Cookies disclaimer

I agree Our site saves small pieces of text information (cookies) on your device in order to deliver better content and for statistical purposes. You can disable the usage of cookies by changing the settings of your browser. By browsing our website without changing the browser settings you grant us permission to store that information on your device.

Types Of Flat Roof

If you have the right flat roof covering, you're halfway to having a high-value, safe, and significantly appealing home. An excellent roof will often improve curb appeal, energy efficiency, and property value. Yet, choosing the correct material for your roof from the numerous flat roof materials available can be difficult. In this blog post we will explore the different types of flat roof coverings and try to help you make an informed decision about which is best for you.

Liquid Flat Roofs

Liquid flat roofs are increasingly becoming popular, thanks to their reliability and ease of installation. It requires waterproofing it with special hydrophobic liquid roof coatings, creating an impermeable layer atop the ceiling.

This roof is suitable for new installations and existing roofs. You can apply it all year round since it works with any weather conditions. Besides its installation ease, there is minimal disruption to existing roofs. It has three versions: GRP fiberglass, liquid plastic, and liquid rubber.

Fiberglass, alternatively called GRP, is the most common liquid flat roof. It uses resin with fiberglass strands for reinforcement. While it is pretty easy to install, it lasts approximately 30 to 35 years.

You could also consider the liquid plastic roof, which uses polyurethane, natural bitumen, or synthetic polyester. You'll choose the material to pour on the roof to create a waterproof coating. Fortunately, it is used on both new and existing installations.

Suppose you prefer eco-friendly, high-quality, and cost-efficient materials. Then, plastic rubber is an excellent choice. It creates a robust coating lasting over three decades, making it ideal for long-term investment.

Benefits of Liquid Flat Roofs

The following are the advantages of installing a liquid flat roof.

Ease of Installation

Liquid flat roofs require no flame during installation, guaranteeing unmatched safety and minimal disruption on the property. You can also apply it at any time of the year if the temperatures exceed zero.

Cost-Effectiveness

A liquid flat roof is pretty affordable to install and maintain. The materials used are significantly durable, guaranteeing value for your money. In addition, despite their longevity, they do not require frequent repair.

Tensile Strength

Liquid flat roofs have excellent elasticity and tensile strength, meaning they can cope with various natural movements throughout the year. Enhanced tensile strength and elasticity minimize the risk of cracks on your roof, ensuring it remains appealing for a long time.

GRP Flat Roofs

GRP is an acronym for glass-reinforced polyester, a robust fiberglass material used in roofing. It is cold-applied, making it one of the safest installations. It requires a cold application of resin, often layered between fiberglass matting, to create a waterproof covering. You can apply multiple layers for enhanced strength.

The GRP fiberglass roofing system has been in place for over 60 years, making it one of the oldest roofing methods available. Its versatility makes it ideal for every roof type, from sloped to dormers. In addition, you can use it as an overlay, particularly if you have an excellent primer.

Additional UV protection makes this roofing system more reliable and safe. You could also consider a self-terminating option, including the popular polyroof choice. This feature will also enable the roofing system to cope comfortably with complex detailing.

GRP fiberglass has different grades, meaning you can pick one depending on the desired strength, tensility, and elasticity. Such a wide range of products allows you to get something that meets your preferred budget, taste, and preferences.

Is GRP Flat Roofing System Worth It?

The GRP flat roof offers multiple benefits, including the following.

Safe Installation

Besides being relatively easy to install, the GRP roofing system installation is safe since it requires no flame. The absence of such heat minimizes damage to your structure and avoids any potential fire hazard. Usually, a catalyst is added to the resin to help cure it much faster.

Versatility

The GRP roofing system is highly versatile and malleable, meaning you can use it on any roof. You can use it on small and large projects since its materials can be cut into preferred trims, filling the required space accordingly.

Strength and Durability

Enhanced roof strength and durability are the keystones to unrivaled value for your money. These products often have a 20-year warranty, proving that they can last nearly three decades. Yet, the maintenance costs remain somewhat manageable.

Felt Flat Roof

The felt flat roof is an excellent choice when looking for a cost-effective solution in the market. It consists of two to three layers of the felt sheet, creating a dense, impenetrable layer. These layers include a sanded underlay, a 3G perforated membrane, and a fire-rated polyester base.

Ordinarily, it could be coated with waterproof materials, including tar. These waterproof coatings will significantly reduce the ingress of moisture.

