Roofing, flat roofs and roof repairs

A repair makes sense when the covering itself is sound and a single area has failed. Once a roof has multiple slipped tiles, soft decking under the felt, or a covering at the end of its design life, repairs become a false economy. We give you a written assessment with photos and recommend the option that has the longer run, not the bigger ticket.

Most often EPDM rubber and GRP fibreglass, both of which give a 20 to 25 year manufacturer-backed life when laid to the system detail. We also fit warm-roof felt systems where the build-up calls for it. The choice depends on the deck, the upstand details and how the roof ties into the rest of the building.

EPDM and GRP both support occasional foot traffic for maintenance. If the roof is being used as a balcony or terrace we specify a higher-spec system with appropriate paving, drainage and edge protection. We confirm the use case at the quote stage so the system matches what the roof actually has to do.

Where a flat roof is being renewed we look at the existing build-up against current Part L thermal requirements. Adding insulation as part of a re-cover is far cheaper than retrofitting later, and often pays back inside a few heating seasons. The upgrade is presented as a clear additional cost, not buried in the line item.

Lead flashings, soakers and abutment details are formed in code-appropriate lead and dressed to the existing brickwork or render. Old lead is recycled rather than scrapped. Where mortar joints have failed we rake out and repoint as part of the same visit so the new lead lands into a sound bed.

A standard flat roof renovation is two to five days. A pitched recover on a typical semi-detached house runs at one to two weeks. We watch the forecast across the strip-out window and stage tarpaulins so the building stays watertight overnight. Heavy rain or high wind days are stood down rather than pushed through.