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Flat roofing

Flat roofing in York

New flat roofs, replacements and flat roof repairs in EPDM rubber, GRP fibreglass and felt for extensions, garages, dormers and bays.

  • 3 min read
  • York & surrounding villages
  • Free written quotes
Close-up of a weathered bitumen felt flat roof showing the overlapping seams between sheets
Plate ILysekil, Sweden. Photo: W.carter, CC0 1.0 (public domain dedication) · credits · not our work

Flat roofing in York

Flat roofs are everywhere around York – on rear extensions, dormers, garages, bay windows, porches and many 1960s and 70s homes. They have a reputation for leaking, but most problems come down to old materials, poor drainage or poor detailing rather than flat roofs themselves. A modern flat roof, properly designed and installed, is a dependable roof. York Heritage Roofing installs new flat roofs, replaces failing ones and carries out flat roof repairs across York.

Flat roofing systems we use

EPDM rubber roofing

EPDM is a synthetic rubber membrane, usually laid as a single sheet across the roof so there are few or no joints. It's flexible, handles temperature changes well and is quick to install. Edges are finished with trims and upstands are bonded properly to walls and rooflights. It's a strong choice for extensions, garages and dormers.

GRP fibreglass roofing

GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) is laid as resin and glass-fibre matting over a timber deck, then finished with a topcoat. It cures to a hard, seamless surface that can be moulded around awkward details and gives a neat finish. It suits roofs with complex shapes or occasional foot traffic. It needs dry conditions and suitable temperatures to install, so timing can depend on the weather.

Felt and torch-on systems

Modern reinforced bitumen membranes, typically laid in two or three layers and often torch-applied, are a long way from the thin single-layer felt of the past. They're tough, economical and well proven. Where torching isn't appropriate, cold-applied or self-adhesive alternatives can be used.

What our flat roofing work covers

  • New flat roofs on extensions, garages, dormers and outbuildings.
  • Flat roof replacement – stripping the old covering, replacing rotten decking and building in proper falls.
  • Insulation upgrades – warm roof build-ups where insulation goes above the deck, reducing the risk of condensation.
  • Flat roof repairs – splits, blisters, failed joints, damaged upstands and leaking rooflight surrounds.
  • Edges, trims and gutters – new drip trims, upstands and outlets so water leaves the roof where it should.
  • Junctions with pitched roofs – lead or membrane flashings where a flat roof meets a wall or a slate or tiled roof.

Signs your flat roof is failing

  • Water coming through the ceiling below, or damp patches that come and go with the weather.
  • Cracking, crazing, blistering or bubbling of the surface.
  • Water pooling for days after rain.
  • A deck that feels soft or spongy, a sign of rotten boards underneath.
  • Splits or gaps at upstands, edges and around rooflights or chimneys.
  • Moss and plant growth, or a mineral finish that has worn away.
  • Condensation or mould on the ceiling of the room below.

How we replace a flat roof

  1. SurveyWe check the covering, the deck, the falls, the drainage and how the roof meets the building.
  2. Recommendation and quoteWe recommend a system and build-up – EPDM, GRP or felt – and put the price in writing.
  3. Strip and inspectThe old covering comes off and the deck and joists are checked. Any rotten boards are replaced.
  4. Build-upFalls, vapour control, insulation and a new deck are installed as specified.
  5. New coveringThe membrane, GRP or felt layers are installed with proper upstands, trims and outlets.
  6. Check and tidyWe check drainage, tidy the site and explain how to look after the roof.

For one-off leaks on any type of roof, see roof repairs in York. For heritage buildings with lead or flat roof sections, see our heritage roofing page, and check our areas we cover around York.

Frequently asked questions

Straight answers to what we are asked most. Anything else, just ask.

Which is better, EPDM or GRP?

Neither is better in every case. EPDM is a single sheet of rubber membrane, quick to install with few joints, and copes well with movement. GRP gives a hard, seamless finish that's good for complex shapes and roofs that get light foot traffic. Torch-on felt systems remain a sound, economical choice. We'll recommend a system based on the roof's size, shape, use and your budget.

How long does a flat roof last?

It depends heavily on the material, the quality of installation, drainage and maintenance. Modern EPDM, GRP and good-quality reinforced bitumen systems generally last far longer than the old single-layer felt roofs many people remember. Manufacturers publish expected lifespans and product guarantees for their systems; we'll tell you which product we propose so you can see the manufacturer's information for yourself.

Why does water sit on my flat roof?

Standing water – ponding – usually means the roof doesn't have enough fall, or the deck has sagged. A little water that clears within a day or two is common, but persistent ponding speeds up wear and can find its way through any weak point. When we replace a flat roof we build in the right fall, often with firring strips or tapered insulation.

Can you repair my flat roof instead of replacing it?

Often, if the problem is local – a split, a failed joint or a damaged edge – and the rest of the roof and deck are sound. If the deck is soft, the covering is blistered and cracked all over, or water has been getting in for a long time, replacement is usually better value. We'll tell you which it is.

Will I need Building Regulations approval?

Replacing a flat roof covering can count as renovating a thermal element, and when a large enough proportion of the roof is renewed, the Building Regulations usually require the insulation to be upgraded where it's practical to do so. We'll explain whether this applies to your roof and how it affects the build-up and the price.

Other roofing services

  1. Tiled roofingClay pantiles, plain and concrete tiles
  2. Slate roofingNatural slate, re-slating and leadwork
  3. Yorkshire stone roofingHeritage, listed and conservation roofs
  4. Roof repairsLeaks, storm damage, ridges and valleys

Begin with a conversation.

Whether it's a slipped slate, a leaking flat roof or a full re-roof, tell us about it. We'll look at the roof properly, explain what we find in plain English and put the price in writing – free and without obligation.

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