GRP VS Felt Flat Roofing

Introduction

GRP systems have been around for many years, but were never 'really' tailored for roofing requirements. Customers would generally favour the more traditional methods of bituminous felt roofing, probably in reaction to contractors lack of experience with GRP.

So now that GRP had made a strong impact on the UK roofing scene, will the shock waves make felt flat roofing extinct? 

The short answer is no.

Although there are many advantages to using GRP on your flat roof, some traditionalists still opt for felt systems over the new fibreglass system. 

Why?

Two main reasons really, cost and proven reliability.

Felt systems are cheaper to install than the shiny new GRP system. The cost difference can be as much as £30 per metre. 

GRP carries 20 year guarantees (25 in some cases), but hasn't been around long enough to test these lengthly guarantees. Most customers of ours who opt for felt systems, are changing like for like (felt off, felt on). Most of them have lived with their felt roofs for 10 years plus, and that, paired with the cost savings, is good enough for them.

So the felt industry doesn't need to board up the hatches just yet, but is GRP a better system?

In our opinion, GRP is a better system for a number of reasons. Firstly, a new deck MUST be installed when GRP is applied, so the extra costs are justified by a brand new roof deck, which would include inspection of those rotting joists underneath the existing deck. Most contractors lay felt systems over the existing deck (after stripping the covering), which does not lend an opportunity to inspect the insulation properties. With all of the recent noise regarding minimum insulation requirements, it can be advantageous to know what is underneath your roof deck. After all, once the new roof is installed, you would have lost your chance to top up insulation.

Secondly, GRP is seamless. It is liquid applied, and although fibreglass mat is consolidated to form the covering, the mat merges to the next sheet forming a seamless roof covering.

Thirdly, GRP is more flexible. So if you have a flat roof with protruding pipes or window detail, GRP can be manoeuvred much easier than its felt rivals.

More advantages of GRP

- GRP is cold applied, meaning no need for heat works, and additional insurances on your property. Fire risk is minimal with felt systems, but does exist all the same.

- GRP is aesthetically pleasing. We have achieved some very pleasing finished to GRP projects (if that's what you like). It is also available in a few different colours.

- It has a 20 year guarantee. Regardless of its proven sustainability, the guarantee exists. So read it through, ask for an example guarantee, and if possible.. Make it insurance backed in case of your contractor going out of business in the years to come.

So there are a few reasons, why we recommend GRP over felt. 

I hope this guide helps.

By Nicky Morris

Barris Roofing Ltd

www.roofingsouthlondon.co.uk

Preparing A Flat Roof Timber Deck For GRP

If you are a builder, and are in need of a GRP flat roof to meet the architects spec, this guide will help you to prepare the timber deck, ready for a professional GRP roofer to install the covering.

Use OSB Boards Only

The first requirement, is that the top deck (on which the GRP will be laid onto) is 18mm OSB. Do not use any other type of sheet timber. Do not compromise with thinner sheets or ply backed insulation. The deck must be 18mm OSB.

T&G Boards Are Preferable

Tongue and groove boards are preferable because they do not require expansion gaps to be left in between each board... although the edges that meet walls will still need expansion gaps (more explained later).

If you are using 8x4' sheets, leave approx 5mm between each board to allow for expansion resulting from changes in climate. Failure to allow for expansion will result in rucking & lifting of the GRP system. 

The boards must be completely dry. Otherwise the GRP system will not bond to the timber deck, resulting in bubbles or lifting.

Expansion Joints

1. Leave approx 40mm to all abutments (where boards meet walls). The pre formed GRP trims will easily cover these expansion joints. 

If you have an edge on your flat roof that doesn't butt against a wall, cut the board flush with the fascia boards.

2. If using 8x4' OSB sheets, leave 5mm between boards.

Fixing The Boards

Fix the boards with 31/75 ring shanked galvanised nails.. Preferably with a Paslode gun (or similar) to avoid internal damage to ceiling/plastering. Using nails as an alternative to screws, minimises screw-heads, which would be visible once the final top coat has been applied. If you insist on using screws, use screws with sunken heads.

Keep The Newly Installed Deck Dry

The newly installed 18mm OSB deck must be kept completely dry. We recommend using a visqueen sheet, as opposed to a standard tarpaulin.

When Installing Rigid Board Insulation

If you are installing rigid board insulation, you have two options:

Cold Roof:

Install celotex (or similar) insulation between joists. The new deck will be installed on the joists as usual. Consult your architect regarding adequate ventilation. If installing vents, inform the roofing contractor before obtaining a quote. The detailing around vents is complex and will add to the GRP installation price. This should be ascertained prior to quotation.

Warm Roof:

Lay a deck (and possibly a vapour layer, subject to architects spec) over the joists. You can use any form of decking for this (plywood etc is fine). Lay rigid board insulation over the previously mentioned deck. Your architect may insist that you bond the insulation with an adhesive. The 18mm OSB deck is then fitted over the insulation boards. Screw through into the joists with 175mm screws, fastening the whole deck, insulation and top deck. Use screws that do not show proud on the top deck (18mm OSB deck). The flatter the better.

Other Points Of Consideration

- Many new build extensions (as of 2013) are installed with box gutters and outlets passing through a parapet wall. In this instance, board the box gutter bottom, and the bottom of the outlet with 18mm OSB. There is no need to board box gutter or outlet sides.

- You do not need to board the walls of your flat roof. The pre formed trims (which can be viewed here) are used to finish edges and wall detail.

- Flashings to walls etc on GRP installations will be pre-formed GRP simulated lead flashings as standard. Please prepare your brickwork in advance by chasing out any brickwork to take the flashings. This will avoid dust on the newly installed GRP surface.

- When installing copings to a wall, the GRP trims will be sufficient to enable you to bed the copings without the need for lead. Please inform the roofing contractor of any parapet walls that will be finished with copings, as additional trims will be required.

Roof Windows

Please prepare the window frames, and do not install the window top until after the GRP system has been applied. GRP installations are performed with liquid & can flick onto windows easily.

The wall fillet trim is used to seal window frames to the timber deck. This is performed by the roofing contractor.

Critical Measurements For Roof Windows

If you are working with a window that has its own frame/drip, you MUST inform the roofing contractor of critical measurements. Failure to do so, may result in the wall fillet trim installation expanding the window frame to a point where the window frame no longer fits.

If you have any further questions, please contact us via www.roofingsouthlondon.co.uk

By Nicky Morris