Along with our Carpentry services, we specialize in fiberglass and EPDM roofs.
GRP fiberglass flat roofing
A GRP roof is a single-ply GRP laminate applied in situ over a good quality conditioned plywood or OSB deck. The roof is finished with pre-formed GRP edge trims and a coat of pre-pigmented topcoat.
The durability and lightweight properties of GRP make it the ideal construction material for applications as diverse as lorry aerofoils and roofs, boats, ponds and automotive body panels. GRP is also used in hostile industrial settings for applications such as tanks and underground pipes; this is due to its ability to withstand high temperatures and its resistance to chemicals.
Unlike other roofing materials, GRP is not really a roofing material and has properties that render it better suited to small craft construction. It is often used on small domestic installations, but usually fails prematurely when used on larger scale projects. As well as being an inexpensive material, it is robust, inflexible and will never corrode.
When fitted, the fibreglass and resin laminate together and are mechanically fixed to the surface they are laid on to. You may walk on it, put planters or other heavy objects on it, without causing any damage. Salt water and UV rays have no effect on it and pooling water will not affect it since there are no joints, apart from the expansion joints which are raised up above the surface, in short it will be very hard to accidentally damage it.
This system can be laid on to external grade ply or concrete, it is very flexible and will flex and bend more than your roof can. As with any flat roof system the base has to be firm and in reasonable condition. We will not lay directly onto old felt, it will be removed first or have external grade ply laid over it.
As an optional extra you can insulate you roof very effectively before the fibreglass is laid. This must be an important consideration for you with fuel being so expensive and high carbon emissions being unacceptable. Insulate your roof now and you will after approx. 6 years have saved enough money on your fuel bills to pay for the cost of the installation.
EPDM
EPDM is a synthetic rubber that covers the entirety of your roof, forming a durable membrane that keeps the elements on the outside where they belong. However, while there’s no questioning its strength, you don’t have to worry that an EPDM roofing system is going to add a dangerous amount of weight onto your structure. EPDM generally weighs about 1/3 a pound per square foot. Just about any building out there is a candidate for EPDM, thanks to how lightweight it is.
EPDM is generally rolled out over your existing roof and then adhered to the structure, mechanically attached or ballasted. While some seams will remain visible, they will essentially be glued down so that no elements can sneak between them and cause problems for you. On top of that, sheets of EPDM are usually overlapped over one another, for even better protection.
Key features & benefits of EPDM:
- Superior durability and longevity
- Free from plasticizers
- Unmatched resistance to ozone, UV radiation and extreme temperatures
- Life expectancy of more than 50 years
- Quick and easy installation
- Large Sheets available = fewer field seams
- High flexibility and elongation
- Low-life cycle costs
- Little or no maintenance.
- Sustainable roofing solution