How To Inspect Your Roof for Storm Damage

Inspecting Your Roof's Storm Damage

Living in the UK, we have no shortage of storms or bad weather, and as a homeowner, staying on top of leaks is a must. Storms can wreak havoc on roofs, roof storm damage often includes blowing off shingles to the tree next door shedding their branches on your roof.

Whatever the case, assessing your roof for damage after every bout of bad weather is important for keeping the rest of the home safe. As expert roofers, in this blog, we’ll walk you through what to be aware of and how to inspect your roof for storm damage so there’s no problem you ever miss.

Assessing The Roof for Damage

The most obvious and simplest place to start is walking outside your property before getting up on a ladder. Walking around all accessible sides of your house can help you check the gutters plastic fascias, and soffits, ensuring there’s no displacement or cracks from weather damage. Problems with your roof can be noticed from the ground, the interior of your home and when you call in an inspector to go up on the roof.

Signs you have roof damage or your roof is unsafe

If something is not right with your roof, there will be signs that the structure isn’t safe, for example:

Sagging roof structure
Water stains or ceiling discolouration and dark spots
Missing or damaged shingles (broken, cracked or curling)
Interior mould, rotting wood or mildew growth
Visible roof debris
Accumulated moss growth
Creaking or unusual sounds during high winds
Leaky or clogged guttering
Collection of granules in the gutter or ground around downspouts
Problems in your attic

Performing a roof health check

Roof health checks are important to help find problems before they escalate, and failing to do so might cause problems with your home insurance claims if damage is caused by neglect or wear and tear.

However, don’t feel pressured into going up a ladder and inspecting a roof unless you’re comfortable and able to do so.

Inspecting the well-being of your roof can be done from the ground, either through a visual inspection, which will highlight any blockages or cracks, for example, or if you’re more advanced, you could use a drone.

If in any doubt, always pay a professional roofer if you feel something’s wrong, or follow the Ladder Association’s safety guidance here.

You should inspect your roof after every storm

Go.Compare in 2022 found through a survey that storm damage was the most common type of home insurance claim, which comes as no surprise as the roof is the highest, most exposed and vulnerable component of your home’s structure, making it the most susceptible to storm damage.

And as lots of things can cause accidental damage to your roof, including falling trees, branches and objects thrown against it with force during storms, you should expect cracked or missing tiles after each impact to be safe.

Rubber Roofing Direct supplies EPDM and rubber roofing solutions (see kits) that help homeowners prepare for all kinds of weather.

EPDM is strong, durable, and weather-resistant, making it great for surviving the UK’s weather. Plus, it’s easily repairable if damaged, keeping your costs low.

Guide To Maintaining Your Green Roof

Routine Maintenance For a Healthy Green Roof

With the UK becoming more environmentally conscious, green roofs are growing in popularity year after year. Despite being better for the environment, extending the longevity of your roof's structure, and helping you conserve energy, green roofs are more than just a great eco-friendly solution.

Leading the way in urban aesthetics, green roofs deliver architectural innovation, making homes feel and look more modern, changing the future landscape of roofs. So, if you're thinking of installing one, then it's only right to learn what it will take to care for and maintain it.

Free Checklist Included

As a quick, general overview, the maintenance demands of a green roof are moderate, which means they don't always require a significant investment of time and resources. However, the initial installation and ongoing of care are essential for the continued vitality of your green roof.

Essential maintenance tasks to keep your green roof damage-free

There are two aspects of taking care of a green roof; managing the shrubbery and maintaining the membrane.

Managing plant overgrowth

Overgrowth of some plants is inevitable with any green roof. Plants can easily find their way into areas they're not meant to be, like gutters or vents, which could cause blockages and damage, so consistent vigilance is key to preventing problems.

By regulating and inspecting your green for vegetation growing beyond the intended area, you can remove them and relocate them to other areas of the green roof that might appear sparse in their vegetation.

We recommend sedum for your green roof, as it should have no issue adapting swiftly to its new location if you need to reposition it. Perform these checks every month to ensure every plant stays in its designated spot.

