Flat Roofing & Flat Roof Repairs | Ipswich & Colchester

Flat roofing

Flat roofs have a reputation for leaking, but most problems come down to how they were laid: poor falls that let water sit, cheap felt, or edges and upstands that were never detailed properly. Done right, a flat roof keeps an extension or garage dry for many years.

We repair and replace flat roofs on garages, kitchen and rear extensions, dormers, bay windows and porches. When we replace one, we check the decking underneath and fix the falls and edges, so water runs off instead of pooling.

Signs your flat roof needs attention

Puddles that sit on the roof for days after rain
Blisters, bubbles or cracks in the felt
Splits along the edges or where the roof meets a wall
Damp patches or mould on the ceiling below
A spongy feel underfoot, which can mean rotten decking
Moss and plants growing on the roof

Sound familiar? Get a quote

How we do it

Done properly, step by step

01
Inspect and advise

We check the covering, the edges and, where we can, the decking, then tell you if a repair will last or the roof needs replacing.
02
Written quote

You get a clear price, with the covering and any decking or insulation work spelled out.
03
Strip and check the deck

On a replacement, the old covering comes off and any soft or rotten boards are replaced.
04
Lay the new roof

The new covering goes down with proper upstands, drip edges and outlets, so water runs where it should.
05
Tidy and photos

Waste removed and photos of the finished roof sent to you.

Felt, rubber or fibreglass

There are three common flat roof coverings. Modern torch-on or multi-layer felt systems are tough and much better than the old single-layer felt many garages were built with. EPDM rubber is a single sheet with few joints. GRP fibreglass gives a hard, seamless finish that suits small roofs and balconies. Each has its place, and we'll recommend the one that suits your roof, how you use it and your budget.

Repair or replace?

A single split or a lifted edge on a roof that's otherwise sound can usually be repaired. If the covering is blistered all over, water is getting into the deck, or the roof has been patched again and again, replacing it is cheaper over time. We'll give you the honest answer, with photos.

Garages, extensions and dormers

Garage roofs are often the oldest flat roofs on a property and the most likely to have rotten decking. Kitchen extension roofs need careful detailing where they meet the house wall, usually with lead or a proper upstand. Dormer roofs are small but exposed, and a failure there shows up in a bedroom. We handle all of them.

Prices

What affects the price

Every roof is different, so we don't put prices on a website and then add extras later. Lee looks at your roof and gives you a written quote, free, with everything included.

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The size of the roof
The covering you choose: felt, rubber or fibreglass
Whether the decking underneath needs replacing
Insulation, if you want a warm roof
Edges, upstands, outlets and lead where the roof meets the house

Checkatrade reviews

What customers say about our flat roofs work

9.81/10 from 220 verified reviews

★★★★★10/10
"I needed my flat roof redone, i phoned lee and he came round straight away, had a look and gave me qoute. I was booked in within a couple days. The work he has done is to a very high standard and I am really impressed. His workers are friendly and left it all clean and tidy afterwards. Would highly recommend."
Flat roofFrinton area, CO13 · Checkatrade, verified
★★★★★9.67/10
"The guys came to do the job on a damp and cold day which was impressive. The work, a flat roof, was prompt, efficient and at a reasonable price Thankyou"
Flat roofColchester, CO3 · Checkatrade, verified
★★★★★10/10
"Lee and his team replaced the flat roof over our kitchen, replaced the lead around our chimney stack and fixed a couple of small leaks over the front porch. All done with great efficiency. Would thoroughly recommend."
Kitchen flat roof and chimney leadColchester, CO2 · Checkatrade, verified

Where we work

Flat roofs across Ipswich, Colchester and beyond

We're based in Colchester and cover Suffolk and north Essex. Find your area for local information and reviews, or put your postcode in the quote form.

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FAQs

Flat roofs: your questions

Something else? Call Lee on 07864 367325. He's happy to talk it through.

Can a flat roof be repaired, or does it need replacing?

If the damage is in one spot and the rest is sound, a repair is fine. If the covering is blistered or cracked all over, or the decking is soft, a new roof is the better option.

Which flat roof covering is best?

It depends on the roof. Modern felt systems, EPDM rubber and GRP fibreglass all work well when fitted properly. We'll recommend one for your roof and explain why.

Why does water pool on my flat roof?

Usually the roof doesn't have enough fall, or the deck has sagged. When we replace a flat roof we can correct the falls so water drains away.

Do you do garage roofs?

Yes, garage roofs are one of the most common flat roof jobs we do, including replacing rotten decking underneath.

Can you add insulation when replacing a flat roof?

Often, yes. A warm roof build-up puts insulation above the deck. We'll check whether it suits your roof and your Building Regulations requirements.

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