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Stephen Jones is Sales Director at Northern Building Plastics. In this piece, he discusses the best materials for flat roofs and the advantages they offer to roofers.
GRP or EPDM: what's best for your flat roof?
Traditionally, when it comes to flat roofs, felt roofing was always the go-to option. However, technological advances and improved quality, has meant that many roofers are turning their backs on felt for more modern materials, especially Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) and Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM). This is due to their impressive waterproofing qualities, seamless installation and longer lifespan. They have both gained much popularity over the last few years. But which is the best choice for installers and homeowners?
GRP Roofing for Flat Roofs
GRP is a composite material made from a blend of polyester resin and glass fibres. Its remarkable properties have made it a highly sought-after material for flat roofs. GRP roofs are created with a layer of catalysed resin, applied to good quality, completely dry roof decking. A layer of fibreglass matting is then laid on top followed by a layer of topcoat resin to complete the system.
The seamless nature of GRP roofing systems makes them exceptionally waterproof and one of the most effective ways of preventing water ingress. With no joints or seams, the risk of leaks and water damage is minimised, ensuring long-lasting protection for flat roofs on any building.
GRP roofs are also known for their resilience and durability. They are highly resistant to corrosion, UV radiation, and extreme weather conditions, making them ideal for roofs exposed to harsh elements. As well as this, GRP can be moulded into various shapes and sizes, and can also be fitted seamlessly around vents or rooflights, allowing for lots of flexibility in design. This is great for homeowners seeking flat roof solutions that complement the overall aesthetics of a building.
On top of all of this, GRP systems make life much easier for roofers on site, it’s easy to install, with no naked flames involved.
EPDM Roofing for Flat Roofs:
EPDM is a synthetic rubber material that has also been hugely popular in recent years. EPDM membranes, available in large stock rolls or typically cut to size by the distributor, are adhered to a flat roof surface, providing a resilient and durable waterproofing system.
EPDM roofing is massively flexible, making it suitable for flat roofs with irregular shapes or curves and can easily adapt to any changes within the underlying structure caused by temperature fluctuations or settling. Additionally, EPDM roofing is easy to install, saving time on-site for you and your customers.
Like GRP, EPDM flat roofs possess excellent insulation properties, contributing to energy efficiency in buildings. The material helps maintain stable indoor temperatures, reducing heating and cooling costs over time. EPDM roofs can play a significant role in creating environmentally friendly and cost-effective structures.
EPDM roofing systems are known for their longevity. With proper installation and regular inspections, an EPDM flat roof can last for several decades. It is resistant to damage from UV radiation, ozone, and extreme weather conditions. Much like GRP, it’s need for minimal maintenance makes it an attractive option for any type of home.
EPDM is also a particularly sustainable roofing option. It is often produced using recycled materials, and at the end of its life cycle, it can be recycled and repurposed. EPDM's energy-efficient properties also contribute to reducing a building's carbon footprint and help keep heating costs low.
What's the best option?
Both products offer exceptional performance and easy installation. Essentially, when it comes down to which is better, it all depends on the specific requirements of the project in hand. GRP flat roofs offer exceptional waterproofing, durability, and customisation options, making them suitable for flat roofs in harsh weather conditions or roofs with intricate detail. EPDM flat roofs, on the other hand, provide flexibility, easy installation, energy efficiency, and longevity, making them a popular choice for most properties, or even commercial applications.
Flat Roofing from NBP
At NBP, we are passionate about offering more choice to our customers, which is why we stock a range of different flat roofing options from the biggest brands. We've recently added the Stronghold GRP range, and the revolutionary PeelAffix20 self-adhesive EPDM to our extensive product range to help give roofers and builders a huge level of choice for their project, all available with our industry-leading next-day delivery service. It’s these huge stock levels which are available at all four of our depots, which help give roofers and builders the reassurance they need that we can provide exactly what they need for their project.