Watering the green roof

To maintain the vitality of your green roof, you'll need to water it. How often you'll need to water the roof will depend on the type of roof; for example, sedum roofs are resilient and will endure longer periods without water.

Meanwhile, more intensive green roofs that contain larger flora-like bushes might require more watering during prolonged dry spells. If you have wildflowers on your roof, they'll be the most water-dependent.

Rehydration timeline:

1 week dry: No need for additional water for sedum/
2 weeks dry: Wildflowers and intensive roofs require watering.
3 weeks dry: Increase watering for wildflowers and water a sedum roof if foliage looks stressed.
4+ weeks dry: Water all plants, but don't overdo it if they're coping well.

An irrigation system can ease this process and provide water when needed.

Alternatively, you could opt for artificial grass for your green roof, which would save about 23% of energy per year and require no substructure for grass to root.

Weed management

Maintaining your green roof might sometimes entail controlling weed growth. Harmful weeds are moss and tree seedlings, which can cause damage to robust root symptoms and will need to be promptly removed to preserve the roof's integrity. When moss is present, it could indicate excess moisture or even a lack of sunlight, so you might need to investigate any underlying causes, such as drainage or shading.

Regularly monitoring your roof, inspecting for debris, and keeping the drainage free from blockages is critical for sustaining your green roof. If you're having problems with plant survival or wilting vegetation, you'll need to ascertain the course, which is often due to an incorrect or inadequate drainage membrane. Bear in mind that frequent footfall traffic can also result in plants dying off as green roofs aren't designed for regular pedestrian traffic.

Leaks and waterproofing

Green roofers beware, as leaks can often be a significant problem with green roofs, which could cause property damage and a costly re-roof replacement.

As you will need to be careful of plant selection and overwatering, it will be better to choose underlying membranes like FlexiProof. Due to its waterproofing properties and resilience, FlexiProof is the preferred waterproof option for green roof construction.

Even our fleece-backed EPDM rubber roofing membranes are the perfect flat roof solution for any type of green roof, offering up to 50 years of peace and durability.

Learn more about green roof construction, repair and replacement.

Roof Rubber EPDM Membrane Installation Close Up.

Roofing Statistics

Roofing Statistics That Every Roofer Should Know

By staying informed about the roofing industry's trends and statistics, roofers can better understand the market and anticipate customer needs to adapt their service to be even more exceptional and meet current industry standards. Keeping up to date with the latest reports and developments in the roofing industry can provide valuable insights and is key to remaining successful within this competitive space.

Roofing Industry Research

By 2030, the global roofing market is projected to reach $156 billion based on a 4.3% annual increase, according to this 2021 industry forecast.
The UK market size for 2024 to 2029 is estimated to reach an estimated £6.1bn in 2023.
During the first quarter of 2023, roofing contractors’ workload grew by 43% on the previous quarter, which reported a 21% decline.
Further, 4% of firms increased their direct headcount, with 11% of firms growing their use of sub-contracted labour during the quarter.
Some firms found it difficult to employ and fill roles for roof slaters and tilers among the two most frequently mentioned, with 45% of firms reporting recruitment problems. The report also noticed a widespread shortage of slaters, tilers, built-up felt roofers and lead workers.
Across the UK, roofers were found to be the highest earners with an average turnover of £65,213 compared to other trades like electricians taking home an average of £47,385.
With a 70% rise in new roofing businesses, 2,300 new roofing industry firms launched in 2022, according to figures from Companies House, which only saw 1,341 in 2021 by comparison.
Revenue throughout the roofing industry grew 3.7% per year on average from 2018 to 2023.
40,176 people were employed in the roofing industry in 2023.
70% of firms reported that their material costs rose during the first quarter of 2023 (up from 64%) the previous quarter.
58% of firms saw wage costs rise during the first quarter, and this increase in contractors’ costs fed through to tender prices, with 51% of firms raising their prices during this time. Source.
Public non-residential RM&I is expected to be the fastest growing sector with a balance of 30 per cent firms anticipating that their sector workload will increase during 2023.
Roofing firms operating particularly in the South West, London and Southern Counties expect the strongest growth in workloads this year.
40% of nationwide firms reported to providing solar installation services, with only 22% of firms reporting the implementation of zero VAT installations created more business for their services.
Since 2016, the market for flat roofs has grown largely due to improvements in new builds and refurbishment output across schools, universities, warehouses, infrastructure buildings and apartments.
AMA Research predicts over the medium term to 2025, growth rates for flat roof waterproofing will increase.
Results in 2017 showed a surprising annual market growth rate of 17.1% for green roofs in the UK.
London installs an estimated 42% of all green roofs in the UK due to a specific green roof planning policy driving the market.
33% of homeowners replace their roofs due to leaking, 33% due to storm damage and 3% want to improve the appearance of their home.

