmentally friendly than older techniques, single ply involves the laying of lightweight, hardwearing synthetic polymer sheets that are sealed to provide a single barrier against the elements. These days it’s a popular choice due to its very low maintenance requirements, and the fact that it can be installed quickly, minimising labour costs. Single ply is more expensive than felt roofing but is a tougher material.
Fibreglass (Topseal GRP) roofing
Fibreglass roofing is hugely popular due to the simplicity of installation – it can be installed by anyone with a decent basic level of DIY know-how – and its strong, watertight qualities. Fibreglass is also a great choice because it requires nearly zero maintenance.
Installation involves the laying of a wooden deck layer which is overlaid by fibreglass sheets that are sealed by a special “plastic” laminate. An extra layer is applied – the ‘topseal’ in the name – that shuts out the weather for good. Fibreglass has the advantage of coming in many finishes and colours, meaning you can tailor its appearance to your home.
About the author of this article: With more than 10 years of roofing experience, Mike Warner, a roofer in Sheffield, has vast experience of flat roofing
