If you’re searching for the best flat roof material in the UK, you’ve come to the right place. With our experience and know-how, we’ve 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 in the UK? Carry on reading to find out!
What materials are used for flat roofing?
There are a number of different materials and techniques used to create flat roofs, but not all are as good as others.
- EPDM rubber roofing – A synthetic rubber sheet installed using adhesive. Commonly used for both residential and commercial properties.
- GRP (Glass Reinforced Polyester) – A resin and glass fibre mixture that cures into a solid, smooth roof.
- Torch on roofing – Layers of bitumen melted with a hot torch. Common in industrial buildings and outhouses.
- PVC and TPO roofing – Plastic sheets that are welded together to create a flat roofing system.
Now you’re aware of some of the main materials; let’s delve into the best flat roofing materials.
What are the best flat roof materials?
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EPDM rubber roofing
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 materials should also be able to handle regular foot traffic, so maintenance teams can access the roof without concern, and an EPDM roof can do just that.
The benefits of EPDM rubber roofing
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
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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 it 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.
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GRP roofing
Whilst EPDM is the best choice for standard commercial flat roofing, GRP, or Glass Reinforced Polyester, is another brilliant option and one of the best flat roofing materials, thanks to its incredible durability. Applied as a liquid resin with a glass fibre mat underneath, GRP cures into a single solid surface without any seams or joints.
With no joints or welds, it makes an incredibly resistant surface with less opportunity for wear and damage from gaps. If you’re a property owner who wants strength and a sleek look for a commercial property, GRP is a great choice.
The only downside to this roofing is that it is only suitable for medium or smaller roofing spaces, as thermal expansion can cause cracks when GRP cures over larger spaces.
Why choose 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 materials 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 materials 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 help.