Sources

Best Brands of Rubber Roofing

Which Brand of Rubbing Roofing Is The Best? Compare Them

Each roofing system has unique properties, and determining the absolute best brand of rubber roofing can depend on several factors, such as your specific project requirements, budget, and even personal preferences. That said, some brands have consistently earned high marks for their durability, quality, and overall performance. Let’s explore them below.

Brands We Offer

We offer three types of EPDM membranes and sheeting, two of which are served under the FlexiProof and one targeted specifically for shed roofing. We specialise in rubber roofs, and with our 20 years of experience, we’ve worked with all brands and kinds and have even offered them to our customers at some point or another.

However, today, we only back FlexiProof, as we’ve found it to be the most effective and consistent, reporting the fewest complaints and the best reviews from roofers and homeowners alike in the UK.

FlexiProof:

FlexiProof’s EPDM rubber roofing membranes are highly recommended for their flexibility and durability, providing a cost-effective solution across various roofing applications like flat roofs, extensions and garden sheds.

Benefits of FlexiProof

FlexiProof involves an easier installation, making it ideal to install on roofs with irregular shapes or contours.
Made from EPDM rubber FlexiProof is durable and resistant to weathering, UV radiation and temperature extremes, making it one of the longest-lasting roofing materials of 50 years.
Competitively priced and cost-effective.
Requires fewer seams than other roofing materials, reducing the risk of leaks and simplifying maintenance requirements.
Only simple hand tools are required for installation.
Covered by warranty if you complete a training course (£99).

Projects it’s ideal for

Flat roof extensions
Dormer roofs
Bay windows
Flat garage roofs
Green roofs
Roof gardens
Warm deck roofs
Cold deck roofs
Low-pitch roofs

The fleece-backed version of the system is good for:

Asphalt flat roofs
Commercial flat roofs
Orangery roofs
Rubber gutter linings
Parapet flat roofs
Crown flat roofs
Balcony flooring
Porch flat roofs

Shed Rubber EPDM

As the name suggests, Shed Rubber specialises in rubber roofing sheets for sheds, gardens, and outbuildings. The EPDM membranes are easy to install and offer excellent weather resistance, making them ideal for any outdoor storage space or facility.

Benefits of Shed Rubber

EPDM roofing materials do not deteriorate as it uses a superior material compared to traditional shed felting.
Shed Rubber offers premium protection from the elements for up to 50 years.
Available in a single sheet for easier installation.
Covered by warranty if you do a course.

Projects it’s ideal for

Shed roofs
Outbuilding roofs
Treehouse roofs
Garden studio roofs

Shop our rubber roofing kits.

Fix drain into position using either countersunk screws or clout nails.

Want to Expand Your Roofing Business? Get Trained in Rubber Roofing

Boost Your Business With Reliable & Durable EPDM

Are you planning to expand your roofing business over the next year? Incorporate modern, cost-effective materials like rubber roofing into your service and increase your profits. Becoming a certified and accredited EPDM installer can revolutionise your roofing business and provide homeowners with a more suitable and durable material to coat their roofs.

Open New Doors

Receiving rubber roof application training can open new doors for trade flat roofers. After completing their certified training course, they can take their training further, reach new customers, and offer a well-rounded roofing service.

