Fibreglass

Flat roofing

Fibreglass flat roofing has been popular for say the last 30 years. It is very good with awkward shapes. As the bandages are easily cut to size. They are good for L shapes and lantern lights for example. They also mould well around service penetrations. The epoxy resins will also adhere to most surfaces. The most common issues are Workmanship based. We would suggest a fibreglass roof should have a 25 year insurance backed guarantee. So it should last 25 years. Although we have seen 30-year-old flat roofs still in service. Although certainly showing their age.

Bristol

Contractor prices in Bristol are catching up with London. Hence the contractors will insist on working even when conditions are unsuitable. Laying Epoxy roofs is a skill full job and requires experience to get a good finished product. Ponding is not as damaging as with a felt roof. But these issues tend to stem from the joiner constructing the decking. Fibre glass roofs are sensitive to the quality of the decking material and layout used. Thermal movement will cause cracks. Issues stem from the carpenter setting out the decking. Rather than the installer of the covering. Often cracks form where the joints in the decking are not staggered. The boarding sagging causing ponding.

Reactive vs proactive

A close physical inspection of a fibre glass roof can uncover problems. Well before they become apparent internally. If insufficient resins have been used. You get pin holing very small holes in the covering these take years to cause leaks. But when they do little can be done. If faults are discovered quickly enough. You can recoat the upper surface. If you can see the fibres readily visible. Not enough resin has been used. Again, another top coat can help.

These issues will shorten the life span significantly. But can normally be seen.

The trades perspective

We have a job booked in. Fibre glass is sensitive to when it is installed. the weather is very important. Too hot, the resins will go off to quickly. This results in very fine cracks appearing. The resins also set quicker meaning you must rush to saturate the bandages. This can result in lumps in the finished roof covering. Similar with most flat roof installs.  Really the job should be delayed. But there is a dead line.