New Flat Roof

[Sallythedog]

The heavy rain over the past few days has found the gaps in my flat roof. I've been in this house almost 5 years, and I have no idea when it was last done, but I think I'd rather have a proper whole new roof rather than trying to get it repaired. But I'm open to suggestions.

I'm reasonably property savvy, but aware that roofing in particular can attract some people who won't have my best interests at heart. I live in SW London and have garnered a few recommendations from various local websites, so will be asking for quotes.

The point of my post is this: what questions should I be asking; should I be considering a rubber EPDM material, or stick with traditional, which I believe is bitumen.

If anybody has any experience or views, I would be most grateful.

[Mrsladybirdface]

We've just had our roof with epdm...wasnt that expensive. Gives me such piece of mind...and it looks good too!

[Sallythedog]

That's interesting Mrslady. I think peace of mind would be my favourite option! I've been dithering about what I want (while moving the buckets to catch the drips) and a positive endorsement is extremely helpful.

[KimKardashiansArse]

I think the traditional type of flat roof material has a much shorter life than all of the modern options and is more vulnerable to damage.

As well as EPDM you could consider fibreglass or single ply. They all seem similar in terms of lifespan. It's important to get a good installer though. We're having fibreglass for our loft conversion and not sure yet for kitchen extension - anything but the torch on felt stuff!

[KimKardashiansArse]

I found this page useful when I was trying to understand it all:

www.fixmyroof.co.uk/videos-and-guides/flat-roof-replacement/

[Sallythedog]

Thanks for that KKA, in addition to the local recommendations, I've found a company on Which? Trusted Traders who are only about 5 miles away, so on Monday I'm planning to check on those I can, and try to make some appointments for people to come and quote. I'll bear in mind your 'fibreglass or single ply' comment, and might lob that into the conversation to see how they respond.

[DancingLedge]

Bear in mind it can be an opportunity to increase insulation, and also put in a skylight.Nothing like light from above!

[Sallythedog]

Thankyou KKA for the extremely helpful article. I've printed off the comparison table, so at least I'll have some idea of what's being discussed. While I need a long lasting roof, it's unlikely that I'll be here to make a claim after 20 years! Which is another reason why I want to have as much info as possible - I am, er, an older woman, living on my own, so could be seen as a rip-off candidate by unscrupulous companies.

Good points, Dancing. I suspect that any insulation already in the roof is pretty much saturated in a couple of areas, and that insulating products are much improved since the roof was done.