Flat Roof

The main weakness of flat roofs is durability. They just aren’t as durable as their gable and hip counterparts.  On average, a flat roof lasts for about 10 to 50 years. However, this depends on the material, quality of installation and maintenance of the roof. Weather conditions and other environmental factors also matter.  My main goal is to tell you how long a flat roof lasts. However, I can’t leave you with that information alone. So, I will also show you how to make your flat roof last longer and how to know if it’s time for roof replacement. Let’s get started. How Many Years Does a Flat Roof Last? Flat roofs last for an average of 10 to 50 years. Remember that this depends on certain factors. We’ll discuss them in the next section. At the end of this lifespan, you must replace the roof with another. However, if something happens earlier than expected, your warranty may cover repairs or replacement.  There are terms and conditions, though. So, you should read the manufacturer’s terms and discuss the warranty with your roofer. The roofer and manufacturer can also tell you how long the flat roof will last. Factors That Determine How Long a Flat Roof Will Last Here are the five factors that affect the lifespan of a flat roof. Roofing Materials Here is a quick breakdown of each type of flat roof material. In other words, felt roofs have the shortest life span. If you want a long-lasting flat roof, choose EPDM. You should also consider aesthetics and price when choosing a material for a flat roof. Weather conditions of the location Weather affects the lifespan of a flat roof. Heat and cold can cause the roofing material to stretch and shrink, which could cause shifts, leaks and cracks. Heavy rainfall can cause water pooling and leaks, making the roof buckle and rot.  All these affect the lifespan of the roof. So, if you are in an area with adverse weather, the flat roof won’t last as long (compared to an area with moderate weather). The amount of weight on the roof Here are two great ways to take advantage of the unique qualities of a flat roof. Firstly, you could install HVAC units on the roof, thereby saving space. Secondly, you could use the roof as a rooftop garden or sitting area. There is just a problem. Both options put some strain on the roof. Therefore, they affect how long the roof will last.  Quality of installation If you use a good installer like Fixmyroof, your flat roof will last longer. It’s that simple. There are many things that an amateur roofer may not know. For example, many don’t know that a flat roof isn’t actually flat. There should be a slight slope for drainage reasons. Secondly, weight distribution is important when installing HVAC units. It will reduce the stress on the roof. Maintenance When you maintain a flat roof properly, it will last longer. This also applies to other types of roofs and most things in life. Proper maintenance is crucial. So, later in this article, I will tell you how to maintain and care for a flat roof.  Signs That You Need to Replace a Flat Roof The signs are easy to notice. You just have to know what to look for. Here are five indicators that a flat roof needs replacement Persistent Leaks Leaks happen and can be repaired. However, if a flat roof leaks persistently and constantly needs repairs, there is only one solution. It is time for roof replacement. Water pooling You should never allow water to pool on your flat roof. It will damage the roof, causing it to leak, rot and sag. Sometimes, water pooling is caused by heavy rainfall and drainage issues. Other times, it’s caused by issues with the roof itself. Sagging and blistering Most of these problems are connected. For example, pooling becomes more frequent when a flat roof starts sagging. Conversely, water pooling also causes the roof to sag. So, once a flat roof starts deteriorating, you will notice more issues. Therefore, the only solution is roof replacement.  Blistering is when water or air gets under the roof’s outer layer. This lifts that outer layer, exposing the rest of the roof to the mercy of Mother Nature.    Holes, Splitters and cracks All three show that the integrity of the roof has been compromised. They also encourage more problems. Curling, shrinking and lifting These three usually happen around the edges of the roof. They are probably due to the weight and heat the roof is subjected to. For example, heat and cold can cause the roofing material to expand and contrast. Over time, this can cause the roof to shift, shrink and curl. It will also come loose at the seams. How Often Should You Replace a Flat Roof? You should replace a flat roof every 10 to 50 years. That’s how long the average flat roof lasts. Remember that it depends on the material, installation quality, maintenance and strain on the flat roof. So, you only need to replace an old and deteriorating flat roof. Watch out for the warning signs that we discussed earlier. How to Make a Flat Roof Last Long Here are a few ways to increase the lifespan of any flat roof.   