Flat roof problem.

[gra001]

I`ve got a small flat roof on the back of the garage which was completely redone (base plus felt) about 8 years ago. All seems fine, even in heavy rain but not when it snows. It doesn`t leak through the "flat" bit, more where the upstand meets the pitch of the main roof, I can see the stained felt from inside the garage. I thought about having it done with lead or this:http://www.everest.co.uk/flat-roofs/

Has anyone any advice on:
(a)The actual problem
(b)lead flat roofs
(c)The Everest solution

In any event, I`m guessing that the lead or new covering will have to cover not only the upstand but will also need to be taken up under the pitch a fair way?

I`m in Barnet, Herts and if I don`t go the "Everest" route will also need a TOP NOTCH, reliable roofer who can do flat lead and also tiled roofing (need some stuff done there as well). Any advice on this score also appreciated.....cheers guys!!!

[CedGTV]

Sounds like your bridging the existing flashing.

Any chance of a picture ?

[blackcab]

need to see a picture really, I have a feeling that the upstand height is not high enough to the place it joins the pitch roof - minimum upstand height is usually 150mm to a wall but to a pitch roof it should be 450mm minimum - that will then cope with over a foot of snow.

either way doesnt sound a serious issue to resolve , dont go down the everest route, there are loads of good roofers about who will fix it for you at a fraction of the cost

[gra001]

Thanks guys. No "proper" flashing system as such with felt just going across the flat roof and up the upstand to meet the lowest level of the tiled pitch however, the snow would certainly have been higher than the upstand. I`ve never posted pics on here but will find out how and get some up tomorrow.

[gra001]

OK, two pics showing (I hope) inside with part of stained felt and exterior with upstand and pitch.

[blackcab]

Thought it might look like that

Low upstand height, bet that is only 50/60mm.

Do you get water in or just some staining ? if its just staining I would leave it as it is, if its major dripping then the bottom 2/3 rows of tiles need to come off and create a new flashing that will allow water to go back to the flat roof area, that can be done in mineral membrane or a base sheet.

[Spudler]

As above.
Personally i'd use 450mm DPC.
ETA: you'll have to lift the lead valley and bond the DPC together.

Edited by Spudler on Wednesday 12th January 09:52

[CedGTV]

Sounds like the sarking felt (white backing in the picture is also "wicking" (think capillary action) the water up as well due to the low up-stand height).

[gra001]

Phew!.......thanks chaps. It isn`t dripping into the garage and I don`t notice it (yet) getting worse when it rains which, to a novice like me seems strange. The inside felt is also stained beneath the larger pitch tiles which were used because the roofers who did the job felt the pitch there wasn`t steep enough to use the smaller ones. I`m a fussy devil and given that there is some work that I would like done on the tiled pitch it would be nice to sort this issue as well, if only for peace of mind. So, if any of you guys feel that you can assist in getting all of this sorted when the weather improves please mail me, it would, again be much appreciated. I`m in Barnet, Hertfordshire.

Edited by gra001 on Wednesday 12th January 13:43