Flat roofing in West Yorkshire

When a flat roof needs replacing

Flat roofs on extensions, garages and dormers take a lot of punishment. Water sits where it can't drain, and old felt blisters, cracks and splits. Once water gets through, it soaks into the timber deck underneath, and the damage spreads.

Signs to look for include water that sits on the roof long after rain, blisters or cracks in the surface, and damp patches on the ceiling below.

A small split can sometimes be repaired. But when the covering has failed across the roof, or the deck has gone soft, replacing it is the lasting fix. I'll look at it properly and tell you which you need.

Three systems, and which suits your roof

There's no single best flat roof. The right choice depends on the size and shape of the roof, how it's used and what's around it.

EPDM rubber

A synthetic rubber membrane, laid as a single sheet on most smaller roofs, so there are few or no joints for water to find. It stays flexible in cold weather and gives a clean, neat finish.

GRP fibreglass

Glass-reinforced polyester, laid in layers to form one seamless, hard-wearing surface. It copes well with foot traffic and can be formed around awkward details, so it suits roofs that get walked on or have lots of edges and upstands.

2-layer torch-on felt

A modern bitumen membrane, laid in two layers and bonded with a torch, so each layer seals to the one below. It's a tried and tested system. Because it involves an open flame, it isn't the right choice for every roof, and I'll tell you if another system is safer.

I'll recommend a system, explain why, and put it in your written quote. If you already have a preference, tell me.

What's included in a new flat roof

Your written quote lists exactly what's included. A new flat roof usually covers:

• Stripping the old covering and taking the waste away
• Checking the deck, and talking to you before any boards are replaced
• The new covering in EPDM, GRP or 2-layer torch-on felt
• Edge trims, upstands and flashings where the roof meets walls
• Outlets and connections to the guttering
• A tidy site and a final sign-off with me

How long it takes

It depends on the size of the roof, the system and the weather. Flat roofs need dry conditions to lay, so the start date can move if the forecast turns. Your written quote comes with an agreed start date and an estimate of how long the job will take, and if the weather changes the plan, I'll tell you.

One person from quote to sign-off

You don't need a list of people to chase. You deal with me: I quote, keep you up to date and sign the roof off with you when it's finished.