Kabi Flat Roofing West London

Things to Look for When Considering a Flat Roof Repair in London

Despite being an exceedingly popular choice among many modern homeowners, flat roofs can demand somewhat frequent maintenance and care. Due to the nature of their infrastructure and materials, they can be prone to leaks and damages. Therefore, it’s estimated that on average, a flat roof requires repair or replacement once every fifteen years. 

It’s worth noting that though the price of maintenance is not that costly, it’s still imperative that you remain cautious of unlicensed contractors and their botched jobs. Since they aren’t well-equipped to do the job of roof replacement or repair, these contractors can potentially damage your home and also charge quite a lot of money. So, continue reading to learn more about flat roofs, and the things to look for when considering a flat roof repair in London. 

A Full Range of Roof Services

When it comes to flat roof repair, there are a variety of services that ensure efficient maintenance and care. To properly take care of your flat roof, you need to first understand how it can be damaged. Following are a few crucial things to look for when inspecting your flat roof for potential signs of damage:

Splitting

Due to their flat exterior, flat roofs experience more pressure from external forces, such as flooding, than slanted or curved roofs. As a result, this pressure can pile up and cause an excessive amount of stress, resulting in your roof cracking or splitting. Not only does cracking negatively impact the exterior of your house, but it can also cause water to seep into the interior as well. 

Generally, splitting can occur for several reasons. For starters, it can be due to simple wear and tear through exposure to weather conditions. Occurrences such as freeze-thawing, water pooling, or poor workmanship upon repair or installation can also weaken the infrastructural integrity of your home.  Consequently, if you notice any staining or signs of dampness appearing on your ceiling, this can be an indicator of splitting or damage to your roof that’s allowing water to seep in. 

However, it’s worth noting that splitting can be fixed through simple solutions. You only need to remove the affected area and after drying and cleaning, you can add a new section with a durable adhesive. Realistically, this job can be done by yourself. Although we do recommend hiring a professional, as in the case of any future damage or repair, high-quality fixes are easier to claim insurance and subsequent compensation for.

Asphalt flat roofs, similar to other materials, can expand or contract depending on the rise and fall of temperature. As a result, this fluctuation can cause the flashing to dislocate from the edges of your roof. Over time, this can result in leaks due to the moisture being trapped inside.  

The best way to avoid this problem is to simply adhere to regular maintenance. Every month, make it a habit to inspect your roof and try to catch the leaks before they become too significant. When it comes to flashing, it’s crucial to identify issues early on, as bigger leaks may require you to replace the whole roof. 

Ponding

As ironic as it may sound, flat roofs are never actually flat. In order to account for an effective drainage system, they need to have at least a slight slope. So, if you notice large puddles forming on your roof during the rainy season, it could indicate that your roof’s drainage system is not entirely efficient. 

This issue is called “ponding,” and it is often a result of faulty installation and insufficient functioning of the drainage system. When it comes to flat roofing in London, ponding can pose a major threat due to the frequent rains, throughout the year. Therefore, you must check your drains and gutters regularly to make sure that they’re free of any sticks, leaves, or blockage of any kind. 

Although, if your roof is still at risk despite clear drains, chances are you may need to add more gutters to clear out the excess water. This is especially advised if you have an ample amount of water pooling towards the edges. Similarly, you can also try opting for sunken areas within your roof, thereby encouraging a steeper slope so that water can drain properly. 

Along with that, the most ideal way to reduce ponding is to stop it from occurring in the first place. Through regular maintenance, you can detect any early signs of ponding. In case of an identified issue, you can apply a flat roof repair sealant before it becomes a critical problem. 

How Many Different Flat Roof Designs Exist?

Now that you know about how your flat roofs can potentially face problems, you can learn about the various flat-roof designs that can solve these issues. In the following sections, we cover all the necessary things to look for when considering a flat roof repair or instalment in London, including the numerous types of flat roof designs: 

A GRP Flat Roof Installation in London

GRP flat roofs are among the most common flat roof options in London. GRP stands for Glass Reinforced Polyester and consists of materials that strengthen plastic through thin glass fibres. As a result, many people also call it fibreglass roofing. 

Ideally, the single-ply laminate used in GRP roofs works as a long-term waterproofing and covering solution. With an average lifespan of over 60 years, its durability is the cause for its continued use in many commercial and domestic buildings across London.  

Similarly, the installation of a GRP roofing system is also highly popular due to its safety and simplicity. The process mainly involves layering catalyzed resin, fibreglass mating, and a topcoat resin with the catalyzed resin at the bottom.

A Liquid Flat Roof Installation in London

Liquid roofing systems have been on the market for several years now and they are the ideal choice for technical or complicated roofs. As their name suggests, they work as a liquid roofing solution that can be laid on old felt or asphalt roofs.  To prepare for this installation, you only need to clean and repair minor cracks, while the liquid solution resolves most of the crucial issues.

Along with that, similar to GRP roofs, they are also exceedingly common in London. This is because they provide efficient heating solutions and work as ideal insulation, against the cold and chilly weather of London.

Specialists Flat Roofers for London

Overall, flat roof installation, repair, and maintenance can be challenging. Whether it’s the simple installations of GRP roofs or dealing with strenuous ponding issues, it’s never advised to solve any of your roofing solutions yourself. Therefore, for a safer and more efficient alternative, we, at Kabi Flat Roofing, provide premium solutions for all your roofing problems.

Whether you need cleaning, repairs, or installation, we deal with everything involving flat roofs efficiently and cost-effectively. So what are you waiting for? Head over to Kabi Flat Roofing today, to get a free quote and avail of our high-quality services!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to repair a leaking flat roof?

There are numerous things to look at when considering a flat roof repair in London. But, on average, the expense of repairing a roof depends on the surface area it covers and the severity of incurred damages. The prices range between £200 to £400 for slight repairs, and £1000-£3000 for larger ones. However, this is an exceedingly rough estimate, and the only way to truly determine the accurate cost of flat roof repair is by getting a quote from your local West London roofer. 

What is the average cost to replace a flat roof?

Realistically, the most common type of replacement you’d find is those for garage roofs. In general, they can cost around £700-£1000. However, the price usually varies immensely depending on a variety of factors.

Generally, things to look for when considering a flat roof repair in London would include materials, size, and time. For instance, felt roofs would be cheaper to replace than those of lead or fibreglass. At the same time, fibreglass or GRP roofs are more durable and less likely to require repairs. There are several factors you need to account for when figuring out pricing. Therefore, for an accurate estimate, you should enquire about the cost from your local London flat roofing specialist.

Can a flat roof be repaired?

Yes, in most cases, a flat roof can certainly be repaired. And, according to this quote from Bryce Daulas Howard, “my parents taught me many of the things that people need in life to feel confident: practical things, such as managing finances, mucking out the goat barn, cleaning a house, doing repairs, mending a broken roof or a toilet”, you can do it yourself.

However, DIY repairs can be a handful. Hence, we recommend hiring a professional contractor for a more efficient and safe job. 

How much does a flat roof cost in the UK?

On average, a flat roof in the UK can cost anywhere from £700-£1300. This depends on the material, size, and scaffolding required. Additionally, according to the UK government, you may even need to leave your home, when fixing major issues in your roof or building. (Council Housing, n.d.). Therefore, there can be additional charges in the form of hotel and accommodation costs. 

References

Council Housing. (n.d.). Retrieved from Government of UK: https://www.gov.uk/council-housing/repairs-and-maintenance