At SPM Roofing Ltd we pride ourselves on keeping up to date with the latest technologies in the flat roofing sector. Times have changed and progressed since the days that asphalt roofing systems ruled the flat roofing applications. Although asphalt and torch applied felt is still commonly used, other technologies are constantly becoming a more appealing and beneficial choice. These technologies will either be fibreglass, also known as GRP, or a single ply membrane. Both will boast life expectancy figures of 40 years. So in comparison to the 15 year life expectancy of felt can make these alternatives a stronger choice when choosing what roof covering to use on your flat roof.
Felt Roofing
Bitumen-based Felt Roofing has been used for flat roofing applications for decades, and it has worked well. Although most felts only carry a 10 year guarantee these felts are common to last as long as 20 years. The main benefit of felt flat roofing is the cost. Felt roofing has the lowest cost when it comes to flat roofing. Although this is the cheapest method it does come with the biggest disadvantage; the heat which is needed to apply the felt – any naked flame on a dry old building can cause major problems.
Single Ply Membranes
Single Ply Membranes are not really a new technology in its self, single ply membranes have been used in the likes of Germany and the U.S.A for decades. However it has become more available and common in the residential sector of flat roofs in the past decade. With brands such as Rubberbond, Firestone and Rheponal there are numerous choices to choose from. The benefits of an EPDM roof are the flexibility of the material, the ease of the application, the long life expectancy and the fact there is no heat needed to apply the material. SPM Roofing are approved contractors for all three brands, which means we are able to offer the 20 year guarantee to our single ply flat roofs.
Fibre Glass Roofing (GRP Flat roofing)
Fibre Glass Roofing like the single ply roofing has been until about a decade ago used for flat roofs on high profile buildings where the life expectancy is the most important factor, however fibre glass is now been used on thousands of residential property’s across the country. GRP Flat roofing has benefits such as tensile strength, easily shaped and laid into difficult detail and a choice of many colours. Fibre glass roofing also comes with a 20 year guarantee and a life expectancy of 40 years. The down side associated with GRP is the application temperature if this is below 5 degrees it will not cure and if the temperature is to hot it becomes difficult to lay as it will cure too quickly. Also it can only be laid in absolute dry conditions it should not be attempted to be laid if there is a chance of rain.