Hire a professional roofer It’s always better to hire a professional. The resulting roof will last longer and save you a lot of stress and money. Fortunately, Fixmyroof is only a DM away. Our roofing experts are available to build or repair your flat roof.  Clean and maintain your flat roof properly The major culprits are algae, pools of water and debris. They can all damage a flat roof. They also affect aesthetics. So, you should never let them build up on your roof. Sure, it will happen sometimes. For example, heavy rain can cause pooling. Act quickly. Clean the roof before the water gets time to do damage. Clean … Read more

Flat roofs are one of the three most common types of roofs. They are affordable, space-efficient, low-maintenance and great for urban areas. They are also sleek and modern. Do you want to know more? Then, keep reading because this article will cover the basics. It will tell you what a flat roof is, explore the tips and discuss the pros and cons. What is a Flat Roof? A flat roof is a type of roof that is level (aka flat) instead of pitched and inclined. However, no flat roof is not totally flat. There is a slight inclination that allows water to run off.  What Are The Types of Flat Roofs? There are different types of flat roofs. Each of them possesses unique characteristics and benefits. Here are some of the most common types: Cold Roofs A cold roof is a flat roof with insulation between the joists. This is in contrast to warm roofs, which have their insulation placed above each separate roof surface. Cold roofs allow free circulation of air. However, this may allow cold air to enter the roofing area, which is not insulated. Cold roofs are mostly used for residential buildings. Warm Roofs  Warm roofs are designed to keep the building thermally insulated. They are a lot more thermally efficient.  Warm roofs have insulation placed above the roof deck, creating a warm and dry space. Warm roofs are mostly used for commercial buildings. Inverted Roofs Inverted roofs have insulation placed on the structural deck and waterproofing layer. This design provides excellent thermal performance.  The waterproofing layer further protects the roof from wear and tear caused by solar radiation. There is just one problem. It’s often difficult to locate defects on an inverted roof.  Hybrid Roofs Hybrid roofs are a combination of the other different types. Here is how a hybrid of the cold and warm roof would be. Insulation would be laid under the surface, while a small area will be left for ventilation. This way, there is no need for a thick outer layer.  Hybrid roofs are effective and safe.  What Are the Pros and Cons of Flat Roofs? Here are three pros and three cons of flat roofs Pros of flat roofs Flat roofs give you premium loft space. There is also room for rooftop gardens or decks. You can also install solar panels and HVAC units on it. Flat roofs are easy to maintain and repair. Compared to their pitched counterparts, flat roofs are low maintenance. You can handle many of the maintenance and repair tasks yourself. They are way more affordable than gable and hip roofs.  Cons of flat roofs Drainage is poor. So, there may be issues of water pooling, which will eventually cause the roof to deteriorate and leak. This is the big advantage of pitched roofs. Because of their sloped sides, drainage is easier.  Flat roofs absorb and lose heat too easily. Therefore, the temperature within the house will fluctuate more easily. For example, the house will easily get hot in the summer. Conversely, it will also easily get cold in winter. This will affect heating costs.  Flat roofs don’t last as long as gable and hip roofs. The average flat roof will only last for about 10 to 50 years. Felt roofs have the shortest life span, while EPDM roofs are the most durable. However, the latter is also more expensive.  Conclusion Flat roofs are also affordable, low-maintenance and space-efficient. The main types are cold, warm, inverted and hybrid roofs. They all have their own unique design. They also have their pros and cons. Once again, flat roofs are not totally flat. They have a slight slope to allow water to run off. However, their apparent flatness has a lot of benefits. For example, you can install a roof garden or deck. You can’t do this with a pitched roof.  On the other hand, flat roofs also have weaknesses. A flat roof has poorer drainage, temperature regulation and life span. Still, there are enough advantages to overshadow these cons. That’s why flat roofs are still relatively common. Plus, if you hire roofing experts like Fixmyroof, you won’t have to worry about much. We are highly trained and experienced in building, repairing and replacing flat roofs.

