Flat Roofs in Ireland: EPDM, GRP and Torch-On Felt
Free, no-obligation quotes for flat roof repairs and replacement on extensions, dormers, garages and porches. EPDM rubber, GRP fibreglass and torch-on felt.
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Flat Roof Work Covered
Flat roofs cover many Irish rear extensions, dormers, garages and porches. Roofers in Ireland lay three main systems: EPDM rubber, GRP fibreglass and torch-on felt, each over a solid deck with falls that carry water to a gutter or outlet.
EPDM rubber roofs
A single sheet of synthetic rubber membrane bonded to the deck, with few or no joints on most domestic roofs.
GRP fibreglass roofs
Glass reinforced plastic laid wet over a timber deck, then finished with a topcoat and formed trims.
Torch-on felt roofs
Layers of reinforced bitumen membrane bonded with a gas torch. Hot works need a roofer with fire safety controls in place.
Flat roof repairs
Splits, blisters and failed upstands are repaired, and areas of ponding are corrected where the deck allows.
Decks and falls
Rotten or soft decking is replaced, and firring pieces create the falls that move water off the roof.
Insulation upgrades
Warm roof insulation can be added above the deck when a flat roof is replaced.
Signs Your Flat Roof Needs Work
01
Ponding water
Water sits on the roof for days after rain instead of draining away.
02
Blisters and splits
Bubbles, cracks or splits in the membrane surface or at the edges.
03
Soft spots
The deck feels spongy underfoot, a sign of trapped water and rot.
04
Leaks inside
Damp ceilings in the extension, dormer or garage below the flat roof.
Materials and Options
EPDM
Flexible synthetic rubber, often laid as one sheet. Well suited to simple rectangular extension roofs.
GRP fibreglass
Seamless, hard-wearing finish with formed trims. Suits roofs that get foot traffic or need a neat edge detail.
Torch-on felt
Multi-layer bitumen system, often with a mineral cap sheet. Common on older flat roofs across Ireland.
Rules and Standards to Know
01
Part L
Building Regulations Part L apply when a roof is renovated. Replacing a roof is the most practical time to bring insulation up to current standards.
02
Safety
Under the Construction Regulations 2013, homeowners who hire a roofer are clients. For a single-contractor job, the main duty is to check the roofer is competent and has a plan for working at height.
03
Planning
Like-for-like roof work usually does not need planning permission. Homes on your local council’s Record of Protected Structures are different, and works that change the roof’s character can need permission.
Grants That Can Help
There is no general grant for roofing work in Ireland, but these schemes can cover it in the right circumstances.
Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant
Up to €50,000 to bring a vacant home back into use, or up to €70,000 if the property is derelict. Roof, chimney and gutter works are covered. Apply to your local council before work starts.
Housing Aid for Older People Grant
Up to €10,700 for essential repairs for homeowners aged 66 and over, administered by your local council. Roof repairs are usually covered. Approval is needed before work starts.
How RoofQuotes.ie Works
Step 1
Tell us about your roof
Fill in the short form with your job, roof type and Eircode. Add a photo if you have one.
Step 2
Roof survey
A roofer who covers your area contacts you to arrange a survey.
Step 3
Written quote
Get a clear written quote covering materials, scaffolding, waste removal and guarantee.
Step 4
Work gets done
You decide whether to go ahead. There is no obligation.
Flat Roofs: Questions, Answered
Which flat roof system is best?
It depends on the roof. EPDM suits simple rectangular roofs and can often go down as one sheet. GRP suits roofs with foot traffic or detailed edges. Torch-on felt is a proven multi-layer system. A roofer recommends one after seeing the deck, falls and outlets.
Why does water sit on my flat roof?
Ponding usually means the falls are too shallow or the deck has sagged. Standing water speeds up wear on the membrane. Correcting the falls with firring pieces or tapered insulation is often part of a replacement.
Does a new flat roof need insulation?
Replacing a flat roof brings Building Regulations Part L into play. A warm roof, with insulation above the deck, is the usual way to upgrade a flat roof during replacement.
Can a flat roof be repaired rather than replaced?
Small splits, blisters and failed upstands can usually be repaired. If the deck is soft or the membrane has failed across large areas, replacement is normally the better option.
Related Roofing Services
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- Free quotes
- No obligation
- Written quote before any work
- Homes in all 26 counties