Fibreglass Roofing

What's better for a flat roof, Fibreglass or EPDM?

GRP fibreglass and EPDM rubber roofing are two of the leading flat roofs systems used in the UK market. Choosing the right one can depend on which features matter the most to you. These systems have been built to stand up to the elements for decades. Property owners should thoroughly consider all scenarios when comparing two flat roofing systems like Fibreglass and EPDM to ensure their flat roofs will stand the test of time.  

Before choosing either of them as a flat roofing membrane, one must consider some significant differences. 

What is Fibreglass GRP? 

Known also as glass fiber or GRP (glass reinforced polyester), fibreglass is made up of glass fibres and polyester resin. This material is an excellent waterproofing material and is frequently used on flat roofs. According to BS 6229 and BS 8217, fibreglass roofs are typically classified as flat roofs (defined as having a minimum fall of 1:40 to guarantee a finished fall of 1:80). The term 'fibreglass roof' refers to a flat roof applied with a fibreglass system as a waterproof barrier, typically over OSB3 timber. It consists of a composite laminate painted with a resin topcoat (also called a flow coat or gel coat). 

The main advantage of fibreglass GRP flat roofs is that they can be applied directly to existing roofs. A significant benefit of this a

Fibreglass Roof Price

Looking to get a fibreglass roof price? FibreGlassDirect has an online tool which makes getting a price for your fibreglass roof materials easier than ever. Have a look at our step by step guide and get a price for your materials today!

Advice for Applying Fibreglass in Winter Months

There are three main issues when fibreglassing outside during the winter months, cold weather, wet weather and shorter days. Fibreglass work is still possible. With the correct information and a little bit of planning, you can still get the job done.

Apart from wrapping up and braving the elements, follow our simple checklist to get the most from your fibreglass materials.

Our Top Tips for Fibreglass Work in Winter

• Always check the local weather forecast, it is a good idea to have an app on your phone that you rely on for this.
• Check the temperature. Do not start fibreglassing if the temperature is below 5°C as it will not cure. Use the catalyst addition chart to calculate the percentage of resin that should be used.
• During the shorter winter days, avoid fibreglass or topcoating a roof after 2-3 pm. The heat from the sun helps the curing process, it is unlikely that it will cure overnight after the sunsets. This will affect the finish of the topcoat and debris can stick to the surface of resin which will have to be removed.
• Check the temperature of the boards, resin and topcoat before laying the fibreglass. The resin should be left in a warm room the night before using it if the ambient temperature is below 10°C. Care should be taken to ensure that the resin does not freeze.
• If it starts raining, stop working immediately and cover the roof with a Visqueen sheet.
• If you have a deck laid and are unable to laminate it, coat the decking with catalysed resin to seal it from moisture. Ensure that all exposed edges are covered. Use a Visqueen sheet to cover edges and uncoated boards.
• If you are unable to laminate over a prepared deck, then coat the decking with catalysed resin and cover any exposed edges. This will seal the deck and prevent moisture uptake until the laminate can be applied. Always cover the edges of the roof and uncoated boards with a polyethene sheet.
• Always e

When to repair a roof

So when is the best time to repair a roof? The best time to repair a roof is down to each individual job and the level of skill of the person who is undertaking it. For best results each job should be planned ahead to avoid making any rash decisions.

Peak roofing season

The best time of year to repair a roof, for both DIY and professional alike, is of course Summer. This time of year gives dependable working weather conditions and makes the day predictable. It is possible to undertake roofing or repairs during Spring, Summer and even Winter months.

Professional roofers can apply repairs to a roof all year. They can even apply a whole new flat roof no matter the season. However, fibreglass/GRP roofing systems are easy to apply and most repairs can be carried out without the need of a professional. It is important to fully understand the needs of each individual repair job and to plan accordingly, in relation to both weather and necessary materials.

Types of flat roof repair

These are great projects for competent DIY enthusiasts. The trick is to use the right repair material, and FibreGlassDirect supply all the best roofing materials and Fibreglass Kits necessary for this process.

Temporary flat roof repair

Temporary flat roof repair refers to a short-term repair. It is a quick, easy and cost-effective temporary solution. The main purpose of this type of repair is stop any immediate further damage which is possible from a leak. It allows for time to contemplate and plan a permanent repair solution. During this stage you can get quotes and investigate the materials and the process needed for a full, permanent repair.

Permanent flat roof repair

Permanent flat roof repair refers to a job which will see out the remaining life cycle of the roof covering. The

Flat Roof Systems Compared

There are many varied flat roof systems available on the market. In this article we compare some of these and identify materials and processes which are involved with each application.

Examined and compared are the following flat roof systems: Concrete, Asphalt, Felt, EDPM and Fibreglass/ GRP.

Concrete

One of the main advantages with concrete roofing is that it is incredibly strong. Unlike some of its counterparts, it can withstand highly extreme weather conditions. Issues such as wind uplift do not impact concrete flat roofs, and they also have extremely long lifespans.

The obvious downside is the extreme weight of the product. The structure must be able to support the strain of a concrete roof. Concrete roofs also require a sealant to repel water. This sealant is often made from Asphalt felt.

Asphalt

Asphalt flat roofing is inexpensive and easy to apply. In some cases, it is possible to replace an older Asphalt roof by simply overlaying with a new membrane. This can further cut down on costs and installation time. An asphalt roof lasts around 20 years in optimum conditions.

While this is a low maintenance and cheap option, it does have many drawbacks. Impact of light objects, such as tree branches and even hailstone, can damage and tear shingles. This results in leaks and water infiltration.

