Whilst traditional flat roofing using felt applied with hot bitumen is still commonly used today, flat roofing options have progressed quite significantly over recent years.
Felt is a cost-effective option in the short to medium term at least but with lifespan of no more than about 15 years, it maybe worth considering other, longer lasting solutions such as EPDM or GRP.
EPDM is rubber and GRP is fibreglass. Both materials are highly water resistent and unlike felt, have no seals. That means in hot and cold temperatures when felt roofs expand and contract eventually leading to the seals failing and allowing puddled water to leak through the gaps, these materials remain totally watertight.
Both EPDM and GRP roofs have a lifespan over more than 60 years, a big difference over traditional felt roofs and provide the same lifespan of most pitched roofs.
Whilst it is possible to repair a felt roof using patches with a minimum 15cm overlap around the damaged area or using acryllic waterproof paint, these are only really temporary fixes so if you need a flat roof that has a longer lifespan, EPDM or GRP is the answer.
Not sure which option to choose? It all depends on your requirements and budget. As roofing experts, we’re happy to help advise on the best flat roofing solution for your requirements and budget.
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