How EPDM Can Help Grow Your Roofing Business

Listening to any customer will tell you that their main roofing costs are due to their roofs battling diverse weather conditions in the UK, varying from season to season.

With the trend moving to more sustainable, energy-efficient, long-lasting options, roofers and contractors can turn to EPDM to ensure ultimate performance and save their customers money in the long run. Win, win, right?

Being environmentally friendly can help you stand out

Adding popular rubber membranes to your services and portfolio can improve your customer relationships. They'll trust your opinion, and you can deliver a rounded assessment of which products will be best for each type of project.

As a professional roofer in an ever-changing world, offering your customers an environmentally friendly product is crucial. This can give your business a new selling point when selling your services, as you can clearly show your effort in reducing your impact and contribution to the environment.

EPDM roofs will make you popular amongst your customer base as this material improves energy efficiency within homes as they reflect heat away from the building. By offering an energy-efficient roofing solution, you expand your reach. You can attract environmentally conscious customers, who might be more willing to pay a higher price for long-term saving costs.

Increase your overall profitability

Rubber roofing can help increase your overall profitability, offering lower material costs. EPDM roofing materials, like asphalt or metal roofing, are more affordable than traditional ones. The reduced material cost allows your business to maintain competitive prices and achieve healthy profit margins across your new roof projects.

On top of this, as EPDM roofing installation is easier and faster, it requires fewer specialised skills compared to other roofing materials, which can help you to further save on labour costs, as only a few hours are spent on each project, allowing you to allocate your resources more efficiently without increasing the cost of labour. Plus, as EPDM requires less repairs or maintenance, it means fewer callbacks or warranty claims, saving you time and money post-installation.

Complete projects faster

As EPDM roofs are relatively quick and easy to install on flat surfaces, the installation time is greatly reduced, which means you can complete more flat roofing projects in a given timeframe, ultimately increasing your overall revenue potential.

Tap into new markets

EPDM's versatility will allow your business to target and appeal to a wider range of customers, including businesses, homeowners, and property developers.

By diversifying this customer base, you can offer solutions tailored to each customer's need and budget, allowing you to tap into new and different markets and ultimately increase your revenue streams.

Why Roofers Are Stopping Using Felt

Modern Roofers Avoid Felt

Seeing as a roof is the core aspect of any building project, to deliver the best results for homeowners or clients, felt roofers must keep up with the industry, which has significantly evolved over time.

One noticeable shift in typical roofing practices has been moving away from the heavy use of traditional materials like felt. As you might know, felt has been a staple in roofing for decades, mainly due to its affordability.

However, felt notoriously does a poor job of keeping water out, which is the most essential component of any roof. That is why today's roofers are turning to more modern, advanced alternatives like rubber.

Several more factors are contributing to this trend…

What Roofers Use Instead of Felt

Durability

Homeowners are more knowledgeable than ever about roof types and materials, and a big concern for them is durability and whether their roof material can provide decent enough protection from water intrusion or is prone to deterioration over time. This is especially true if they live in an area that experiences harsh weather conditions, temperature fluctuations, or moisture, which can cause felt to degrade, leading to leaks and other problems.

Alternative roofing materials outperform felt in various aspects

In comparison, modern roofing materials like synthetic underlayment or rubber roofing products like FlexiProof (fleece-backed EPDM or one-piece) are both lightweight, flexible and tear-resistant, making them easier to install and more resilient against damage or the elements. Synthetic rubber materials are less susceptible to mould and mildew growth than traditional felt and enhance the roof's lifespan. Many felt roofers are making the switch to rubber as a more durable and eco friendly roofing material.

Homeowners of today are more environmentally conscious

It's not just cost and durability driving homeowners and roofers away from felt. Instead, the modern shift is also down to environmental consciousness. Traditional felt is typically made from bitumen-saturated organic fibres, which poses environmental concerns due to using fossil fuels in construction and runoff pollution.

Advanced but still affordable alternatives like rubber are often manufactured using recycled materials or are, in fact, recyclable themselves. This means they can be reused or repurposed elsewhere, reducing the environmental impact of installing a roof and disposing of it.

