06 Apr What is the process of repairing a flat roof?

Flat roofs are becoming more and more popular in the UK. They look attractive, they’re hardwearing and highly durable. However, just like any other roof, there are times when things can go wrong with your flat roof. Here’s our guide to the process of repairing them.

Identify the problem

The first stage of any roof repair is to identify the problem. If you have a leak, this is an obvious place to start. However, there are many potential problems with roofing that can be difficult to detect. This is why you should always get your flat roof checked thoroughly by a professional, who will be able to identify the exact nature and scale of any problems.

What type of roof do you have?

The repair process is determined by the material your roof is made of. There are several common materials used for flat roofing. However, the two most popular and reliable are felt and fibreglass (GRP), so these are the two we will concentrate on here.

Repairing a felt roof

There are a number of common problems seen in felt roofs. The felt can crack, split or develop holes, or the joints in the felt can lift and come unstuck.

Some people try to fix these problems temporarily with a paint-on waterproofing solution. However, this is often a waste of time and money, as it doesn’t last very long.

For a professional, permanent repair, the condition of the felt will have to be examined. If it is strong enough, a new layer of torched-on roofing felt can be applied on top of the existing felt. If not, it is sometimes possible to patch over holes and cracks.

Repairing a GRP roof

Cracks and leaks can sometimes appear in GRP roofs, as they expand and contract in different weather conditions, which causes wear and tear.

These problems should only ever be fixed professionally and permanently, due to the specialist materials involved.

Firstly, the affected area has to be thoroughly cleaned with acetone, then sanded down. A resin is then applied and a repair mat, which has been previously cut to size, is laminated into place.

This is then painted with a top coat once it has been cured, so that the colour matches the rest of the roof.

Got a problem with your flat roof?

Whichever type of flat roof you have, it’s essential to consult a professional rather than attempting to fix it yourself. Please get in touch if you would like more advice, or need an experienced firm to take a look at your flat roof.