After a bit of guidance here.
We’ve just had a new roof lantern installed which gave me the opportunity to have a look at the condition of our roof. It’s currently felt that’s been on for around 8 years and so far hasn’t leaked. There is some tearing around the old (and sealed) hatch access. But more worrying is an area where water is able to pool.
Part of me suspects the last roof work which installed new felt and insulation has been slapped straight on top of the old roof. Certainly the old roof lantern was quite poorly made and clearly done to be cheap.
If I was to bite the bullet and rip off the existing roof and replace what’s the best choice for an exposed location in Seagull country? They do seem keen on pecking around up there.
Have eyed up GRP and we have a well regarded local roofer that does these.
If I was going to spend money on fixing a flat roof I would seriously look at whether I can make it sloping. Water pools on flat roof, then freezes, any tiny gaps become bigger, gulls nest on it then attack you when you go to do repairs or cleaning... etc. If it has to stay flat I would expect GRP to be more resistant than felt but would still benefit from UV protection - that is the reason some flat roofs have a layer of small pebbles on top.
If I was to bite the bullet and rip off the existing roof and replace what’s the best choice for an exposed location in Seagull country? They do seem keen on pecking around up there.
We had our beach hut (can't get any more seagull-y than that) re-covered about 6 years ago and went with rubber - it's been perfect and no issues with the local air force.
It's not a flat roof, it's curved, but I can't see that making much of a difference.
edit: we replaced the old GRP covering as they (we're one hut in a row of 7) were starting to crack and literally peel right off in strong winds.
Our large flat roof. Super exposed on southbdowns. Was 20 year old when we replaced it. Felted. Only came off as we had facias done by a cowboy.
It sounded horrific in the wind prior to us roughing it.
Our local very experienced roofer said If its stuck down properly it will be ok. Like the old one.
Pretty much all flat roofs pool a bit.
The issue is the gulls. If they can get at flashing or edges you are buggered as they will tear it to bits. We have a cat so this issue is lessened!
The easiest solution would be a liquid overlay either to the affected area or a complete overlay with liquid but a lot will depend on the overall felt condition and should be subject to a survey by a competent roofer.
Is the insulation saturated?
If it’s dry you can over coat it.
The advantage of a liquid system is that it is seamless and if polyester fleece/ mat reinforced is much more puncture resistant than a felt or single ply.
I work for a reputable German liquid roofing manufacturer. Be aware that not all liquid systems are the same . The acrylic paint on solutions from builders merchants are fine for a temporary repair but not so good in the long term.
We generally supply to large commercial , retail and education projects but do have some contractors willing to take on smaller residential projects depending on where you are.
As mentioned some ponding water isn’t always an issue so long as the felt hasn’t been breached and the laps still holding.
layer of small pebbles on top.
Don't do this unless you want your car literally pebble dashed by the gulls.
Did my own GRP garage roof. It's what they use for underneath "green" roofs (soil and plants), no problem at if areas get some pooling. The coloured topcoat is the UV protection, no need for anything else but you can use slate granules for anti-slip or put anything else on top if you wanted that look.
Our house has an inheritted GRP flat rood covering quite a large area. It's a good 20 years old and still sound. I've done a couple of minor prevantative repairs on it a few years ago and they're still good. So while a flat roof isn't ideal my opnion of them has shifted a bit if it's been done well. The ease of repairing GRP is a plus. If it ever develops a leak it's easy to do temporary repairs with tape or all weather sealant and permanent reprairs with GRP are easy in good conditions.
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GreybeardSubscriber
If I was going to spend money on fixing a flat roof I would seriously look at whether I can make it sloping.
Erecting something different will be difficult as I’ve only got a semi
Erecting something different will be difficult as I’ve only got a semi
Hmmmm 😮 🤣
GRP flat roof here, the sea gulls walk on it but don’t bother pecking it like the Felt roof we had before. Windy South Downs location.
Hmm, as ever quality if installation will be key. The local business that does GRP offer a 25yr warranty, wonder what the small print actually says on that.
Had firestone on our kitchen extension for 6 years now, it's still brand new looking, seagulls don't seem to bother with it.