EPDM Rubber
A single sheet of rubber laid over the whole roof. Long lifespan, no seams to fail. Our go-to for extensions and larger flat roofs.
Bristol flat roofs
The problem with most flat roofs is not the material.
Nine times out of ten, a flat roof that has failed early was fitted wrong. The falls are flat instead of sloped. The insulation is missing or crushed. The trims are lifting because the timber underneath rotted. The material itself gets blamed, but the install is usually the cause.
We fit flat roofs on garages, extensions, dormers and lean-tos across Bristol. Falls done properly, insulation upgraded at replacement, and the timber decking checked before anything else goes on top.
Which flat roof material is right for you?
Each has its strengths. We'll recommend what suits the job, not what suits us.
Felt
Torch-on felt built up in layers. Cost-effective for garages and small outbuildings. Shorter lifespan than rubber but easier to repair in patches.
Fibreglass (GRP)
Laid wet and sets solid. Very durable, seamless, walkable. Suits roof terraces or where a hard-wearing finish matters.
What we do differently on a flat roof.
The reasons most flat roofs fail early are all preventable.
- Falls set correctly so water drains, not pools.
- Insulation upgraded at replacement, for a warm roof build-up.
- Timber decking checked and replaced where rotten.
- Edge trims and drip details finished neatly.
- Long guarantee on both the material and the workmanship.
- Scaffolding organised and included in the quote.
Where flat roofs typically fail.
If you've had trouble with a flat roof before, it was probably one of these.
- Poor falls, so water pools instead of draining.
- Insulation missing, wet or crushed.
- Timber deck rotting beneath the covering.
- Cheap edge trims that lift or split.
- Seams badly bonded on felt or EPDM joins.
- Blocked or undersized outlets, causing overflow.
Recent flat roofs across Bristol.
Flat roof questions, answered.
Which flat roof material lasts longest?
EPDM rubber and fibreglass both typically last 25 years or more when fitted well. Felt is shorter, usually around 15 to 20 years depending on the grade and the sun exposure.
Why do flat roofs leak?
Almost always because of poor falls, seams that were never sealed properly, or the timber underneath rotting. The material itself is rarely the problem when a flat roof fails early.
Can I have a walk-on flat roof?
Yes. Fibreglass is the usual choice for a roof terrace because it's hard-wearing and seamless. It needs to be built up over a solid deck with proper drainage.
Will you upgrade my insulation at the same time?
Yes, and we usually recommend it. Replacing a flat roof is the one time you can add or upgrade insulation without tearing everything apart later.
Can I have a Velux in my flat roof extension?
Yes. We fit flat-glass roof lights and Velux flat-roof modules into new and existing flat roofs. It transforms the light in an extension.
Do you offer a guarantee?
Yes. On new flat roof installations we can offer a 10-year Insurance-Backed Guarantee through the Confederation of Roofing Contractors. It covers the full contract value even if we're no longer trading, and it transfers to a new owner if you sell.
Flat roof failing?
We'll come out for a look and tell you honestly whether it needs replacing or patching.