Flat roof system

clutterbug_2

Good afternoon all!

After a bit of advice regarding what roof system is the best for redoing our flat roof.

One builder told us that we should be using the rubber/polymerstuff called Evalon as its got a 30 year guarantee.

But I just phoned a roofing company asking if they did it and they started spouting off at how bad it is and it rots the timbers from inside out :eek: They said that felt roofs are the best suited to the british climate, and they replace more rubber roofs than they do felt.

I've got people coming to do different quotes on each type, but just wondering whether the felters are just trying to scare me into having it. They are a reputable company though who we've used before.

joedenise

We've got the polymer type roofing on our flat roofs (one at front, one at back). They were installed about 10 years ago and look like new. Our neighbours on the other hand have had their flat roof replaced twice in that time and have also had to do minor repairs themselves.

Definitely think it's worth the extra cost for polymer type roofing over felting.

Denise

alanobrien

I am not sure there is a "best" type. It really depends on the roof and your situation. Felt is an age proven method. My felt extension roof lasted 30 years and was replaced with felt two years ago.

My felt garage roof needs replacing soon and i will replace that with an EPDM roof (sometimes called "polymer") simply because its a very easy and cost effective DIY job.

Glass fibre is another option but personally i dislike the brittle nature of the product.

You will find supporters and detractors for all of these products.
Ask some friends for their thoughts if they have flat roofs.
Ultimately it comes down to affordability and what you feel comfortable with.

clutterbug_2

Affordability we don't know quite yet as we've been told we should cost around £50psm for felt and £60psm for Evalon installed, and if it is that its only that much more, but will last longer, then we'd get it done.

If they do rot from the inside out and cause issues, then we'd stick with felt.

We prefer the look of the rubber really as we never like the gravel/stones on flat roofs, but obviously we want something thats going to stand the test of time.

Lovelyjoolz

Put it this way, my Structural Engineer has just had his own flat roof done in polymer. He knows his stuff!

verydeeppockets

If your roof is going to rot from the inside out, it'll rot no matter what waterproof covering you put on it.
I'd avoid whoever badmouthed someone elses roofing system.
Any chance of damage is down to how good the ventilation is between the roof ply and the ceiling or insulation underneath.
Ridge vents/soffit vents/decent airflow will prevent moisture buildup.
And EPDM for me I think, in the next few months.

ikati5

The felt roofing companies are losing a lot of business to polymer, they are unlikely to recommend it unless they also supply it.

iamcornholio

The problem with roofers (and any trade really) is that if they have been doing the same old stuff for years, then they have not got a clue about any of the new products coming to market, and are a bit scared of the new technology doing them out of a job ... so they rubbish the product

Evalon is a newish product but is proprietary - so requires trained roofers who are normally tied in to the system ... so they wont recommend any other one. However it has the crucial BBA certificate so has at least been tested and approved for UK use and the life should be more or less as claimed

EPDM would be a similar system, and then there are fibreglass and liquid rubber. All should have similar life spans

Nowadays, traditional bitumen felt is the poor relation and should be side-stepped

clutterbug_2

thank you all

vervin

Have both glass fiber and rubber [front and back ] on two big roofs very very pleased with both of them