Flat Roofing in Brandon

How we handle flat roofing

Flat Roofing in Brandon

A flat roof that is leaking or blistering needs attention before water finds its way into the structure beneath. Whether you have a flat roof on a house extension, a garage, a bay window or an outbuilding, the consequences of a failing roof membrane can move from a damp patch on the ceiling to damaged joists and insulation within a single wet season. We carry out flat roof repairs and full replacements for homeowners and landlords across Brandon and the surrounding area.

Flat Roof Systems We Work With

Not every flat roofing material suits every job. The two systems we use most are traditional felt and EPDM rubber, and the choice depends on the size of the roof, its current condition, the budget and what is already there.

• Built-up felt roofing - torched-on felt systems use layers of bitumen-based felt bonded together with heat. A properly installed three-layer system is durable and cost-effective for smaller roofs such as garage roofs and extensions. Felt roofs are susceptible to blistering if moisture is trapped during installation, so preparation of the deck is critical.
• EPDM rubber roofing - a single-ply rubber membrane bonded to the deck, EPDM is flexible and handles temperature changes well, which matters on an exposed roof in Suffolk. Because it comes in large sheets with very few joins, the number of potential leak points is low. EPDM is a good choice for larger flat roof areas where long-term performance matters more than upfront cost.

Before any material goes down, we inspect the roof deck itself. A common problem with flat roofs is rot in the timber decking boards beneath the old membrane. Laying a new covering over rotten or soft decking simply delays the problem. Where boards need replacing, we replace them before the new system goes on.

What the Work Actually Involves

A flat roof job starts with stripping the existing covering back to the deck. We check every board for movement, softness or water damage. Any boards that have taken in moisture are removed and replaced with new exterior-grade ply or OSB, cut and fixed to the correct falls so water drains toward the outlet or edge rather than pooling in the middle.

Falls are important. A flat roof should never be truly flat - a minimum fall of 1 in 80 is recommended so water does not stand. Ponding water is one of the main causes of premature flat roof failure, because it puts sustained pressure on any seams or weak points in the membrane. If the existing structure does not have adequate falls, tapered insulation can be used to create the correct slope without rebuilding the whole structure.

Edging details, upstands where the roof meets a wall, and the treatment around any pipes or skylights all require care. Most flat roof leaks originate not in the middle of the membrane but at these edges and junctions, where the material has to turn a corner, bond to a different surface or work around a penetration. Getting these details right at installation is what separates a flat roof that lasts from one that causes problems within a few years.

Flat Roof Repairs

Not every flat roof needs a full replacement. If the deck is sound and the membrane is in reasonable condition apart from a localised failure - a split seam, a blister that has opened, or damage around a junction - a repair may extend the roof's life by several years. We assess the roof honestly and tell you which route makes practical sense. If a membrane is reaching the end of its serviceable life across its whole area, patching it repeatedly costs more in the long run than a straightforward re-cover.

A membrane that has been down for fifteen years or more will often show signs of surface cracking, lifting at edges, or lap failures where the layers were not bonded properly in the first place. These are worth having looked at before winter rather than after.

Roof Lights and Access Hatches

Many flat roofs include a roof light or access hatch, and these are frequent sources of water ingress. The upstand around a roof light needs to be at least 150mm above the finished roof surface to prevent water tracking back under the flashing in heavy rain. If a roof light is leaking, it is sometimes the glass seal that has failed rather than the roofing membrane, so we check both before recommending a course of action.

What Does a Flat Roof Replacement Cost in Brandon?

Flat roof replacement in Brandon typically costs between £70 and £120 per square metre for a felt system, and £90 to £140 per square metre for EPDM, depending on deck condition, access and the complexity of edging details. A standard single-garage roof of around 15 square metres would therefore usually fall in the range of £1,000 to £2,200 all in, including stripping, deck repairs and the new covering. These are realistic current figures - the final cost depends on what we find when the old material comes off.

Speak to Us About Your Flat Roof

If your flat roof is leaking, showing signs of wear or has not been looked at in several years, call us to arrange a roof survey. We will tell you plainly what is there, what it needs and what it will cost. There is no pressure and no guesswork - we look at the roof before we talk about prices.