I think roofers have done a terrible job with new GRP flat roof

dbailey10

Hi,

Hoping I can get some advise from any roofers/anyone experienced in GRP fibreglass flat roofs. Thank you!

We had a leak on our flat roof and agreed with what appeared to be a reputable roofer (couldn't find a local recommendation so had to go with online reviews...) that the existing GRP fibreglass roof would be sanded back to the woodwork and a new GRP fibreglass roof laid on the existing boards. 

Prior to the work the discussions I had were reassuring however when it came to do the work I became concerned for a number of reasons, but primarily the fact that they went ahead and laid the matt/resin knowing it was going to rain heavily that evening and the roof was not covered.

Indeed 2-3 hours after they left, we had heavy rain overnight. I pressed them on this when they came back to lay the topcoat but they assured me it 'looks fine' and 'it had dried by the time it rained', but I believe it needs to be dry for 24 hours to properly cure? It's a 3rd floor roof and I'm not one for heights so unfortunately I wasn't comfortable going up to check anything myself.

Next alarm bell was being asked for towels to mop up water before they laid the top coat, again something from my research is an absolute no no and the surface should be completely moisture free before applying the top coat.

I now have a photo of the finished roof which with my limited understanding, appears to be absolutely terrible? Of course the roofers assure me this blotchy finish is normal and absolutely fine and 'don't worry it isn't going to leak'.

Would really appreciate anyone with any experience to give their opinion on whether there are any arguments to make that this is okay or whether I should be demanding that it's completely redone?

Thanks again

grumpy_codger

From the photos I don't see any problems except pooling that, IMO, is normal for a flat roof.
The terrible job was when the roof was built absolutely flat in the first place - instead of a little sloped.

dbailey10

grumpy_codger said:

From the photos I don't see any problems except pooling that, IMO, is normal for a flat roof.
The terrible job was when the roof was built absolutely flat in the first place - instead of a little sloped.

Thanks, I appreciate the response. Sorry to ask but any comment as to why the surface has all the blotchy white patches? I can't find any photos online of a GRP roof that looks similar with that kind of patchy surface, and asking chatGPT to analyse the image it says that these patches are evidence that the resin/topcoat were laid in bad conditions and are a sign that the GRP hasn't bonded properly (due to being laid in wet conditions).

Thanks again

WIAWSNB

dbailey10 said:

grumpy_codger said:

From the photos I don't see any problems except pooling that, IMO, is normal for a flat roof.
The terrible job was when the roof was built absolutely flat in the first place - instead of a little sloped.

Thanks, I appreciate the response. Sorry to ask but any comment as to why the surface has all the blotchy white patches? I can't find any photos online of a GRP roof that looks similar with that kind of patchy surface, and asking chatGPT to analyse the image it says that these patches are evidence that the resin/topcoat were laid in bad conditions and are a sign that the GRP hasn't bonded properly (due to being laid in wet conditions).

Thanks again

I did wonder about these marks.

If they are 'surface', then it suggests water landing on a final resin coat that hadn't fully cured - possibly only a cosmetic issue. If, however, they are below surface, that - I would suggest - is pretty serious, and indicates the resin hasn't bonded in these areas, most likely for the reason you have said. In which case, also very likely that -  given a few hot and cold spells - it will begin to delaminate.

Do you know the products used? Does Restec Flexitec 2020 mean anything for example? If you know the resin product used, then send the manufacturer a photo - they'll soon tell you.

And, do you have Legal Protection included in your insurance?