Flat roofing
Flat Roofing in Edinburgh: Repairs and Replacement
We repair and replace flat roofs on extensions, dormers, garages, balconies, tenement back greens and commercial buildings across Edinburgh. Whether you have a leak to fix or a roof that has reached the end of its life, we will tell you honestly which option makes sense.
- GRP & single ply
- Liquid & torch-on felt
- Repairs & replacement
- Fully insured
Flat roof repairs
Common flat roof faults we repair:
- splits, blisters and cracks in felt or membrane
- failed joints and laps
- leaks at upstands, skirtings and abutment flashings
- blocked or undersized outlets causing ponding
- damaged edge trims and drip details
- wet or failed decking (where the problem has gone beyond the surface)
A lasting repair starts with finding where water is getting in. Ponding, poor upstand detailing and blocked outlets cause more leaks than the membrane itself, so we check the whole roof before we patch it.
Repair or replace?
Repair makes sense when the problem is local and the rest of the roof is sound. Replacement is usually better value when:
- the roof has been patched several times and still leaks
- the covering is cracked, brittle or blistered across large areas
- the deck is soft or rotten
- water ponds across the roof because the falls are wrong
Read why cheap flat roof repairs often cost more.
Flat roof systems we install
GRP (fibreglass)
A seamless, hard-wearing finish that suits extensions, dormers, balconies and roofs with foot traffic. Can be finished with an anti-slip coating.
Single ply membranes (EPDM, PVC, TPO)
Flexible membranes laid in large sheets with few joints. Well suited to larger residential and commercial roofs.
Liquid-applied membranes
Applied as a liquid that cures into a seamless membrane. Useful on complex roofs with lots of details, and can sometimes go over a sound existing roof.
Modern felt (torch-on)
Multi-layer reinforced bitumen systems. A cost-effective choice for garages, outbuildings and simple roofs.
Lead
Traditional lead flats and bays on heritage and listed buildings, laid to traditional detailing.
Comparing flat roof systems
| System | Best for | Typical life* | Foot traffic | Relative cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GRP | Extensions, dormers, balconies | 25–40 years | Good for maintenance access | ££ |
| Single ply | Larger and commercial roofs | 20–30+ years | Moderate (walkways advised) | ££ |
| Liquid-applied | Complex details, refurbishment | 15–25+ years | Moderate | ££ |
| Torch-on felt | Garages, outbuildings | 20–30 years | Moderate | £–££ |
| Lead | Heritage and listed buildings | 60+ years | Limited | ££££ |
*Typical ranges, not guarantees. Life depends on product, installation, exposure and maintenance.
Single ply roofing in Edinburgh
Single ply roofs use one layer of synthetic membrane, usually EPDM, PVC or TPO, laid in large sheets with few joints. They are common on larger extensions, flat-roofed blocks and commercial buildings.
Where single ply works well
- Larger roofs, where fewer joints means fewer places for water to get in
- Commercial, industrial and modular buildings
- Roofs being upgraded to a warm roof with new insulation
Repairs to existing single ply roofs
Single ply roofs usually leak at seams, around rooflights, outlets and other penetrations, or where the membrane has been damaged by foot traffic or other trades. We trace the leak, repair the membrane with a compatible system and photograph the repair.
Choosing between single ply, GRP and felt depends on the size of the roof, how it is used and the budget. The comparison above sets out the main differences.
Warm roofs, insulation and building warrants
Most flat roof replacements are now built as warm roofs, with insulation above the deck and a vapour control layer beneath it. This keeps the deck warm and lowers the risk of condensation compared with a cold roof. Replacing a roof can also be the right time to improve insulation and correct falls with tapered insulation.
Depending on the scope, a building warrant may be needed. We will advise at survey stage. More detail in 5 key considerations when replacing a flat roof.
Our process
Survey
We check the covering, deck, falls, outlets and upstands.
Recommendation
Repair or replacement, and which system suits the roof.
Quote
An itemised written quote.
Installation
Carried out to the manufacturer’s specification.
Handover
Photos and guarantee paperwork.
Guarantees
Every flat roof we install carries our workmanship guarantee. The length depends on the system and the work, and is confirmed in writing on your quote. Where a manufacturer guarantee is available for the system, we will tell you at quote stage what it covers and who issues it.
Written quoteThe work, materials and access method explained
PhotosBefore and after photos of the work
GuaranteedWorkmanship guarantee confirmed in writing on your quote
£5 millionPublic liability and employer’s liability insurance
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
How long does a flat roof last?
It depends on the system and how well it was installed. Typical ranges are in the table above. A well-detailed GRP or single ply roof will usually outlast an older felt roof by many years.
What is the best flat roof material?
There is no single best option. GRP suits small roofs with foot traffic, single ply suits larger roofs, and felt suits budget-sensitive outbuildings. We recommend a system after seeing the roof.
Can you repair a flat roof rather than replace it?
Yes, when the damage is local and the deck is sound. We will tell you if repair is a false economy.
Do flat roofs leak more than pitched roofs?
Not if they are designed and installed properly. Most flat roof leaks come from poor falls, blocked outlets and badly detailed upstands rather than the material.
How much does a flat roof cost in Edinburgh?
Cost depends on size, system, the condition of the deck, insulation and access. We give a fixed written quote after a survey.
Related services
Get a flat roof quote
Tell us about the job and send a photo if you can. We cover Edinburgh and the surrounding areas.