The felt roofing system provides a wide range of options, from multiple colors to various shapes. While the most popular color is charcoal gray, you can choose whichever suits your preferences and décor theme.

You can fit felt flat roofs in two ways: hot works and cold works. The cold works approach uses a cold adhesive to hold the two to three layers together. It is significantly safe since it requires no flame.

On the other hand, the hot works approach uses flames during roof installation. With enough heat, there'll be no need for bonding.

This roofing system is relatively affordable. It costs approximately £60 to £80 per square meter. However, this figure could increase to about £130 per square meter if insulation is necessary.

Reasons For Felt Flat Roof

Longevity

Felt roofing systems last ten to 20 years, depending on how you maintain them. Alongside affordable installation costs, this option guarantees enhanced value for your money. This roof can withstand inclement weather elements, including storms, strong winds, UV rays, and fire.

Cost-Effectiveness

Felt roofing is pretty affordable to install. In addition, it requires minimal maintenance, cushioning you from unwanted repair and maintenance costs. Moreover, you get extended manufacturer warranties to cover unexpected repair costs.

Easy Installation

This roof takes minimal effort and time to install, saving various resources. However, you must get an expert to handle the process.

EPDM Rubber Flat Roofs

EPDM is an acronym for ethylene propylene diene monomer, a synthetic rubber whose main ingredients are derived from oil and natural gas. This roofing system is lauded for its enhanced weather resistance, ability to withstand extreme temperatures, fire resistance, and longevity.

Depending on personal preferences, you'll often choose between white and black EPDM membranes. Yet, regardless of the color choice, these membranes are resistant to chemicals and oil from commercial exhaust vents. Its fire resistance abilities are ideal for regions susceptible to fires and extreme temperatures.

The life expectancy of EPDM rubber flat roofs is between 22 and 35 years. Excellent maintenance measures will likely boost such longevity. Its tensility is about 500 to 2500 Psi, while its elongation rate is between 300 and 600%.

It has low electrical conductivity, increasing your safety. In addition, it readily adheres to metals, guaranteeing seamless installation.

Advantages of EPDM Rubber Roofs

Withstand Extreme Temperatures

EPDM rubber roofs can comfortably withstand extreme temperatures. You can also rely on them to lower the temperatures in your home, particularly during the summer.

Inclement Weather

EPDM rubber roofing systems are robust enough to sustain strong winds, storms, and unfavorable weather elements. They also have a high fire rating.

Flexibility

EPDM rubber is flexible, meaning it can effortlessly cope with building movements. Notably, it remains flexible up to -45 degrees Fahrenheit.

Mastic Asphalt Flat Roofs

There has been a considerable uptake of mastic asphalt roofs in the past few years, thanks to their reliability, durability, and ease of installation. This material is ideal for new, refurbished, and existing buildings. They provide a smooth, monolithic waterproof coating to protect your building and boost durability.

Mastic asphalt is naturally durable, lasting over 50 years when maintained properly. They also come with favorable warranty periods, minimizing repair and maintenance costs in the first few years.

Besides its unmatched durability, an excellent mastic asphalt roof is robust enough to withstand inclement weather and extreme temperatures. Besides, it has an excellent thermal shock resistance rating.

You can lay molten mastic asphalt on any part of the roof. Its flexibility makes it ideal for tight spaces, including floors. In addition, you can add aggregates to the molten asphalt to change specific properties, including traction.

Benefits Of Mastic Asphalt Roofs

Longevity

Suppose you want enhanced value for your money. Then, you'll choose a long-lasting roofing system. The mastic asphalt roofing system is an ideal choice, in this case, guaranteeing unrivaled longevity and return on investment.

Comfort

Asphalt roofs will often guarantee better temperatures in your home. This element minimizes over-reliance on HVAC systems, boosting energy efficiency. Besides, it has an excellent fire resistance rating and can withstand extreme temperatures and weather.

Design Variety

You can mold mastic asphalt into any shape, meaning design variety is achievable. You'll get a wide range of asphalt shingles to choose from, depending on personal preferences and the chosen décor.

Various flat roofing systems are available. While the choice depends on personal preferences and budget, it would be best to consult a professional for in-depth guidance.

Need Help With Choosing A Flat Roof?

We hope this blog post has helped you understand more about the different types of flat roof. If you would like any advice on which type of flat roof would be right for you, you can contact us on 01277 375 511 or  get in touch via our contact form. One of our friendly team of experts will be delighted to help.