If you’re searching for the best flat roof material in the UK, you’ve come to the right place. Here at Flat Roof Experts we have been providing high quality roofing services to Yorkshire and the surrounding areas since 1998. Since then, we have established ourselves as one of the UK’s most trusted and experienced roofing specialists. We’ve also worked with or been exposed to a wide range of different materials during that time too.
With this experience and know-how we uncovered the cheapest roofing material, and the most effective in terms of protection and durability. So what is the best material for a flat roof UK? Carry on reading to find out!
The best flat roof material
Without doubt, the best material for flat roof installations is EPDM rubber roofing. EPDM stands for ethylene propylene diene monomer. This is a highly durable and flexible synthetic rubber material. It is also one of the UK’s most trusted materials for flat roofing. It’s designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, from freezing winters to scorching summers, making it ideal for commercial and industrial buildings.
Lightweight and easy to handle, EPDM places minimal stress on your structure while still offering impressive strength. It’s also resistant to algae, UV rays and water ingress. This all keeps your roof clean and dry for decades, with very little maintenance. The best flat roof material should also be able to handle regular foot traffic, so maintenance teams can access the roof without concern. An EPDM roof can do just that.
Benefits of the best material for flat roof installations
EPDM has a long list of other benefits, including:
- Long lifespan (30 to 50 years)
- Abrasion and tear resistance
- Flexible, durable and lightweight
- Easy to maintain and repair
- Excellent temperature range (-51°C to 140°C)
- Withstands extreme weather
- Resistant to damage from dilute acids, alkalis and ketones
- Excellent waterproofing
Green roofing
Green roofing is an increasingly popular choice for those looking to combine visual appeal with environmental benefits. Our green roofs are made using sedum plants, sourced locally from Ilkley in Yorkshire. This offers a natural, low maintenance method of enhancing your property and keeping aesthetically balanced with the locality.
Sedum plants help improve air quality by absorbing pollutants and releasing clean oxygen, making your environment healthier too. They also reduce rainwater runoff, helping to ease the strain on drainage and sewage systems, and provide excellent thermal insulation too. By moderating external temperature changes, they help keep your building warm in winter and cool in summer. This can significantly reduce your energy bills.
However, for added durability and protection, we recommend installing an EPDM rubber roofing layer beforehand. This will sit beneath your green roof installation to create a fully waterproof barrier and enhance the performance and longevity of your roofing system.
Benefits of commercial flat roofing
Why would you opt for a flat roof in the first place? There are many benefits to commercial flat roofing, including:
- Simple to inspect and maintain: Flat roofs are much easier and safer to access than pitched alternatives, making routine inspections and minor repairs quicker and less costly. This ease of access helps you stay on top of maintenance and avoid bigger issues down the line.
- Strong and weather resistant: UK weather can be unpredictable, with heavy rain and strong winds common throughout the year. Modern flat roofs use high performance membranes like EPDM rubber to withstand the elements and provide long lasting durability.
- Cost effective to install and maintain: Budget matters in any business. Fortunately, flat roofing is typically more affordable than pitched options. This is true in terms of both materials and installation. EPDM rubber offers excellent value for money with low maintenance needs and a long lifespan, making it a smart investment for commercial spaces.
How EPDM compares to other flat roofing materials
While EPDM is a top performer, it’s helpful to understand how it compares to other options like felt or fibreglass. Traditional felt roofs are cheaper upfront but often wear out faster and require more maintenance. Fibreglass is more rigid and can be brittle in very cold weather.
EPDM, by contrast, offers superior flexibility and is easier to repair. It also offers a much longer average lifespan, up to 50 years with proper installation. It also doesn’t crack or split with age, giving it a major advantage over alternative roofing systems.
Find the best material for flat roof projects at Flat Roof Experts
Want to talk to the team here at Flat Roof Experts some more about our EPDM rubber roofing services? Not a problem! We can advise and provide assistance with the best material for flat garage roof projects and more. Simply contact us and get a quote, send an email to [email protected], or come and pay us a visit at our store in Bradford. We’d be more than happy to see you!