Question 1

Should I choose EPDM rubber, GRP fibreglass, or torch-on felt for my flat roof?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the size of the roof and how much foot traffic it gets. EPDM rubber installs in large, seamless sheets, making it ideal for big kitchen extensions because there are no joints to pull apart. GRP fibreglass cures into a rigid, impact-resistant shell that works brilliantly on balconies or porches, while modern three-layer torch-on felt remains a dependable, practical choice for domestic garages and outbuildings.

Question 2

Why does rainwater sit in puddles on my flat roof and how do you fix it?

Accepted Answer

Ponding water happens when the roof deck has sagged over time or was never built with an adequate fall. When we strip back the roof, we fix this by fixing treated timber firring strips directly along the joists to create a minimum 1:80 fall toward the gutter. Raising the low points and correcting the slope ensures rainwater drains away freely rather than pooling and putting unnecessary weight on the membrane.

Question 3

Do you always need to replace the timber decking underneath the old membrane?

Accepted Answer

We only replace boards that are structurally compromised, but old roofs that have leaked for months usually have rotted or swollen chipboard underneath. Once the old felt or rubber is stripped away, we walk the joists and inspect every board for soft spots and water damage. Any compromised timber is cut out and replaced with moisture-resistant 18mm OSB3 tongue-and-groove decking to give the new covering a completely solid base.

Question 4

How do you prevent leaks where the flat roof meets the brick wall of the house?

Accepted Answer

We avoid relying on surface-applied silicone or mastics, which shrink and fail after a couple of seasons in the sun. The roof membrane is turned up the brickwork by at least 150mm, and we grind out a mortar course directly above it to chase in Code 4 lead flashing. The lead is pointed securely into the brick joint and dressed down over the membrane upstand, creating a lasting barrier against driving rain.

Question 5

Can you convert an existing cold flat roof into a warm roof?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and it is usually the best approach if you are re-roofing a heated room like a kitchen extension or bedroom. Instead of pushing loose insulation between the joists beneath the deck, we fit a vapour control layer and lay rigid foil-faced insulation boards directly on top of the timber decking. The new waterproof membrane goes over the top, keeping the roof structure inside the warm envelope of the house and eliminating internal condensation problems.

Question 6

How do you stop rain getting inside the property while replacing a flat roof?

Accepted Answer

We plan the job around Leicester weather forecasts and never rip off more roof covering than we can seal before the end of the day. We strip the roof in manageable sections, re-deck, and lay the primary waterproof membrane to leave the structure completely watertight before packing up our tools. Lower roofs, patios, and driveways directly below the work area are fully protected with heavy tarpaulins to catch old bitumen and debris.

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