Flat Roof Problems Explained

Flat roofs aren't perfectly flat — they're built with a slight fall so water drains towards an outlet. When that fall is insufficient, damaged, or outlets become blocked, water can sit on the roof (known as ponding), which accelerates wear on the covering over time.

Materials like felt, GRP (fibreglass) and rubber (EPDM) all degrade with UV exposure and weathering eventually. Cracks, blisters and lifted seams are common signs that the covering is reaching the end of its useful life.

Blocked or damaged outlets and gutters are one of the most common causes of water problems on flat roofs, and are often more straightforward to address than covering damage.

Because flat roof issues can have several different causes, an in-person inspection is usually the most reliable way to understand what's actually happening and what options are available.