Need our flat roof redoing- what do I need to know?

[wrigglebum]

The flat roof over our kitchen needs redoing- it was put on when the extension was built in about 1980. We knew it would need doing at some point but I've been checking it over regularly and just noticed a small crack up the side of it. Given the age of the roof I think it'll be a recovering rather than a patch, plus we're planning to have a new kitchen put in so I don't want to risk that getting ruined if the roof gives in!

The room is pretty cold, so I'm thinking we might want to get some sort of insulation added into it, and I think there's some sort of requirement to get the boarding underneath replaced with waterproof boards (or did I imagine that)?

I keep seeing that strange rubber covering advertised- is it any good or is it a gimmick? Considering the roof has lasted 30 years I think the regular ones are ok (my parents have a lot of flat roof at theirs too and never had any problems). If it makes any difference, the roof faces south east and gets a lot of needles falling on it from a massive pine tree in the garden (that has a TPO on it so can't chop it down).

Is there any sort of professional flat roofing body I should look for to make sure we don't get cowboys? What sort of price should it be (I'm rubbish with sizes but it's pretty big, maybe 5 x 7m).

I have considered replacing it with a proper roof but from the height of it and where our upstairs windows are I don't think that's possible.

Finally (thanks for making it this far!), does anyone know any good firms in the Bristol area. I'll post on my local site too and ask around the neighbours but I don't know anyone locally with as much flat roof as us!

The cold room could be due to lack of all round insulation. Now we would put great think insulation in the floor below your extension but I will bet that is not there in a 1980s build.
This could be a good opportunity to bring your roof insulation up to or better than current standards - will involve replacing the joists.
you will be pleased you made the investment if you can afford it.
Current flat roofs installed correctly will last for decades. Can you find local roofing companies that have been established for decades? We have a few good ones to choose from in my area.

Yes, we will get it as insulated as possible, if a job's worth doing and all that. The floor is insanely cold so we're changing the cold tiles for laminate flooring as that should feel warmer under foot. Also replacing the tiny and inefficient radiator for something better. It does have cavity wall insulation but it's rock wool rather than the beads we have elsewhere. Plus double glazing, but again not the best. It's outside the original house and has loads of doors and windows so will never be toasty.

I've had a couple of recommendations for local companies so I'll call round tomorrow, I've also had a look at some in the trade body.