What is a Fiberglass Roofing System?
A fiberglass roof or better known as a GRP roof is made out of reinforced composite materials such as polyester resin and glass fibers, these substances are then combined to form a laminate. Over the years it has become a popular choice for roofing especially across the UK and one of the most obvious reasons for this is its long life. Aside from residential and commercial roofs, GRP is also used to construct boats, water tanks, swimming pools, and ponds, to name a few.
GRP roofs are preferred because of how easy they are to install. The roofing contractor chooses a good quality decking, commonly wood, and pours the resin on top of it. This is covered with a layer of fiberglass matting and then inlaid with another layer of resin. Once the resin has completely dried, a layer of topcoat is applied which makes it both fire-resistant and weatherproof.
What are the Benefits of GRP Roofing in London?
There are many benefits of GRP roofing in London and the most common reason is its longevity and strength. A glass fiber roof is weatherproof and they are less likely to break or get damaged especially if properly maintained. Glass fiber roofs are also incredibly versatile, they can be created in any shape, color, or style. Adding to their versatility, they can be modified to fit both pitched roofs and flat roofs.
A glass fiber roof is incredibly strong and durable. Felt roofing is estimated to last about six to eight years while glass fiber roofs can last up to twenty years. This is what makes them such a great investment, as they can be used to make roofs for all types of spaces. Additionally, they are easy to preserve, and even if they get damaged, they can be fixed or repaired without being a financial or physical burden. Another great factor adding to GRP roof preference is that it leaves no debris. This reduces the amount of waste that usually ends up in the landfill, making GRP an environmentally sustainable option. Plus it is usually precut to the measurement of the roof so it is much easier and quicker to install. Glass fiber roofs are also water and leak proof which makes them ideal for either a house or a garage because a stronger roof means better protection from harmful elements. There are many benefits of GRP roofing in London, besides the obvious ones, which is why it is a great option for people living in that area or all around the UK.
How Versatile is a GRP Roof?
One of the benefits of having a GRP roof in London is its variable nature. It can be shaped to fit any kind of roof be it pitched, flat, or sloped. Their versatility is boundless to the point that they can even be fitted on top of grass or mud roofs and manage to give an incredibly clean finish. They can be colored or patterned to your preference, to achieve a unique and different look. How you want to customize your GRP roof completely depends on you.
Are GRP Roofs Easy to Maintain?
Another benefit of having a GRP roof in London is that they are incredibly easy to maintain. You only need to worry about two things: cleaning the roof and coating your roof. Cleaning the roof with some soap and warm water and a low-pressure jet wash can do the job. Once your topcoat is on, you may need to reapply it once every two to three years. Some companies like Kabi Flat Roofing even provide annual roof maintenance services so you don’t have to worry about cleaning or coating your roof because they will do it for you.
If you think your roof has sun or elemental damage causing it to crack, don’t worry because it can be completely fixed by replacing the damaged area. If your roof has pinholes, this can be repaired by a fresh layer of resin. However, if your roof is warping and peeling then it might be time for you to change your glass fiber roof because that damage cannot be repaired.
What is the Cost Of a GRP Roof?
The cost of a glass fiber roof depends on multiple factors such as the size of the roof and the volume of build-up. To construct a GRP roof, the contractor will need the right measurement of resin, a topcoat, and 450 grams of glass fiber matting, all of this will cost you about £65 to £90 per square meter. If you install insulation then the price will change because you will need a sub-deck, VCL, and counter battens which will cost about £40 to £60 per square meter. So if you combine the costs the total fiberglass roof will cost you anywhere from around £110 to £150 per square meter. This is just an estimated cost; the true assessment is given after a thorough inspection of the roof itself.
GRP Roof Installation Services
“Safe access to a roof requires careful planning, particularly where work progresses along the roof.”
You must trust who you hire to construct or fix your GRP roof because even though it sounds simple, it is a highly complex job and requires years of experience. Many faulty installations have led the GRP fiberglass roofs to leak, peel, warp, and crack. So choosing how and where you get it installed is vital for you to have a flawless, long-lasting roof. Many services will provide warranty and certificates when they install fiberglass roofs since with occasional upkeep such as topcoats, GRP roofs can last you a long time.
People Also Ask
Are GRP Roofs any Good?
Although GRP roofs are more expensive than other varieties on the market, they are definitely worth the investment because the number of advantages they have is hard to find in any other kind of roof. They are more durable and are safer to install since they don’t need heat to be applied correctly and most of the work can be done before installation, which makes it quicker to install as well. Compared to others, GRP is a better and safer solution especially if you take its durability into account.
How Long Does A GRP Roof Last?
One of the best things about a GRP roof is how long it can last you after the initial investment. If the GRP roof is well-taken care of, it can last you up to twenty years. Once it’s correctly installed, the GRP roof neither rots or erodes which makes it a desirable roofing option to install in your home. GRP roofs rarely have any sort of moss growth on them which is beneficial from a hygiene point of view. It also requires little to no maintenance to sustain this roof but if you are still worried about sun damage, then you can get a topcoat reapplied once every three to five years which will make the roof last even longer.
Do GRP Roofs Crack?
A fiberglass roof is vulnerable to weather and does crack; it is one of the most commonly reported problems. If your roof is cracking or flaking then there are high chances that it wasn’t installed correctly in the first place. Premature cracking is one of the reasons why it is important to choose your contractor diligently. During the summer, the heat can cause the fiberglass to heat up and expand and by evening, the weather cools down so the roof shrinks back into place. This process of expansion and shrinkage is a major cause for the GRP roof to start developing cracks. The best way to solve such a thing is by providing some space between the boards and the perimeter edges.
It is very simple to replace parts of the roof that are damaged. The contractor will simply break the cracked part of the roof off and remove the faulty pieces. Then he will measure and replace that area with new resin and roofing material.
What Does GRP Mean in Roofing?
GRP means “glass-reinforced plastic” or a fiberglass roof. The roof is made out of polyester resin which is reinforced by a layer of chopped strand glass fiber which is then sealed with another layer of resin and topcoat. Not only is GRP an extremely strong roofing option, but it is also lightweight, durable, flexible, and waterproof with the capability of being molded into any desired shape. It is considered one of the leading materials that are being used to create roofs because it can be built on a variety of spaces and still comes out looking clean and attractive. It is also incredibly easy to customize this roof because you can paint the roof any color by using a colored topcoat. It is a little expensive but in the long run, it will prevent constant expenditure since it is such a strong and resistant material. It will also save you time since you won’t have to get it replaced every few years.
References
- https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/roofwork.htm