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Roofing advice
How torch-on felt, GRP fibreglass and EPDM rubber differ, what makes a flat roof fail, and why the deck and the falls matter more than the covering brand.
Quick answer
Felt, GRP and EPDM all work when installed on a sound, correctly falling deck. Flat roofs mostly fail at the details — upstands, outlets, junctions and ponding water — rather than in the middle of the sheet, which is why the deck is assessed before a system is chosen.
Flat roofs have a poor reputation earned by decades of thin felt over damp chipboard. Modern systems, properly detailed, last a long time.
This section explains the differences that matter, what defects to look for, and what a replacement should include beyond the covering itself.
Is EPDM better than felt roofing?
EPDM can offer flexibility and relatively few seams, while modern felt is a proven roofing system with its own advantages. Roof design, edge detailing, penetrations, deck condition and installer competence matter more than choosing a material from its name alone, and either can perform well when correctly specified and installed.
Is GRP fibreglass better than EPDM?
Neither is universally better. GRP creates a rigid, seamless finish, while EPDM is a flexible membrane suitable for many roof forms. Movement, deck construction, detailing and intended use should determine which system is appropriate for a given roof, and both can give a long service life when correctly specified and fitted.
Why does my flat roof keep leaking?
Recurring leaks can come from ageing coverings, failed seams, trims, penetrations, poor drainage, cracks or damaged decking. When different areas of the same roof repeatedly require patch repairs, the condition of the complete roof system should be assessed rather than continuing to treat each new leak as an isolated event.
Can a flat roof be repaired instead of replaced?
A local repair can make sense when the surrounding covering and roof deck remain sound. Replacement becomes more likely when deterioration is widespread, the deck is damaged, ponding is persistent or repeated repairs are failing in different places, so the extent of the problem should be established before either option is decided on.
Should water sit on a flat roof after rain?
Small amounts may remain briefly after rainfall, but persistent ponding can indicate poor falls, blocked drainage or deformation in the roof structure or deck. If water consistently remains long after surrounding areas have dried, the roof and its drainage arrangement should be assessed rather than assumed to be a normal feature.
Flat roof options explained: felt, GRP and EPDM
Felt, GRP and EPDM can all perform well when correctly specified; deck condition, shape and detailing matter more than the material's reputation.
Natural slate and concrete tiles have different characteristics and suit different buildings. Slate can offer exceptional longevity and a traditional appearance, while concrete tiles can be practical and economical for many roof types. Roof structure, appearance, planning context and budget should guide the choice, rather than treating one material as automatically superior to the other.
Yes. Overflowing gutters can repeatedly wet roof edges, fascia boards and walls below, and may contribute to damp problems over time if left unaddressed. Moss and debris shed from the roof can also obstruct outlets, so the roof covering and the drainage system are best considered together rather than treated as separate issues.
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