What Type of Flat Roof Is Best?
Finding the right material is essential whether you’re replacing a leaky garage roof or looking for something to shield your new pent roof shed. After all, the durability and dependability of your new roof will be significantly influenced by the flat roof material you choose.
You want something that looks good, provides good protection and is reasonably priced. But it can be challenging to choose between them given the wide range of materials available and the various flat roof replacement costs.
Roofing Felt
The most popular flat roofing material is probably roofing felt. It is widely used on flat roofs throughout Britain, largely because it is cost-effective. Almost any flat roof can benefit from a felt roof’s simple installation and reliable, weatherproof seal. Furthermore, no matter the extent of the damage, a felt-covered roof can be easily and inexpensively repaired.
Depending on use, maintenance, and wear and tear, a felt roof should last anywhere from 15 to 20 years. Although it is rare, roofing felt can last up to 25 or even 30 years. There are a few different methods available, and installing roofing felt is remarkably easy. Whether a project is large or small, flat roofing can be covered with roofing felt because of its incredible versatility, from garages to warehouses to garden sheds.
Shed Felt
Shed felt is intended specifically used on garden sheds as well as other small outbuildings, as the name would imply. Shed roof felt typically weighs less than felt made for larger projects and frequently has only two layers rather than three. Apart from that, a shed covered in felt will continue to benefit from many advantages.
A shed felt roof typically lasts for 15 years, though this number may be high or low depending on environmental factors, wear, and tear, and how well the roof is maintained. With various colours to choose from, felt could give your garden shed a mature, professional touch.
Torch-On Felt
Torch-on felt may initially resemble other kinds of roof felt. On the bottom of the material, though, is where the difference can be seen. A dense layer of bitumen can be applied to your roof by melting it with a blowtorch.
Torch-on felt roofing is more durable than other varieties of roofing felt, offering better defence against intrusion of water, bad weather, and impacts. Torch-on felt is a fantastic option for bigger projects because it can handle anything thrown at it all year.
Torch-on felt is best suited for larger projects and can be used on commercial buildings and on big garages or additions.
Self-Sticking Felt
The ideal option for those new to DIY or who want simple installation. Self-adhesive roofing felt is incredibly easy to use and offers many of the same advantages as other types of roofing felt. Perfect for both big and small flat roofing projects.
Self-adhesive felt can last up to 20 years before needing to be completely replaced, or even longer if installed properly and kept out of extreme weather.
EPDM Membranes
EPDM is a relatively inexpensive flat roof material that provides several important benefits, making it arguably the best flat roofing membrane. EPDM membranes are hard to beat because of their easy installation, incredible strength, long lifespan, and stylish finish. As a result, they are widely used throughout Britain, and it is simple to understand why DIYers and tradespeople prefer them.
An EPDM roof should only need minor upkeep or repairs throughout its 40–50-year lifespan. Therefore, it is excellent for projects of any size, including flat extension roofs, commercial premises, garage roof replacements, and more.
GRP Roof
Great flat roofing material is GRP, also known as fibreglass roofing. A GRP roof will last long because it can withstand almost anything Mother Nature can dish out. Additionally, GRP offers a clean finish and is notably lightweight when installed properly. Most frequently offered as GRP roofing kits.
A GRP roof, one of the toughest materials on the market, can easily withstand heavy impacts, extremely cold or hot temperatures, and torrential rain. One of the toughest flat roof coverings available is GRP.
Green Roofs
A green roof kit is the best option for homeowners who care about the environment. These specialised kits, which use specially created trays filled with lush, varied vegetation, offer a wide range of advantages and features that set them apart from other flat roof coverings. Two distinctive advantages are the ability to remove airborne debris and provide insulation, which lowers energy requirements.
This puts green roofs in the top tier of flat roofing durability, but when a green roof must eventually be replaced, it presents a much more challenging problem than other options. Nevertheless, it is excellent for flat roofing projects in homes and businesses, including flat shed roofs, apartments, and garden offices.
Built-Up Roofs
Built-up roofs are those that are constructed from several layers of various materials. These frequently have a final layer of stone or gravel, followed by alternating layers of bonded bitumen and fabric. Due to its long lifespan, it is a popular roofing material for flat roofs.
Only flat roof decks can rival the 60-year lifespan of a built-up roof is durability. This is the main justification for why built-up flat roofs are still popular, especially for residential projects. Residential roofing is great, especially on bungalows with a pent or single-sloped roof.
