Flat Roofing in Swindon

Flat roofs in Swindon homes

Flat roofs are everywhere in Swindon: single-storey kitchen extensions, garages and carports on post-war and 1970s estates, porches, bay windows and box dormers in loft conversions. Many were originally covered in traditional built-up felt. As felt ages it can crack, blister and split at joints and around edges, and water often gets in where the flat roof meets the wall.

Flat roofing systems

• EPDM (rubber): a single sheet of synthetic rubber, often laid in one piece on smaller roofs so there are few or no joints. Popular for garages and extensions.
• GRP (fibreglass): resin and glass-fibre laminate laid on new decking with moulded edge trims; gives a hard, seamless finish and is often used on dormers and balconies (if designed for foot traffic).
• Torch-on or cold-applied felt: modern multi-layer reinforced bitumen systems are much better than old felt. Torch-on work involves naked flames, so check the roofer's fire-safety procedures and insurance.
• Liquid coatings: can be used to refurbish some sound existing roofs, but they're not a fix for a rotten deck.

Repair or re-cover?

A single split or a failed upstand can often be repaired. If the deck is soft underfoot, water is pooling across large areas or the roof has leaked repeatedly, it's usually better to strip it and lay a new deck. Many older flat roofs had little or no insulation; if you're replacing most of the roof, the Building Regulations insulation rules may apply, and a "warm roof" with insulation above the deck can help prevent condensation.

What to check in a quote

• Which system and manufacturer, and the guarantee length
• Whether the timber decking will be replaced and what material (e.g. OSB3)
• How the edges, drips, upstands and outlets will be detailed
• Whether insulation is included
• What happens to fascias and gutters along the edge (see guttering, fascias and soffits)