Regulatory changes

Building code updates have also influenced the roofing industry's preferences, as building standards have leaned towards more energy-efficient, sustainable materials.

This has meant that roofers alike have been inclined to adopt their materials to meet and even exceed these requirements. New roofing materials often offer better insulation properties, reduce heating and cooling costs and boost the property's overall energy efficiency.

Cost-effectiveness

Cost-effectiveness plays a significant role in any roofing project. Explore the costs of a new roof.

In some cases, while traditional felt might offer a lower upfront cost compared to alternative materials, its shorter lifespan and higher maintenance requirements often result in higher long-term expenses to sustain it. Plus, when you look at the cost of materials like rubber here, you'll see how it can beat the price of felt and offer homeowners a better solution.

Therefore, investing in more durable roofing materials will reduce the need for repairs and replacements, leading to significant savings over time. As the roofing industry continues to evolve, the use of felt will likely decrease, paving the way for more innovative solutions and materials that meet the ever-changing needs of modern construction.

How Much to Replace a Roof

How much does the average new roof cost?

Flat roof replacement costs
You don’t need us to tell you that a roof is one of the essential parts of your property. It protects your home from the elements and more, but if it becomes damaged or has lived out its life, you will need to repair it or replace it urgently to prevent problems from occurring.

How much is a new roof?
While the cost of a roof replacement in the UK is approximately £5,500, the cost will depend on the roof's size, the property's location, and the type of material you choose for your refurbishment/replacement. Getting honest and fair estimates can be difficult, but if you insist on using EPDM for your next roof, at least you can use our calculator to accurately price the materials you require.

That said, we thought we would provide some estimates below to help you understand how much a new roof might cost and give you a good idea of how much to budget.

The UK national average new roof estimate costs to replace a flat or new roof is from £1,500 to £25,000. Let's show you ways you can make it more affordable. See our roof repair cost calculator.

Free roof repair cost calculator

If you’re interested in using rubber roofing or EPDM membranes for your roof replacement, you can calculate the cost here.

2024 Replacement Roof Costs

Prices checked monthly

Replacement Flat roof costs - estimates

According to CheckaTrade, the UK national average estimates to replace a flat roof with a new roof is £5,500, typically lasting around 20 years and taking a week to install. However, most UK homeowners spend between £3,000 and £18,000 on a replacement or new roof (with higher costs covering larger, more complex roof installations like a hip roof). Per m2, typical roof installation costs range from £120 to £290, but this will also depend on the size of your roof and the material you opt for.

Roof replacement cost calculator

Price estimates using conventional roof types:

Type of roof	Typical average estimate costs	Cost per m2*
Flat roof cost	£1,440 - £3,400	£45 - £100
Gable roof cost	£7,500 - £16,250	£117 - £255
Hip roof cost	£8,500 - £17,500	£132 - £275

*The Costs in the above table are estimates based on an average roof area of 64m2 for a hip and gable roof and 32m2 for a flat roof.
Felt flat roof cost per m2 is approximately £55.

Additional costs

On top of this, when you receive your roof replacement quote, you might want to check what is included in the cost and what isn’t; for example, extra charges can often occur for scaffolding, existing roof removal and skips to dispose of the building and roofing waste.

Depending on what’s included in your cost or not, the additional items you’ll need for your roof replacement make replacing a roof expensive. For example, see the table below to calculate the total cost of your new roof.

ADDITIONAL SERVICE ESTIMATES

Insulation	From £400
Existing flat roof removal	£2,500
Skip hire	From £300
New fascia and soffits	From £2,000
Gutter installation	From £700

When you opt for a flat roof, you can often bypass all these additional costs, not to mention that the material is cheaper than standard roof designs.

green-roof-flexiproof-epdm-rubber-roofing

The Incredible Sustainability of Flat Roof Designs

The Role of Flexible Roofing Membranes in Sustainable Building Design

Buildings are symbolic of the times we live in. They reflect and symbolise the spirit of any given era, attending to our growing population's different needs, functions and lifestyles. Building architecture speaks of time and location, but ultimately, at the same time, it yearns for timelessness, according to prominent architect Frank Gehry.

