There are more and more companies offering homeowners the solution of a flat roof when it comes to a full replacement. The problem facing many customers though is they’re not informed enough to make a decision.
If you have a leaking rooftop then you’ll want to repair or replace before further damage is caused. When you speak to a contractor they’ll throw flat roofs into the equation, with fibreglass, rubber membranes and jointless glassfibre-reinforced plastic coverings.
Companies will promote these roofs with impressive looking brochures and the promise of a 25 year plus guarantee. So the question is, should you invest in a flat roof for your home?
So here’s your answer. Typically flat roofs in the UK have always been notorious for leaking which isn’t the best start. Disappointingly it’s not the material itself which is to blame, but in fact the workmanship. For flat roofs to be effective they require a fall of at least four degrees, which for some reason or other is often neglected.
Other problems include the roof joists not being thick enough and if this is the case they can sag in the middle, which will allow water to pool and find a way to enter your home.
Essentially, one of the main problems with investing in a flat roof is that they’re simply covering the existing leaking roof with a new waterproof coating. This doesn’t remedy the original problem.
For want of a better phrase, this is simply throwing good money after bad. The GRP and glassfibre roofing are often advertised as having no joints, but really you’ll want movement to cope with the thermal expansion. With no joints you’re subjecting yourself to the chance of expansion damage later down the line.
Beware with the 25-year guarantees that are thrown to you as well because these are often meaningless. The cost itself is also often more than simply replacing like-for-like. Modern, tried and tested roofing will last for up to 50 years, so you can easily see the best route to go down.