It costs about £1,000 to £6,000 to replace a flat roof. However, this depends on the size, type, location and accessibility of the roof. So, the answer to this question is a little complicated. Still, I will share some estimates with you. I will also discuss everything we usually tell clients who hire Fixmyroof for flat roof replacement. I will tell you: Roof replacements are normal. Even gable and hip roofs need to be replaced at some point. So, this topic doesn’t make flat roofs less cost-effective and ideal for your home or office.  Anyways, let’s talk about flat roof replacement costs. Let’s discuss everything you need to know about the process. How Much Does a Flat Roof Replacement Cost? On average, a replacement flat roof costs £1,400 to £6,000. This usually adds up to around £45 to £140 per square metre. Again, the amount depends on the type, size, location and accessibility of the flat roof. The roof type is one of the most important cost factors. Here are some examples. About 55% to 70% of the money goes to supplies. The rest will cover labour and waste removal. Either way, these estimates should be enough to get you a replacement flat roof from Fixmyroof (us) or any of our competitors. There will be exceptions. So, contact us or another qualified roofer to know exactly how much it will cost to replace a particular flat roof. To give an accurate quote, the roofer must inspect your roof and know your choice of roofing material. Ask for a full breakdown. Some roofers don’t include VAT or waste removal costs in their main quote. They may also not include the cost of removing the old roof. So, get a full breakdown of the quote to avoid misunderstandings. Factors Affecting the Cost of a Flat Roof Here are the six factors that determine flat roof costs. Type of flat roof Earlier, I mentioned four types of flat roofs, namely single-ply membrane, liquid, green and felt. These are just the main types. Both single membrane and liquid roofs can be divided into more types. However, that’s a conversation for later. So, for now, let’s focus on the main types of flat roofs. Felt flat roofs are the cheapest, while liquid roofs are the most expensive. Installation mode also matters. A flat roof can be warm or cold. In warm roofs, insulation is installed above the roof. In cold roofs, insulation is installed between the roof’s layers. Warm flat roofs cost more. Size of the flat roof Size is another big factor that affects flat roof replacement costs. A bigger roof will cost more. Fortunately, it’s easy to get estimates. Simply multiply the size of your roof (in square metres) by the cost of the type of flat roof you want. For example, you need £1,350 to £2,100 for a felt flat roof of 30 square metres. Your Location It’s mainly about the standard of living in your area. Southern UK and big urban cities have a higher standard of living. Therefore, flat roof replacement costs might be higher. For Northern UK and rural areas, costs will be lower. Accessibility Flat roofs are generally accessible and easy to work with. However, there could be issues. For example, the building could be very tall. There might also be a structure or object that can disrupt or delay the project. Any of these could affect flat roof costs. Let’s use building/roof height as an example. Scaffolding is usually needed to replace a roof. The taller the building is, the taller the scaffolding needed. Scaffolding hire alone can increase flat roof replacement costs by up to £1,500. Waste removal We’ve talked about this earlier. Remember that some roofers may not include waste removal costs in their quotes. There is also the cost of disposing of the old roof. So, don’t forget to ask your roofer for a written cost breakdown. Waste removal alone costs about £100 to £250. Additional costs These happen on the average home improvement project. For example, the roof’s frame may need repairs, and the gutters may need cleaning. Either way, it will affect the cost of replacing the flat roof. Here are three common additional costs of flat roof replacement. Types of Flat Roofs There are many types of flat roofs. So, I will only tell you about the main four. I will also tell you how much each one costs. Single-ply membrane flat roof This type of flat roof is usually made from EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer), TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) or (PVC) polyvinyl chloride. Essentially, they are synthetic rubber roofs. Single-ply membrane roofs are durable, water-resistant, heat-resistant, lightweight and eco-friendly. They are also easy to install and suitable for all roofing situations. There are some weaknesses. Single-ply membrane roofs fade over time and break down under heavy foot traffic and weather. Plus, design choices are limited. The average single-ply membrane flat roof costs £70 to £100 per square metre. Felt flat roof replacement cost This is the most affordable type of flat roof. Felt flat roofs cost £45 to £70 per square metre. Felt is cheap and relatively easy to install and replace. It is also low-maintenance. There is just the problem of durability. Felt roofs are not as durable as the others. They don’t last as long. They also can’t survive extreme weather conditions. Plus, repairs will make the roof patchy, ruining aesthetics. Liquid Flat Roof Replacement Cost Liquid flat roofs are usually acrylic, bitumen or fibreglass. They are durable, lightweight, waterproof and great for surfaces of all shapes and levels of evenness. They are also easy to repair. On the other hand, professional installation is crucial. A liquid roof is also high-maintenance and prone to slips, punctures and sun damage. The average liquid flat roof costs £80 to £140 per square metre. Green flat roofs A green flat roof is also often called a living roof. To build one, you install a growing medium. Then, plant on it. … Read more