In this era, architectural innovations explore and push the boundaries of new technological advancements and potentials, envisioning a way to enrich people’s lives and shape responses to contemporary challenges. The theme of our time is sustainability, which stands as a key challenge for homeowners to make responsible choices in materials and construction.

2024 Architectural Advances

Tips from roofing experts

Why sustainability is more than an architectural consideration

With the architecture of today evolving towards a circular economy, innovative materials, and sustainable urban design, prioritising resource efficiency, durability, waste reduction, and responsible material use is not just a trend but a significant new approach in contemporary building design.

The wave of sustainable architecture follows the ethos of “reduce, reuse and recycle”, emphasising natural, durable, and renewable materials. These materials reduce construction waste and resource depletion to foster a greener approach.

As The European Union’s Green Deal sets a goal for carbon-neutral buildings by 2050, renovations are urged to surge in both public and private sectors by renovating existing buildings through energy-efficient schemes.

But rather than hinder creativity in architecture, these challenges of sustainability serve to inspire, and one area that has great potential to push a building towards sustainability is innovative rooftop solutions, which can be seen with flat roofs, rubber roofs, and green roofing with solar installations without the need to sacrifice aesthetics.

EPFM roofing membranes stand out in this landscape

Rubber roofing membranes like EPDM offer both eco-friendliness and architectural potential. It permits modern architecture to merge responsibility with imagination and drive a new era of sustainable roofing.

EPDM roofing membranes are used on flat or low-slope roofs, although it’s important to mention that these are not the only shapes they can cover. Rubber offers total design freedom, even when the roof is not flat. Irregular-shaped roofs, wavy roofs, and roofs that extend to become part of the facade can all be waterproofed.

This material's single-ply nature provides architects with design freedom. Compared to other traditional roofing membranes that require installation in several layers, the thin layer ensures durability, high performance, and waterproofing without adding significant weight to the building structure.

The product is flexible and able to endure temperatures as low as -45°C. It easily conforms to irregular shapes and accommodates the structure’s expansions and contractions in temperature changes that do not compromise its integrity.

Further advantages

Rubber roofing membranes are suitable for new constructions and renovations and can be installed on various substrates with or without insulation. The installation methods will vary based on project needs, from adhesive application and mechanical fastening to ballistic. However, typically, most EPDM membranes can be applied in one shoot.

Notable advantages include no flames, heavy equipment, or tools necessary, which enhances site safety and flexibility. These modern membranes also support eco-friendly building practices like green, solar, and blue roofs, aligning with an architect’s vision. More simply, they can be used for shed roofs and extensions and are cheap to apply, install, and maintain.

Flat Roof Checklist

What Architects Should Pay Special Attention to During Flat Roof Installations

Architects shape the trajectory of many construction projects and wield considerable influence during roofing installations. They help ensure adherence to design specifications and regulatory standards, safeguarding the project’s integrity and success.

When designing and installing flat roofs, architects must consider several nuances, from material selection to quality control and construction techniques. As rubber roof experts in the flat roofing world, we thought we would share our guide to the particular elements architects should be aware of when executing flat roof installations seamlessly, successfully, and safely.

Things to Bear in Mind

Tips from roofing experts

The most important considerations when designing a flat roof

It’s essential to know that a flat roof is not one specific thing - there are several types of flat roofs, for example, warm, cold and inverted, with each consisting of different layers in their build-up.

The best place to start, and the key to a successful flat roof design, is to look at the design holistically and consider how the roof interfaces with other elements. Other questions to ask yourself are: does it have plant equipment? Where are the outlets? How are you going to direct rainwater to these locations? What maintenance will it require in the future?

With these types of projects, an architect should engage with a roofing expert during the early stages to discuss all aspects of the flat roof and its specifications and begin to understand how it will interact with other building elements.

For example, you can minimise fuss and mistakes when changing the specification of a single element to avoid problems associated with material clashes, interface incompatibilities, interstitial condensation, practical buildability and insufficient U-values.

