Struggling to choose the ideal flat roofing material for a build? Or just want to know some more information on roofing materials in North Wales, here are some great options you might be looking for. When choosing a material, there are many factors you need to take into consideration, such as what is the cost? How long is this material going to last? How strong is the material? What will it look like?
Here is a list of the best and most popular flat roofing materials, with all you need to know regarding the costs, strength, installation etc.
Roofing felt
Due to its low cost, easy installation, reliability and easy to repair, Roofing felt can be considered one of the most common flat roofing materials available across the UK. It can cost around £2 per square metre and provides a tight waterproof seal for excellent durability in harsh weather conditions. It is also considered easy to install through a range of different methods. You can choose from different colours to use.
Shed felt is more commonly used for smaller builds such as sheds. It is very similar to roofing felt in terms of its qualities but is more lightweight, which is why tends to be used for smaller buildings. Shed felt is one of the cheapest materials for sheds and small builds.
Torch on felt
Torch on felt uses the material Bitumen which is melted onto your roof. The appearance is very similar to other forms of felt roofing, but specifically the melting of Bitumen is what makes it differ. It can be more expensive than other forms of felt, and it is strongly recommended that you use a professional if you have not used this style before. This material can usually last a couple of decades.
Self-Adhesive felt
Arguably the easiest felt roofing material to use and install. You can simply apply using a roll of self-adhesive felt across the roof usually black or green in colour. This option is also very cheap, making it a very good choice if you are on a strict budget, and have not got great DIY skills looking to save some costs by self-applying.
GRP Roofing
GRP is fibre glass roofing using GRP roofing kits. This roofing material is very durable under harsh weather conditions. This makes the material one of the most reliable choices to use, especially if you live in an area with bad weather. The downside to GRP roofing compared to say felt roofing options, is it is genuinely considered more expensive at around £15 per square metre. Installation processes are not too difficult, and once installed its longevity can last up to 30 years. Its appearance is very popular and mainly dark colours are used for this type of material.
Green roofs
Green roofs are eco-friendly roofs, that can offer benefits with regards to reducing energy, and improving air quality. However, Green roofs are a very expensive form of roofing. Its longevity of around 50 years, appearance and kindness to the environment is what makes Green roofs popular to many people. Green roofs tend to be filled with beautiful plants and grass to make the roof stand out and look very appealing.
Built-up roofs
Built up roofs do not just use one material, they use multiple materials such as reinforced bitumen, fabric, stone and gravel. This once again is a roofing style that is more expensive than the likes of felt roofs, but the price is often justified due to its lifespan of around 60 years, and again great durability in harsh weather conditions. A roofing option which when applied, you genuinely would not need to worry about for most of your lifetime.
EPDM Membranes
EPDM membranes are mainly made from rubber. The cost of this roofing material sits rather in-between the costs of built-up roofs and felt roofs. You can usually expect a EPDM roof to cost you around £9 per square metre. Again, this style of roofing will last a long time, of around 50 years, and is very durable. Due to its durability, longevity, easy installation and it’s not too expensive, EPDM membranes are a great all-round option to go for when looking at roofing materials.
The best roof choice really depends on your circumstances such as budget, location, DIY abilities etc. Someone with a strict budget may want to look at felt roofing options, whereas if you are looking for a roof which is going to brave the bad weather, and last a long time, you may wan to consider EPDM membranes. All in all, there is a roofing material which will best suit your needs and requirements.
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