Felt

The use of a hot torch is necessary to apply a felt roof. This process usually involves the laying of three layers. A vapour control base layer is applied first. This is followed by a layer of reinforced felt. A felt cap layer is applied to finish the job. The material has excellent breathable qualities due to its vapour layer, and this prevents condensation.

Felt roofing requires skill and an awareness of health and safety. This is not a method to be

GRP Flat Roofing Advantages

GRP Flat Roofing

GRP or Fibreglass roofing is one of the best, reliable ways to weatherproof flat, pitched or barrel-vaulted roofs.

Its low-maintenance and quality materials make it one of the most cost-effective roofing methods available.

What does a GRP flat roof involve?

Materials required to fibreglass a flat roof include;

• Roofing Resin 
• Fibreglass Matting
• Roofing Topcoat
• GRP Roofing Trims 
• Ancillary Tools

Fibreglass roofing consists of wetting out layers of glass mat on the roof of the building. When cured, your roof should have strength and provide a continuous waterproof barrier across the surface of the roof. One layer of 450g glass mat is standard for a roof with no footfall, 600g glass mat should be used in areas of light footfall and 900g or two layers of 450g for balconies or areas of heavy footfall.

When the resin has cured, the Roofing Topcoat can be applied. This not only adds colour to the roof but also acts as a tack-free sealant to secure the fibreglass underneath. If there is a requirement for the roof to be walked on after the build, we recommend that a non-slip topcoat is used. To achieve fire resistance topcoat should be applied at a

GRP Roofing Trims

GRP Roofing Trims are an essential part of the GRP / Fibreglass flat roofing process. Not only do the trims add a professional finish, but they are essential for aiding drainage. With so many roofing trim options to choose from, we are often contacted by customers with lots of questions on how to choose the right types. This article will help ensure you select the right ones!

Choosing the correct GRP Roofing Trims

Each roofing trim has a different purpose, shape and fit. A combination of several trims may be required depending on the size and shape of your fibreglass roof.

Drip Roofing Trims

Drip Roofing Trims are one of the most popular types of GRP Roofing Trims on the market. They are used at the lowest point of the roof and fitted to the edge of the roof which allows drainage into the gutter.

The most popular examples of Drip Roofing Trims are the A200 and the A250. The A200 is compatible with the B260 upstand and the A250 is suitable for use with the B300, C1, C2 and

Fibreglass for a Garage Roof

Fibreglass, a material widely used throughout the UK and Ireland as a convenient way to build flat roof garage extensions.

Why choose fibreglass for a garage roof?

Often recommended for its non-corroding properties, fibreglass is an inert material which makes it perfect for the unpredictable climate that the UK and Ireland often experience. Fibreglass will last through hail, rain, sunshine and snow. Applying materials correctly will ensure the roof will last in excess of 20 years. If in doubt of how to apply fibreglass roofing materials, our installation guidelines provide some top tips.

A fibreglass garage roof will always have a watertight finish which consists of 3 layers;

• OSB3 Board - Plywood or similar may be used but OSB3 Board is recommended
• Fibreglass  - Once resin has been applied to the fibreglass mat, the mat becomes rigid, giving toughness to the roof
• Topcoat – The final stage of the flat roof, adds colour and a tack-free finish

A typical double garage in the UK or Ireland will measure approximately 12sqm. This area is perfectly suitable for a fibreglass build as fibreglass is suitable for almost any sized roofing development. Furthermore, it works equally well for commercial and domestic roofing projects. 

GRP roofing trims give the garage roof a decorative and professional finish. Moreover, roofing trims ensure the roof gets adequate drainage which is an important requirement for any roofing project. Edge roofing trims are applied prior to the lamination phase (application of the fibreglass mat and resin) therefore, the

Installing a GRP Fibreglass Roof

What is GRP / Fibreglass?

Glass Reinforced Plastic, also known as GRP, is a strong, lightweight, corrosion and temperature resistant material. It is easily moulded for complex shapes and structures.  It can be also extremely cost effective compared to traditional building materials.

GRP consists of thermosetting resins and glass fibres which when bonded together result in a solid fibreglass material.

GRP has been used in the UK and Ireland since the 1940’s. Its primary stronghold began in the marine industry for boat building. Once its high strength, versatility and appearance properties were recognised it was soon in demand across a variety of industries including automotive, construction, water tank building and flat roofing.

FibreGlassDirect offer a comprehensive Flat Roofing Materials Calculator to help you work out the exact materials required for your GRP Roof. All you need is a rough size of the area you would like to cover.

Using GRP for Roofing

A GRP Roofing system is a lightweight, single-ply membrane which is applied to secured OSB 3 decking boards. Its core materials consist of Resin, Fibreglass Matting and Topcoat.

Once applied correctly, a GRP Roof will last in excess of 20 years. Once cured fibreglass is inert and it will not rot or corrode. This means little maintenance is required on this type of roofing system.

A GRP Roof can be used for both domestic and commercial applications.

Tips for Laying a GRP Roof

• Check the weather forecast – A GRP Roof must be laid in dry, mild conditions

Fibreglass Flat Roofing Tips and Tutorials

FibreGlassDirect has supplied quality fibreglass roofing materials throughout the UK and Ireland since 1994. We have a wide variety of premium roofing kits, low-cost roofing kits, roofing topcoat, roofing resin and tools.

Below is a range of video tutorials explaining each step of the flat roofing process, which will help you get the most from your roofing products. If installed correctly, a GRP flat roof can last in excess of 20 years. It will leave you with a durable and robust roof with little maintenance required.

Fibreglass Roofing Video Tutorials

Part 1 How to Install a Fibreglass Roof - GRP timber decking

Part 2 Fibreglass Roof Trims - Cut and Fit GRP Edges

Laminating a Fibreglass Flat Roof