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There are various Flat Roofing Systems on the market at present. Each system has its own set of materials and application process.
We will give a brief overview of the most common flat roofing systems and the type of materials that are used; Torched on Felt Roofing, EDPM Roofing and Fibreglass/GRP Roofing.
Felt Roofing, applied with a hot torch, is normally applied in three layers. A Vapour control layer is applied first, followed by a layer of reinforced felt (2mm) and finally a Cap layer of felt (4mm).
The cap finish can be placed in plain black or with a fleck finish in various colours. This material has good breathable properties thanks to its vapour layer which prevents condensation.
Felt Roofing is one of the most traditional roofing systems on the market today and is still offered by many contractors around the UK.
This type of roofing should never be attempted as a DIY project as using a torch is highly dangerous and requires a trained professional. Any contractor working with this method should carry insurance.
Most Torched on Felt Roofs last around 10 years, once applied correctly.
EDPM Roofing uses a lightweight synthetic rubber material to form the backbone of its waterproof membrane system.
It can generally be applied in one layer to wooden decking, reducing the number of joints. However, joints will be unavoidable in some areas of the roof e.g. pipe work.
If you are considering undertaking the EDPM system as part of a DIY project, extreme care should be given to the installation. Poor installation can lead to the EDPM material sagging which aesthetically, will look very poor.
It is often difficult to achieve consistency with repair work as patches are normally glued on to the damaged area.
Rubber roofing will generally contract/expand well and can expect to last in the region of 20 years, once materials have been applied correctly.
EDPM is readily available from building suppliers and through flat roofing contractors throughout the UK.
Fibreglass is a growing area of Flat Roofing. It uses catalysed resin, fibreglass matting and a catalysed topcoat seal to provide a watertight finish.
Depending on the volume of traffic to your roof, a Fibreglass roof can be finished with one layer of 450g matting for standard installations for low footfall, 600g for heavier loads with occasional footfall and 900g / 2 layers of 450g for areas with heavy footfall such as balconies. The fibreglass system is applied to secured OSB boards.
Firstly, the fibreglass mat is cut to suit the area and the catalysed resin worked through to completely saturate or ‘wet out’ the mat. Once cured, a final layer of topcoat is applied to ensure a waterproof barrier.
GRP Roofing can be undertaken as part of a DIY project but extreme care should be taken during installation. Enough resin should be applied and consolidated well with a roller to avoild ‘pinholing’.
GRP Roofing Trims will also aid drainage of the area whilst providing a decorative finish.
Once applied correctly, a Fibreglass / GRP Roof will last in excess of 20 years.
Fibreglass Roofing Materials are easily sourced online and smaller amounts through builder’s providers.
If a GRP roof is the right choice for you, at FibreGlassDirect we supply a large range of Fibreglass Roofing materials.
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