How many years does a flat roof last?

Posted on 18 January 2021

If you’re considering investing in a flat roof or even if you already have one, you may be wondering how long it’s likely to last before it needs to be replaced. Flat roofs have become more popular in recent years as many people feel they look more modern than traditional pitched roofs. A flat roof can also be more energy-efficient. Read on to find out more about how long flat roofs normally last before they reach the end of their useful lives. At Raven Roofing, our roofers in Grimsby and Louth can provide you with the perfect flat roof installation.

Modern flat roofs last longer

flat roofing in Louth

Older flat roofs require regular maintenance if they are to reach their normal maximum lifespan of around 15 years. Many people have been put off installing flat roofs because they associate them with leaks and damage linked to pools of water. Nonetheless, you shouldn’t write off the idea of purchasing a flat roof as they can benefit you in many ways. Today’s flat roofs are much tougher than they have been in the past. They can even last for up to three decades. This is because new materials are now used to create them, making them more hardwearing. 

Stronger than ever

Plastic and rubber materials have extended the lifespans of flat roofs. People purchase flat roofs for all sorts of other reasons too. They tend to be quicker to install, don’t cost as much as other roofing solutions, and are safer to inspect. They also reduce the chances of accidents occurring when you’re checking for leaks. Some people even purchase flat roofing in Louth and Grimsby to give them extra recreational space. Although, you do need to make sure the surface is structurally sound enough for this before you proceed.

EPDM flat roofs

EPDM and TPO flat roofs have become increasingly popular over recent years. This is because they last for much longer than traditional roofs. Other options include zinc, copper, lead, and fibreglass. EPDM roofs can usually be installed in a single layer with no joins if the size of your roof allows for this. EPDM is well-known for its toughness and elasticity, yet is remarkably lightweight. An EPDM roof can last for around 30 years and is renowned for its contraction and expansion capabilities. These roofs are also waterproof.

TPO flat roofs

These days, TPO roofs are very common. TPO stands for thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer. TPOs have two main components including the elastomer itself and the thermoplastic polyolefin, which often comes in the form of polypropylene. This option is ideal for anyone who wants to make a better contribution to the environment. Most TPO roofs last for around 20 years.

Fibreglass GPR roofs

Fibreglass GRP roofs are also seen on many buildings across the UK. One of the key benefits of purchasing a fibreglass roof is that it can last for at least 25 years. If you maintain a fibreglass roof well, it can last for much longer than this. Fibreglass may lack the flexibility of rubber but it is incredibly damage-resistant and weatherproof. There’s very little chance a fibreglass roof will become damaged by frost. It is worth bearing in the mind that this option will cost you more.

Can I get insurance for a flat roof?

It can be hard to insure a flat roof, but it’s certainly not impossible. One of the reasons why people find it so tough to get flat roofs insured is that they tend to be vulnerable to weather damage. You are more likely to get an existing flat roof insured if you can show that it’s been well maintained over the years. Conventional house insurance doesn’t cover flat roofs. This means you will need to seek out specialist insurance. If your flat roof has started to show signs of wear and tear, it’s important to address these as soon as you can. If you simply ignore something that needs to be repaired, the problem will only get worse and cost you more.

How we can help

Raven Roofing & Repairs Pointing Grimsby

At Raven Roofing and Repairs, we can assist you if you’re considering investing in a durable, long-lasting flat roof. We have decades of experience between us and can provide a highly professional and dependable service. Serving a wide range of domestic and commercial customers, our flat roofers in Louth and Grimsby help you with new roof installations, flat roofing, commercial roofing, and shingles, alongside a roof repair and roof patch service.

Rescue or replace your flat roof

We will do all we can to help you prolong the life of your existing roof unless you are ready to replace it or it is beyond saving. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you’ve experienced storm or wind damage. We will get out to you as soon as we can to provide a free survey and quotation. What’s more, is that all the work we carry out is guaranteed for your extra peace of mind. When you choose us, you’re opting for a family-run local company with vast experience in completing insurance work. We’re also trusted to carry out local authority work. No matter who we’re serving, we always go the extra mile to deliver total customer satisfaction.

Other services we offer

Roof installations and repairs aren’t the only services we offer. We’re also eager to assist you if you need help with flashing and leadwork, guttering, fascias and soffits, pointing and rebedding or Velux window installation.

Getting in touch

Talk to us today if you need help with flat roofing in Grimsby or Louth. No enquiry or job is too big or small for us. We can help you find the best material for your new roof or give you a free no-obligation quote for installation or repair work. We have been serving customers and clients across the local area for many years and are passionate about providing the best service that we possibly can. 

You can reach us today by giving us a call on 01472 565 084 (Grimsby) or 01507 640 072 (Louth) Alternatively, you can complete the form on our website. We will respond as soon as possible.

