Why Choose A GRP Flat Roof?
A GRP flat roof, or fiberglass roof as it’s also known, is one of the most popular flat roofing solutions in the UK. GRP stands for Glass Reinforced Polyester, a composite material formed by strengthening plastic with fine fibres made of glass.
This single ply laminate has been used as a reliable means of covering and waterproofing roofs for over 60 years, although it’s popularity has soared in recent years thanks to new systems such as Cromar PROGRP. As well as commercial and domestic buildings, GRP has been used on a wide array of other applications, from boats and lorries to water tanks and ponds.
The installation of a GRP roofing system is highly regarded for its simplicity and safety, while the finished product it produces is recognised as having a lifespan that easily betters that of a felt roof.
How Much Does a Fibreglass Roof Cost?
Needless to say, the overall cost of any GRP roofing system will depend on whether a new roof is being constructed or an existing roof is being repaired/altered. The latter will of course be vastly cheaper.
What About a Fibreglass Roof Repair?
Repairs are not something you’d associate with a GRP flat roof. As long as the original job was carried out correctly on suitable decking with properly installed trims and flashing, your GRP roofing system need little cause for concern
Choosing the best flat roof
If you’re planning a new extension, garden project or just looking to replace a tiring roof, then there’s a good possibility that you’ve got flat-roofing issues on your mind.
Chances are you’re also feeling a bit lost about where to start!
Where once upon a time the options for flat-roofing covering were quite limited, there now seems to be a multitude of options to choose from – and a range of accompanying price tags.
Performance – the main goal of a flat-roof is surely to create an impenetrable barrier to water so the number one thing to look out for has got to be how well the material performs in terms of leak-proofing.
Durability – once installed, your flat-roof has got to withstand the brunt of the British weather so the durability of material is an important factor.
Cost – we know that no-one really wants to spend a fortune on a roof but it’s wise to be realistic about your budget, get a few quotes from different roofing specialists and bear in mind the quality/ cost ratio when making a decision
Why a Flat Roof is Perfect for Commercial Buildings
Flat roofs are common on commercial buildings because they are less expensive to install, easy to maintain and they allow the more efficient use of space both inside and outside.
Maintenance costs less for flat roofs because they are easier to get to and walk around on than a pitched roof. That also makes it easier to spot leaks or other problems. When it’s time to repair or replace a flat roof, the project often can be completed in a day, depending, of course, on the size.
Strategic business owners who choose a roof with a flat design have opportunities to lower operating costs in multiple ways. For example, since this roof’s foundation isn’t sloped, air conditioning units can be placed above a property instead of on the ground. This installation strategy for AC units can prevent vandalism and accidents in risky neighborhoods and communities. If a commercial roof is large enough,
To appreciate all the maintenance and functional benefits that a flat roof offers, you must select a proper roofing solution that suits your needs and situation. Flat roofs made with traditional materials last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. Roofs made with newer – although more expensive materials – can last up to 25 years
A traditional built-up roof is made from layers of hot tar and gravel. Gravel is fire-resistant, and the gravel is more attractive when seen from nearby windows.
Problems with a Flat Roof House
If you’re in the market for a new roof, you’re probably pinning loads of inspiration. You see a super modern house and wonder if you can you pull that off. Flat roofs are definitely an acquired taste. Also called low-slope roofs, these are an uncommon sight for more reasons than one. We’ll explain the problems that come with a flat roof house and why you can’t go wrong with a classic pitch.
Flat Roof Houses: Worth It?
You’re a shrewd customer, so you know it’s not all bad when it comes to a flat roof house. For one, because there isn’t the same heavy-lifting required, the labor costs less. And since it’s walkable, you can potentially use the roof as an outdoor space. We can admit that that’s pretty cool. But there are some problems you may not have thought about when it comes to this unique style
Drainage Issues
Your roof is the hardest working part of your house. It protects you from wind, rain, hot and cold – year in and year out. It can certainly take a beating. When choosing a roof, you want something that’s practical. Flat roofs are peculiar in terms of engineering, which makes them a problematic choice.
Fewer Options for Materials
One of the most exciting things about a remodel is choosing from all your options: material, color, style, and finish. A project involving a flat roof limits your options in terms of looks and functionality. This is because a flat roofing system supports fewer materials than a pitched roof.
Insulation Issues
The unique design of a flat roof adds another challenge to weatherproofing your house. Pitched roofs offer a layer of protection in the form of the attic or loft area. A flat roof still needs a place for the underlayment and insulating sheath to go, but the options aren’t too good. If you place the insulation under the roof deck it can cause condensation
Understanding Flat Roof Types for Commercial Buildings
As we’ve often talked about in our commercial roofing-focused blog posts, it’s possible for your commercial building to have the wrong type of roofing system
In buildings with flat roof structures (as opposed to low-slope or steep-slope structures), a “bad roof” can sometimes be installed. Most of the time, this is because inexperienced roofing contractors and novice building owners aren’t aware of all the decision factors that go into choosing the right roofing from the long list of possible options
WHAT TYPE OF FLAT ROOF IS THE BEST?
In short, this question can be difficult—maybe even impossible—to answer in broad terms. While there are plenty of commercial buildings of nearly identical construction located in areas with similar climate conditions, the business being conducted inside the building itself will often dictate what roofing system is best. (And, of course, additional factors such as an owner’s budget will influence the ultimate determination, too.)
BUILT-UP ROOFING (BUR)
One of the oldest commercial roofing types that still has merit in some new installation scenarios today is built-up roofing. BUR systems feature a continuous and semi-flexible membrane made of felt or fabric layers (called plies). The plies are alternated with layers of other asphalt-based materials like tar/bitumen and aggregate, which is the reason we sometimes refer to BUR as “tar and gravel” roofs.
THERMOPLASTIC SINGLE-PLY MEMBRANE ROOFING (PVC & TPO)
As we talked about in-depth in our recent blog post about single-ply membrane roofing, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) roofs offer the big benefits of reflectivity. These roofs are often white in color and offer high chemical resistance.
