A leaking flat roof can go from ‘minor drip’ to serious damage very quickly. Whether it’s over a garage, extension or porch, the key is acting early and choosing the right repair method.
What causes flat roof leaks?
Most flat roof leaks are caused by:
- Cracks or splits in the waterproof layer
- Worn or lifting seams
- Ponding water breaking down the surface
- Failed flashings around edges or outlets
If caught early, many of these issues can be repaired without replacing the whole roof.
Do I need to replace my flat roof?
Not always. If the deck beneath is still solid and the leak is localised, a targeted high quality patch or liquid repair is often enough. This is where modern liquid repair systems really shine – they seal cracks, reinforce weak areas and cure into a fully waterproof finish.
These solutions are commonly used on:
- Felt roofs
- Garage roofs
- Dormers and extensions
You’ll find suitable options on our leak repairs page here, or you can head straight to our online store to explore our repair products range.
Which repair products actually work?
A proper repair usually involves:
- Cleaning and preparing the surface
- Treating cracks, joints, and splits
- Applying a liquid waterproof coating
Quality liquid systems bond directly to the existing roof and are designed to handle standing water; something traditional patches often struggle with.
We offer a range of repair products in our online store, containing specific liquid solutions for an Emergency, temporary seal and a detailing system for a more targeted, longer term approach.
Need help choosing the right fix?
Flat roof leaks aren’t always obvious, and treating the symptom instead of the cause can cost more in the long run. If you’re unsure what’s leaking – or what product to use – we’re here to help.
Pick up the phone or head to our Get Help page here, send us a few details using the contact form and we’ll help you decide whether a repair is suitable or if replacement should be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions about Roof Repairs
Check inside buildings, the roof space, closed rooms – signs of roof damage can include:
- An obvious damp smell
- Damp or dark patches on ceilings or walls
- Condensation around the windows
- Mould or mildew forming
- Peeling wallpaper or blown plasterwork
Yes. We stock EPDM patches in the PermaRoof online store here. If the hole or tear requires a larger patch, consider using a piece of EPDM membrane, applied using primer and the correct adhesives or sealant as usual.
A small hole or tear in an EPDM membrane can be effectively repaired using a patch. Ensure that the patch is sufficiently large enough to completely cover the hole and surrounding area. If the hole or damage is significant, it may be better to replace the roof covering altogether.
It is always advisable to thoroughly check the deck below, before carrying out the patch repair. This is to ensure that there is no damage to the timber or substrate as a result of the leak. Any repairs to the deck should be made and allowed to dry out first.
A patch repair is typically carried out on roofing membrane, where a ‘patch’ of the membrane is used to seal a hole or tear in a similar way to a bicycle puncture.
No, it is not advisable to use the product while it is raining. However, it can effectively seal in minutes and will protect the repair if rain begins shortly afterwards.
Although PermaRoof Emergency Roof Repair is not a paint product, this type of liquid is often referred to as ‘repair paint’.
The product consists of a liquid acrylic polyurethane blend that can be used in conjunction with a webbing-type matting for a longer term repair.
No, PermaRoof Emergency Roof Repair can be applied with a paintbrush once thoroughly stirred.
Traditional felt shed roofing loses its integrity over time and often needs to be repaired or replaced. In hot weather, the surface is prone to melting and this can result in bubbles forming across the surface. When it rains, or the weather grows cooler, these bubbles can crack easily, which lets in water.
Replacing old felt covering with a modern EPDM membrane minimises the risk of leaking and preserves the integrity of the shed for longer.
How to repair a flat roof. Depending on the nature and scale of the damage and the type of roofing installed, a flat roof can be repaired in several ways. First identify the source of the leak and locate the damaged area. Prepare the surface for a patch repair on a rubber roof and apply an EPDM patch to a clean, primed surface. Seal cracks in concrete roofing using liquid rubber for the best results. Extensively repaired flat roofing should ideally be removed and replaced.
Related News from the PermaRoof UK Blog
Leaking Flat Roof? What Are Your Options?
A leaking flat roof can go from 'minor drip' to serious damage very quickly. Whether it’s over a garage, extension or porch, the key is acting early and choosing the right repair method. What causes flat roof leaks?
Triple Threat Warning for Flat Roofing Ahead of Storm Goretti
Roofing experts have issued a warning to homeowners about the danger of potential damage to flat roofs as Storm Goretti moves across the country this week. In a ‘triple-threat’ scenario, the fast-accumulating heavy snow, fluctuating temperatures and high
Make It a Leak-Free Silent Night (Not a Holey Night)
In the run-up to Christmas, we’re decking the halls at PermaRoof with real-life makeovers, a sprinkling of DIY magic and a sleigh-load of inspiration from our brilliant customers and team. Our 12 Projects of Christmas feature is
Get in Touch
Please leave your details and someone from the PermaRoof UK team will be touch shortly to help you with your enquiry.
Permaroof UK® Ltd
Unit 1
Westway
Cotes Park Industrial Estate
Alfreton
Derbyshire DE55 4QJ
Tel: 01773 608 839
Fax: 01773 608 408
Email: Click here
Registration No. 4109502
VAT No. 764 2785 00
Permaroof (UK) LTD
Opening Hours
Mon – Fri (8am / 5pm)
We are closed on bank holidays and we re-open the following working day at 8am. Feel free to send us your enquiry during these periods and we can get back to you.
CONTACT PERMAROOF UK
PermaRoof UK are on hand to answer any questions regarding our products, services or your order. We welcome enquiries from the trade, stockists and homeowners alike. Contact PermaRoof UK today using the below form and one of our experienced team members will be on hand to help you right away.
Permaroof UK® Ltd
Unit 1
Westway
Cotes Park Industrial Estate
Alfreton
Derbyshire DE55 4QJ
Tel: 01773 608 839
Fax: 01773 608 408
Email: Click here
Registration No. 4109502
VAT No. 764 2785 00
Permaroof (UK) LTD
PermaGroup Brands, Partners and Clients
PermaGroup has established links with some of the biggest names in our industry thanks to our reputation of excellence. Read more about becoming a supplier or stockist here.
