Oy! Anyone got an extension with a flat roof? Come and talk to me!

[Dolphinnoises]

Yes, I know I know it's duuulllllll....

But we need some more space and the architect says it's got to have a flat roof for all sorts of boring reasons. I really didn't want one - I'm imagining drumming rain and leaks and no-one wanting to buy it if we decide to sell, and insurance companies refusing to insure us.

Does anyone out there know better? Yes I know I should have posted in Mumsnetters With Extension questions or similar, but it's a bit niche and I think I'll need the traffic.

[NearTheWindmill]

Twinkle's DH has said what the roofers said I think. It's great.

[Dolphinnoises]

I'll ask, Pharoah - you're right. I sort of imagined loads of tumbleweeds floating past and look at it all! Bless you all

[PharaohQueen]

What a shame this is in Chat, can you get it moved so this information can stay?

[Dolphinnoises]

No he's great I slightly love him now - thank you very much indeed, I'm going to print all that out so I don't lose it

MissBeehiving - your house is amazing!

[FryOneFatManic]

Hey, Twinkle, don't worry As a flat roof owner I did find it a bit interesting

[TwinkleSparkleBling]

Sorry if that was too epic as you can imagine DH is truly riveting at parties!

[TwinkleSparkleBling]

Hi,

Twinkle's DH here.

I work for a flat roofing company. So declaring an interest from the off - however I don't know where you are based so not touting for business.

Firstly there is nothing wrong inherently with a flat roof per-se - it's what we have traditionally covered them with that is the problem.

You do need some sort of pitch even on a "flat" roof - a minimum of 1 in 80 but I would recommend 1 in 60 as better. Also make sure the architect takes the water from the property away to the edge of the roof, and not as I've seen before, from the edge of the roof back to the main building and then out through internal drains and all sorts - just bad practice.

Felt, has typically a lifespan of 7-10 years, slightly longer if covered in chippings. People ignore their roofs until they leak - which is about 2 years too late! Also, walking on it causes it to crack quicker.

There are however a range of products on the market now that have significantly longer lifespans. The product we use is called "Rubberbond" - it is an EPDM elastomeric single ply membrane with a fleece reinforcement layer. In a nutshell, fit this roof and you will NEVER have to re-cover it. The first roofs were done in 1962 in the US and no roof has ever had to be recovered (ok, sounding like a sales pitch over).

We give 25 year guarantee on it - most other installers will give 20-25 on it as well.

Do not confuse it with Firestone - which is a simple EPDM - it's cheaper, but no-where near as strong and won't last as long.

Insurance companies know about it, and whilst you still have to declare if you have an area of flat roof, once you tell them it's Rubberbond you'll be fine.

Do NOT fit fibreglass whatever you do. It's brittle, and whilst very strong, it has a tendency to crack.

There are also liquid coatings available - some better than others so do your research carefully on these.

Needless to say, Rubberbond isn't cheap - typically on a new-build it will cost 10-20% more than felt or fibreglass, but given the lifespan benefit it's well worth the extra.

Hope that helps, but for more info please PM DW.

[MissBeehiving]

This is my sloping flat roof because it's planted then there is no sound and it looks great. We sit on it in the summer . Never had any problems with noise or leaks.

[LaundryFairy]

We're planning a flat roof, but a green one planted with sedum to make it more interesting, cut down on the sound of rain falling, and reduce water run off. Hope to do it later this year (money permitting).

[TwinkleSparkleBling]

DH works for a flat roofing company. They do a 25 year guarantee, I don't know the ins and outs but he sells lots and never has any complaints . I think they re do old ones with some sort of "magic" cover.

I'll ask him for info in a mo..........

[Tiredandhot]

We put a lantern in ours - this sort of thing (if photo thing works), it's lovely as let's in so much light. Can be hot in summer when the sun comes through directly but we have a shade thing inside. Yes, you do hear the rain but it's not really a problem, the kids love it.

[FryOneFatManic]

Our extension has a flat roof. And we've not had a problem in the nearly 7 years we've been here (house bought with extension in place).

I can only hear the rain if it's really hard. I like the fact that the roof, while flat, slightly tilts to one side so all the water drains off into a gutter, which wasn't the case with the flat roof of PILs garage. Totally flat so water did pool and case issues.

[Dolphinnoises]

Not to worry, I'll just say "I'll have the thing with the 25 year guarantee please" and do this

[NearTheWindmill]

We had a bit of flat roof redone a couple of years ago and the stuff they use is now very advanced and comes with a 25 year guarantee. I'm sorry I can't remember the exact technical terms.

[BohemianGirl]

Yes and no we dont hear the rain

[Dolphinnoises]

Reassuring about the rain - and we should fall within pepperrabbit's 20%, I'll call an insurance broker this week to see what it would mean.

Thanks for the reassurance all the rest of you...

[Dolphinnoises]

Ooh sorry that was to nicehair, the supermarket van arrived and by the time I came back there were loads of you!

[Dolphinnoises]

I need to check that with the architect in the morning - he sent me a letter laying it all out just as we were going away for Xmas but I only got around to reading it today. I was under the impression we were going to get a pitched roof but there are reasons why this would be v expensive...

[DawnOfTheDee]

Our entire house is flat roofed.

Hearing rain - not a problem at all. Don't really notice it.

Problems - we had the roof replaced when we moved in (we knew we would need to do this from the survey). Off the top of my head i think the new roof has a 20/25 year shelf life (ours is also guaranteed for 15 yrs i think?) That's pretty much standard and as long as that's understood (by you or whoever you sell it on to) it's not a problem. Just check regularly that there is no pooling, etc.

Some insurers don't like it and won't quote. However we've never had a problem getting insurance. There are still plenty of insurers who will quote and it doesn't make a massive difference to us premium wise.

[Rufustherednosedreindeer]

Sorry just seen insurance question

No that's never caused us any trouble with our insurers

And our flat roof is also our fire escape plan, we had special windows fitted in the room above it ( no idea how to open the bloody thing but I'm sure I'll work it out when the flames are licking my arse)

[phantomnamechanger]

oh yes, ours had a 25yr guarantee too when it was done

[GummiBear74]

We have one with no skylights and you can still hear the rain through it. It's about 10 years old and no leaks (yet).

One day, we'd like to replace it with a slightly sloping one.

[Bitofkipper]

1 storey flat roof extension here.It's 40 years old and no problems.
We did use a bitumen type paint on it about 20 years ago just in case; probably should check it again.