Insider roofing advice

For practicality, it’s best to design from the top down, carefully considering parapet and upstand heights at the outset to avoid problems relating to low door thresholds or a lack of adequate falls for drainage.

Avoid meeting the minimum standard of 1 in 80 achieved falls for a flat roof, as this leaves little room for error regarding building tolerations and mid-span roof deflection. Working this way can result in non-compliance and problems later.
Upstand heights should go beyond the minimum standard to allow for future refurbishments or extensions to accommodate predicted increases in insulation depth without compromising critical junctions around openings or roof lights.

Other important factors

Architects should pay special attention to project sequencing and preceding trades during installation. The dressings of roofs around openings and reveals must be completed before doorways, roof lights, and windows are installed.

Ensuring adequate, long-lasting weather protection around critical junctions is only possible once these elements are already in place.

Architects should also consider whether the roof will be used for material storage or as a loading during construction; for example, it may be worth upgrading the vapour control to a robust bitumen-based product and delaying installation of the waterproof membrane in the case of a warm roof on a concrete deck.

To discover more or to understand the installation process of flat roofs, visit our training guide section to uncover all the details and steps required to achieve a successful flat roof installation.

Mistakes Architects Make When Designing Flat Roofs

Important Factors When Designing From The Roof Down

Most architects will understand that designing a flat roof demands accurate precision to evade potential pitfalls. However, if you’re not used to rubber roofing or flat roof systems, you’re in luck. As the flat roof installation experts, we’ve included the common oversights in our guide below that plague builders in the pursuit of creating structurally sound and resilient flat roof designs. Pay particular attention to the slope.

Inadequate sloping fosters water accumulation, inviting future leaks and ponding and affecting the roof's integrity and longevity. But it’s not just adequate sloping to bear in mind. It would be best to consider other factors like insulation, drainage, material selection and regulatory standards.

Common Mistakes When Designing Flat Roofs

By avoiding these common problems and teaming up with experienced flat roof professionals, architects and builders alike can ensure a successful design and the installation of a durable, efficient and long-lasting flat roof.

Tips from roofing experts

Ponding standing water on a flat roof after heavy rain

Inadequate sloping: As mentioned above, flat roofs, despite their name, are not completely flat - and they require a slight slope to ensure proper water drainage. One common mistake in a flat roof design is not providing enough slope, which leads to ponding water that can cause leaks, structural damage and premature deterioration.
Poor drainage solutions: Improper or insufficient drainage systems can cause the water to pool or accumulate on the roof’s surface, which can result in water infiltration, increased weight loads and, over time, structural issues.
Improper waterproofing: Failure to install adequate waterproofing membranes or opting for inferior materials can also lead to leaks, mould growth and damage to the building’s interior.
Inadequate insulation: Flat roofs are more prone to heat loss and gain, making insulation essential to improving the property’s energy efficiency and comfort. Failure to plan and install sufficient insulation can lead to higher energy costs, thermal bridging, and condensation issues within the building envelope. See installation tips.
Not building the flat roof to code: Building codes and regulations require specific requirements for a flat roof design, such as structural integrity, fire resistance, and wind uplift resistance. Failure to comply can result in costly fines, project delays and safety hazards.
Incorrect choice of material: Choosing the wrong roofing material for a flat roof can compromise its performance and durability. Factors like UV radiation exposure, climate, foot traffic, and maintenance requirements make choosing the right roofing material essential for ensuring its survival. Explore EPDM as a solution.
Overlooking structural considerations: Flat roofs must support various loads, such as snow, equipment, and maintenance traffic. Failure to adequately design your roof’s structure to accommodate all loads can result in structural failure and collapse.
Ignoring thermal movement: Flat roofs are subject to thermal expansion and contraction, which cause materials to warp, crack, and separate over time. Ensuring correct detailing and considering this movement is essential to preventing damage and sustaining the roof's integrity.
Inadequate ventilation: Bad ventilation in flat roof assemblies leads to moisture buildup,
mould growth, deterioration of roofing materials and decreased indoor air quality. Proper ventilation design is essential to prevent these issues and maintain a healthy building environment.