Rubber Roofing (EPDM)
Rubber roofing, also known as EPDM, is an excellent choice for homes with low-slope or flat roofs. This modern roofing material offers exceptional durability, resistance to tears and abrasions, and lower labor costs compared to other options.
Key Benefits of Rubber Roofing:
- Environmentally friendly, as it’s made from recycled materials.
- Reflects heat during summer, keeping your home cooler.
- Acts as an insulator, improving energy efficiency.
- Weatherproof and well-suited to variable UK weather conditions.
- Waterproof and fire-resistant.
- UV stable, meaning it won’t degrade over time.
- Easy to repair and maintain.
- Ideal for flat or low-pitched roofs.
- Durable, long-lasting, and aesthetically pleasing.
- Available in seamless sheets for a better fit and fewer leaks.
Although the initial cost is higher than traditional felt roofing, rubber roofing’s longevity makes it a more cost-effective solution in the long run.
Felt Roofing
Felt roofing, also known as built-up roofing, is a traditional and economical choice for smaller buildings such as garages and outbuildings. It consists of multiple layers of bitumen sheets bonded together with adhesive or hot bitumen, reinforced with materials like glass fibre or polyester.
Key Benefits of Felt Roofing:
- Affordable and budget-friendly.
- Ideal for small outbuildings and garages.
- Quick installation—can often be completed in a single day.
- Durable when installed on a strong underlying structure.
- Requires a slight gradient for proper water runoff.
- With good preparation, it can last for many years.
- More economical than rubber or fibreglass options.
Proper preparation is essential to maximize its lifespan. A strong timber structure beneath the felt ensures the roof stays sturdy and minimizes sagging over time.
Fibreglass Roofing (GRP)
Fibreglass roofing, also known as GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic), is a premium option for flat roofs. Modern fibreglass systems, such as Polimar Liquid Roofing, are superior to traditional GRP due to their flexibility and durability over time. These systems come with a 10–20 year warranty, offering peace of mind and excellent long-term value.
Key Benefits of Fibreglass Roofing:
- Tough, hard-wearing, and waterproof.
- Lasts at least 20 years with minimal maintenance.
- Can be repaired if physically damaged.
- Highly flexible, making it adaptable to any roof shape or area.
- Resists deterioration better than felt roofing.
- Can be extended or refurbished as needed.
- Adds security by preventing unauthorized access.
- Can be tiled or used as a garden platform.
- Replaces lead roofing without the risk of theft, as it has no intrinsic value.
Fibreglass roofing is a versatile, long-lasting solution that combines practicality with enhanced aesthetics.