Customer Reviews
Raven Roofing & Repairs Ltd
Excellent
4.3
Based on 42 reviews
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Maggie N
Very good quality work from Raven Roofing done on our guttering and tiles.I appreciated being told exactly what had been done and how.The work was carried out quickly and for a very reasonable price.
alice judge
Great service from Raven Roofing and Repairs, came out to assess, and quickly fitted us in for necessary repairs, would definitely recommend.
Tessa Heelas
Prompt reply to email. Arranged to assess within 1 week. Did the job promptly as arranged. Good price
Shawn Bosworth
Chris and his apprentice were brilliant! Came out in the miserable rain and made my roof water tight again. I had several quotes from other roofers, cowboys trying to milk my desperation for silly money. Chris was honest, fair and reasonably priced. Highly recommended, thanks!
mark appleby
Extremely Happy with Job!Chris, Quickly assessed the roof and gave options on what could be done.Once Date Agreed, delivered on time with a very professional looking job. Job was in Feb and Chris and Team went out of their way to get the job done even though weather was bad at end of week. They left Work area very clean. Highly reccomend them!
Bev Barley
Thanks for doing a first class job would highly recommend Chris for a job well done
Robert Meadows
Mike Downs
Fantastic, would recommend to anyone who needs roof work. Polite, helpful and super fast. Thanks so much.
Lisa McMahon
Had a leak from my roof. Chris came out the same day althoughthe weather wasn't good. He surveyed the roof and found the problem immediately (a tile had slipped), took photo's before and after replacing the slipped tile. I asked how much I owed him - he said there was NO charge as it was a quick repair. What a lovely, kind, genuine guy! Would highly recommended him and his company.
Roland Packer
We recently had the roof on our extension replaced by raven roofing. Chris and his young helper couldn't have been more helpful. Work done to a very high standard. Quote honoured to the penny. Genuinely nice people and a real pleasure to do business with. Will definitely call them for the services they offer, when needed.
Michelle Packer
Can’t recommend this company enough. Did a great job on our roof , very friendly team , punctual, good quality work and good value for money . Many thanks
Carol Howden
Very friendly team and carried out a great job. Arrived and just got on with the job. Looks great
andrew engeham
Competitive price and excellent workmanship.Highly recommended.
Keith Brown
Great company great service
John Hornsby
Came on time very Satisfied with wat was done. Will be using them again if needed
Omer Khalifa
renegade jokerrr
Fantastic service! Nice and friendly guys! Very quick work! Great customer service! If I need any repairs in the future i will use Raven again.
Margaret Dabb
After being let down by another firm i rang Chris in desperation. Within an hour he arrived, looked at work, discussed, priced and booked a date. Arrived on time, everything ran like clockwork even in the awful heat they had to work through. Very well organised, very tidy, would have no hesitation in recommending his work. Many thanks
Zoe Gibbons
Can’t recommend Chris and his team more, they were all friendly, polite and efficient and left my patio tidier than it was before! Nothing was too much trouble and good quality work and price. I’d definitely recommend Raven Roofing to all my friends and family.
Alan Grosschmidt
Would Recommend Raven Roofing.We had new gutters and facias fitted all round the house.We were really pleased with the completed job.I did point out a minor oversight, which Chris promptly dealt with.The quote for the job was very competitive and I doubt you could get it done cheaper.So deserves 5 Stars.
Andrea Goforth
Was very happy with the prompt, professional, and friendly service provided by this company . They were so quick to help me out and repair a badly storm damaged roof. It is such a joy to have a service provider come when they say they will! Reasonable price and good quality workmanship too . Thank you, Raven Roofing .
Mandy
We had the tiles down the gulley re-bedded.Very professional and cleaned up afterwards. Really friendly and very kind guy and we will definitely be using Raven Roofing again in the new year to do our guttering! Thanks Chris 👍🏻
Mike Prior
they repaired a dislodged tile free of charge. Just asked To be remembered for other works and telling my friends
Sally Melton
Had a skylight fitted. Excellent service, fitted my job in even though extremely busy. Was absolutely delighted the attention to detail was perfect. Made sure everything was tidied up and taken away. Thank you again. Would highly recommend.
Ali Wickham
Peter Hogarth
These guys did a great job repointing my roof gulleys
Pamela Blow
Samantha Blow
Excellent service, I would highly recommend :)
Derek Coates
Chris promptly repaired the front guttering which is now ok.
Lee Popham
Rang raven to come and fix my roof after last months storm, came next day and repaired, very happy with service and price, will definitely use again.
Mark Barnard
Very good reliable service all work guaranteed
kevin langley
When we needed urgent roof repairs, Raven Roofing & Repairs came to the rescue. Great quality work undertaken by true professionals.
Steve Nowell
I recently had repairs done to my roof. The response and service were excellent, nothing was too much trouble and the work carried out effectively and efficiently
Kelly Brewer
Excellent service, recently had repairs carried out on my house roof, Chris was really friendly, work carried out to a great standard at a great price 🙂
AerinB
We have used Raven Roofing several times for small repairs as we didn't want to go to the expense of a new roof, but recent torrential rain forced us to accept we needed a new roof. We were dreading the bill but Raven Roofing were very reasonable (not sure if I'm allowed to say how much).The scaffolding arrived and was put up promptly, Raven Roofing arriving a couple of days later to start work, the only delays were due to bad weather and Raven Roofing contacted us to let us know about any delays which we really liked, usually builders don't bother. Raven roofing were polite, friendly and courteous at all times.Out roof was completely stripped and replaced in a week, all rubbish was removed and the gardens left looking tidy.The roof itself looks fantastic...we are very very pleased and highly recommend Raven Roofing.
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