Ask the Experts: Flat Roof Replacement: What materials are best?

As flat roof replacement experts, ‘What are the best materials?’ is a question we talk about every day with both trade and DIY roofers. Replacing a flat roof yourself doesn’t have to be difficult if you choose the materials carefully. Selecting the right materials can make a difference in the success of the installation and the reliability and performance of the system.

Choosing the best materials for your flat roof replacement

A flat roof replacement project requires some planning in advance. If you’re replacing the covering only, and need no structural work or roof deck repairs, there are many options available.

Think about how you envisage using your space, as this could influence your decision making. It may also be worth factoring in the long-term investment value of your installation. While some modern systems may be initially more costly to install, they offer far greater value over the life expectancy.

Let’s look at this in more detail.

Long term reliability

Replacing a flat roof is not a project many homeowners will want to carry out repeatedly. This is why choosing the best materials is important. Felt is a traditional flat roofing material, but with a much shorter service life than EPDM, for example, which carries a 50-year life expectancy.

Installing a modern membrane will give the project the longevity and waterproofing you need if you’re turning a garage into a garden office, for instance, or covering a flat roof extension. You’ll need a highly reliable waterproofing system to avoid damage to the living and workspaces and the goods inside.

Ease of installation

Ease of installation should be a high priority if you’re replacing the flat roof yourself. Be aware of your skillset and limitations when you choose your materials and look for the best system to suit.

Today, the best materials for replacing a flat roof are rubber membranes. Here at PermaRoof UK, we are strong advocates of EPDM, which is fast and straightforward to apply, long-lasting and reliable and available in a complete kit.

Rubber roofs require few tools and are typically adhered with water-based adhesives and applied in a single sheet, avoiding joins and making them ideal for DIY.

Cost vs value

EPDM membrane is designed to provide 100% waterproofing over its exceptional life expectancy of over 50 years. Outlasting other traditional flat roofing systems by far, EPDM continues performing when other roofing needs replacement.

This cuts both materials and installation time and associated costs offering a cost-effective approach over the long term.

Further reading:

Buying a flat roof replacement kit

A roof kit is the perfect way for a DIYer to approach replacement. There is no concern about over or underbuying and kits include everything you need to get the best job done:

• EPDM membrane (overhang included)
• Adhesive
• Sealant
• Gutter and edge trim
• Fixings
• Installation instructions

Related products to buy online:

Flat roof replacement with EPDM

It is fast and easy to use EPDM for flat roof replacement, especially if you have purchased a kit.

Remove the existing roof covering and prepare the surface, removing any grease or oil spots using a solvent-free cleaner. Once the roof is prepared, lay out the membrane to rest for 30 minutes. This allows packaging creases to dissipate. Installing EPDM rubber for a flat roof replacement is a straightforward process. Watch the video below to see for yourself…

Video guide: How to replace a flat roof:

If you have a question about how to find the best materials for a replacement flat roof or any other aspect of your project, give our expert team a call on 01773 608 839 or use the live chat for a quick query. Please visit our FAQs page for more information.

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