Flat roof repair

[AnthonyL]

This is a flat roof of a house extension ~ 23sqm

Roofer is quoting to re-felt (boards are ok) but I'm wondering about these newer materials such as the Firestone Rubber Roofing Membrane or others.

Any views?

[Bill Wright]

As a person who walked about a lot on flat roofs until last year, I was always most impressed by the glass fibre ones, and least impressed by the membrane ones (which puncture easily).

Bill

[Tim Watts]

Come across many metal ones (ali rather than lead)?

[Andy Burns]

I daresay the fibreglass are better, but presumably more expensive too?

If you will wear hobnail boots and rest aluminium ladders on them ...

[Bill Wright]

Well no. In all seriousness, I worked on a large development that had these roofs and they were a real problem to everyone. They made access to the walls above the flat roofs very difficult. On older buildings damage is inevitable if roof access is possible. Tenants will go up there to get balls back or send their aerial contractors, etc.

Bill

[Andy Burns]

I always make a point of wearing plimsolls when going up on mine, and brushing any stones out of the treads, and have a chunk of 3/4" ply for a ladder base - I'd want to keep an eye on anyone going up on it ...

[Bill Wright]

Yes it's OK when there's a knowledgeable and watchful owner, but not really on a block of council flats occupied by council tenants, some of whom might not have a respectful attitude to the building.

Actually, there's a worse idea. We worked on a major refurb project which involved removing the top floor and putting a new roof over the rest. It was decided to install a proprietory roof system that consisted of large plastic panels which simulated a tiled roof. Afterwards, when the tenants started to walk about on the roofs (access being a simple matter of striding over a low wall from the patios of the next row up the hill) the panels started to dint and bend, and now, 15 years later, they look shocking.

Bill

[Michael Chare]

For a flat garage roof 5m * 5m I receive the following quote

Dear sir . Garage needs striping re decking osb3

Laying Epdm rubber , New trims

20 year guarantee Total£2000+vat Or Same as obove laying 1 layer felt . 2nd layer high tensile blue grey 10 year guarantee Total£1550+vat All debris removed Materials and labour inc

-------------------- my preference is for the Epdm. The alternative would be to install a pitched roof as a DIY project.

[Tim Watts]

I cannot remember exactly what my flat roof was, but your quote sounds in the right ballpark.