Small Flat Roof - Replacement Advice
Discussion
Hi All,
I have a rental property in South Wales, which requires a small area of replacement flat roof in the near future. (Area in question is only 2m x 2.5m, ground floor roof).
It is not leaking (yet), but condition of the felt/top layer is breaking up. Having had my local 'handyman' out to have a proper look, it's days are certainly numbered. He thinks the roof structure itself is generally quite solid, but he did notice a couple of small localised soft patches, where we assume the ply is starting to fail. Best thing to here is replace I feel.
A few questions if I may:
What is the 'done thing' these days? Do we just replace with felt, or is fibreglass or rubber better?
Assuming the ply needs replacing, how long would a job like this take? (As I say, access is easy).
Lastly, anyone willing to give an approximation as to what I might be paying for such a job. (Note, Swansea, not Surrey).
Thanks in advance,
Matt
I have a rental property in South Wales, which requires a small area of replacement flat roof in the near future. (Area in question is only 2m x 2.5m, ground floor roof).
It is not leaking (yet), but condition of the felt/top layer is breaking up. Having had my local 'handyman' out to have a proper look, it's days are certainly numbered. He thinks the roof structure itself is generally quite solid, but he did notice a couple of small localised soft patches, where we assume the ply is starting to fail. Best thing to here is replace I feel.
A few questions if I may:
What is the 'done thing' these days? Do we just replace with felt, or is fibreglass or rubber better?
Assuming the ply needs replacing, how long would a job like this take? (As I say, access is easy).
Lastly, anyone willing to give an approximation as to what I might be paying for such a job. (Note, Swansea, not Surrey).
Thanks in advance,
Matt
Thanks - had to google that. Looks great and I appreciate Sika only tend to make good quality products, but I do wonder if this could be a little OTT for a very small area on a cheap property. Sadly I don't make much 'bunce' from this property, so trying to keep this repair as cost effective as possible....whereas it looks like that Sarnafil needs installing by a specialist etc.
A mate in the game still swears by a 2 layer quality hot torch felt, it’s inexpensive and I’ve DIY’d a couple with some roll ends he gave me.
I think when he lays it it has a 25 year guarantee like anything else and he reckons it’s tougher and self heals minor damage compared to rubber and Sarnafil type single ply systems.
I think when he lays it it has a 25 year guarantee like anything else and he reckons it’s tougher and self heals minor damage compared to rubber and Sarnafil type single ply systems.
Thanks Rough101. I was wondering as much. There is a local felt roof specialist whose website eludes to what you have just said, identifying how rubber and fibre glass roofs rarely last as long as a proper 3 layer felt roof, but I wasn't sure if that was just flannel, hence the post.
Will leave this post open for further comments and drop aforementioned local guy an email for steer on approximate costs in the mean time.
Will leave this post open for further comments and drop aforementioned local guy an email for steer on approximate costs in the mean time.
We replaced an L shaped flat roof a couple of years ago with another felt system. Old roof was at least 30 years old and wasn't leaking, but was refurbing and converting the space underneath and didnt want to risk the new interior to be ruined.
I DIY'd the old rear flat roof (which is now pitched as part of other building works) with EPDM and it was absolutely fine, but it is better and easier to install for things like sheds, detatched garages, nice square roofs etc.
I wouldn't do fibreglass on anything attached to the house (unless like a small porch or something) as its noisy in the rain, can creak and crack in the heat due to expansion and is very reliant on the installer doing a good job.
I DIY'd the old rear flat roof (which is now pitched as part of other building works) with EPDM and it was absolutely fine, but it is better and easier to install for things like sheds, detatched garages, nice square roofs etc.
I wouldn't do fibreglass on anything attached to the house (unless like a small porch or something) as its noisy in the rain, can creak and crack in the heat due to expansion and is very reliant on the installer doing a good job.
The soft patches indicate failed boards under the felt.
So you'll need to have it all apart and see what's what, but I would expect new OSB boards plus felt etc.
The devil is in the detail, any system is only as good as the blokes who install it.
The critical bits are flashings, joins, anything going through the felt like vents and flues.
These days you may need to think about insulation and ventilation.
So you'll need to have it all apart and see what's what, but I would expect new OSB boards plus felt etc.
The devil is in the detail, any system is only as good as the blokes who install it.
The critical bits are flashings, joins, anything going through the felt like vents and flues.
These days you may need to think about insulation and ventilation.
Rough101 said:
A mate in the game still swears by a 2 layer quality hot torch felt, it s inexpensive and I ve DIY d a couple with some roll ends he gave me.
I think when he lays it it has a 25 year guarantee like anything else and he reckons it s tougher and self heals minor damage compared to rubber and Sarnafil type single ply systems.
Please tell me he's ooop North.I think when he lays it it has a 25 year guarantee like anything else and he reckons it s tougher and self heals minor damage compared to rubber and Sarnafil type single ply systems.
I have an endless supply of tea and biccies waiting.
Anything where the manufacturer of the product (Sika) has the job inspected on completion and provides the gaurantee rather than cowboy installing the roof providing a worthless gaurantee.
Personal experience with roofers and roofing companies in London has formed an opinion of them in my mind that I will take to the grave without changing.
Personal experience with roofers and roofing companies in London has formed an opinion of them in my mind that I will take to the grave without changing.
Liamjrhodes said:
Just had the garage roof replaced which at 55m2 is quite a bit bigger but the companies coming round all recommended rubber or fiberglass. All of them said to avoid felt.
The ones that fit EPDM say to avoid fiberglass and felt.The ones that fit fiberglass say to avoid EPDM and felt.
The ones that fit felt say to avoid fiberglass and EPDM.
They all say "what cowbow fitted this, it all needs redoing properly".
paralla said:
The ones that fit EPDM say to avoid fiberglass and felt.
The ones that fit fiberglass say to avoid EPDM and felt.
The ones that fit felt say to avoid fiberglass and EPDM.
They all say "what cowbow fitted this, it all needs redoing properly".
Yes - As I delve into some of the local (to the property) websites, I am very much finding this.The ones that fit fiberglass say to avoid EPDM and felt.
The ones that fit felt say to avoid fiberglass and EPDM.
They all say "what cowbow fitted this, it all needs redoing properly".
I am going to speak to a local (to the property) 'felt installation expert' later today - Interestingly his website is full of image of failed GRP and EPDM installations. The current roof is felt and possibly 25-30 years old and whilst it looks horrific and starting to break up, its still not leaking...and this is South Wales. That probably says something at least.
Nonetheless, keeping an open mind. Any thoughts on the cost to supply and replace with a ply/felt arrangement would be useful...?
Edited by MattyD803 on Tuesday 23 September 13:59
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