Flat Roof Solutions?

chrisrsmith

Hi

I have a GRP roof covering approx 25 sq metres. Although it is not leaking, it is showing signs of wear (fibres showing, thinning in small areas) as it is at least 20 years old. The roof is also sagging in some small areas as the rain is pooling in a few places and not running off completely.

I intend to replace it but not sure whether to go for an EPDM, felt if another gRP equivalent such as Sarnafil.

Any roofers out there with suggestions?

Also, should I leave this until the spring?

Niv

I am not a roofer - but have had my flat roof redone recently.

My roof sounds like it was in a similar state as yours. When deciding if I should go for felt or some super last forever coating I decided how long I would be staying in my current house.

I went for felt (not sure if its actually is felt - buts its the bitumen sheets) with reflective paint on not the little stones - this means I can access the roof without risk of damaging the sheeting.

I also had the wooden batons and wooden sheets replaced entirely and made sure there was a good layer of insulation in the roof space (well gap).

If it is as bad as you suggest I would be getting this done asap as you don't want to get a leak over the winter period.

cyclonebri1

It's a simple solution, you are worrying over little.

I believe and so do many others that GRP is the best solution to flat roof situations.

To quote, ;

"it's not leaking"

It is very unlikely to do so in the future, but if the top fibres are showing then it needs another layer of resin and then a further topcoat.
I can tell you what you need to do if you are DIY by pm, otherwise consult a GRP specialist, but it's all doem to roughing up the existing before reapplying the new resins.

Southend1

cyclonebri1 wrote: »

It's a simple solution, you are worrying over little.

I believe and so do many others that GRP is the best solution to flat roof situations.

To quote, ;

"it's not leaking"

It is very unlikely to do so in the future, but if the top fibres are showing then it needs another layer of resin and then a further topcoat.
I can tell you what you need to do if you are DIY by pm, otherwise consult a GRP specialist, but it's all doem to roughing up the existing before reapplying the new resins.

I would go with this. If you recover the roof you'll need building regs sign off. Just get it recoated instead.

cyclonebri1

cyclonebri1 wrote: »

It's a simple solution, you are worrying over little.

I believe and so do many others that GRP is the best solution to flat roof situations.

To quote, ;

"it's not leaking"

It is very unlikely to do so in the future, but if the top fibres are showing then it needs another layer of resin and then a further topcoat.
I can tell you what you need to do if you are DIY by pm, otherwise consult a GRP specialist, but it's all doem to roughing up the existing before reapplying the new resins.

PM received and replied too.

Niv

Southend1 wrote: »

I would go with this. If you recover the roof you'll need building regs sign off. Just get it recoated instead.

Really? Since when? If this is true, thats very interesting ..... hmmmmm

Southend1

Niv wrote: »

Really? Since when? If this is true, thats very interesting ..... hmmmmm

Don't know since when but I had mine done recently and as a roof is classed as a thermal element if you replace it you need building regs approval and will have to upgrade the insulation to current regs.

From planning portal.gov.uk:

If you want to carry out repairs on or re-cover less than 25 per cent of the area of a pitch or flat roof, you will not normally need to submit a building regulations application. You will need approval, however, if:

You carry out structural alterations
The performance of the new covering will be significantly different to that of the existing covering in the event of a fire
You are replacing/ repairing more than 25 per cent of the roof area, in which case, the roof thermal insulation would normally have to be improved.

cyclonebri1

Southend1 wrote: »

Don't know since when but I had mine done recently and as a roof is classed as a thermal element if you replace it you need building regs approval and will have to upgrade the insulation to current regs.

From planning portal.gov.uk:

If you want to carry out repairs on or re-cover less than 25 per cent of the area of a pitch or flat roof, you will not normally need to submit a building regulations application. You will need approval, however, if:

You carry out structural alterations
The performance of the new covering will be significantly different to that of the existing covering in the event of a fire
You are replacing/ repairing more than 25 per cent of the roof area, in which case, the roof thermal insulation would normally have to be improved.

A lot of conclusions being jumped to here. Given the size and the fact that it is already GRP, it could quite well be a garage roof and the insulation requirements wouldn't apply as it isn't habitable.

Now I'm not 1 for ignoring important BR requirements, but is I wan't to maintain my aged but sound flat roof at my cost, I'm certainly not going to pay on top the the LA involvement.
That's not advice, just the way I see it.