Flat Roofing in Peterborough: EPDM Rubber Roofs

A real Peterborough EPDM roof

Sam F.'s Google review says it best: “Danny and the team came and fitted a EPDM rubber roof for me in Peterborough. Really happy with the finish and the overall service was professional. I would recommend.” That job is typical of the flat-roof work we do in the city: the old covering removed, the deck checked and prepared, and a single seamless EPDM membrane laid with neat edge detailing.

The photos on this page show the stages of our flat-roof work, from a prepared OSB deck to a finished membrane. You can see more examples on our work page.

EPDM rubber or torch-on felt?

EPDM is a synthetic rubber membrane, usually laid in a single sheet for smaller roofs. With no seams across the main area, there are fewer places for water to get in. It stays flexible in cold weather, copes well with temperature changes and gives a clean, uniform finish that suits extensions and dormers.

Torch-on felt is a layered bitumen system, bonded to the deck and to each layer above with heat. It is tough, well suited to roofs that see occasional foot traffic and can be finished with a mineral cap sheet. Both are good options when installed properly, and we will recommend the right one for your roof's size, shape, use and budget.

Whichever system you choose, the quality of the result comes down to the preparation and the detailing rather than the material alone. A well-laid membrane on a sound, properly falling deck, with neat trims and a reliable outlet, will outperform an expensive product fitted in a hurry. That is why we take the time to get the groundwork right before the new covering goes on.

Repair or replace your flat roof?

Not every flat roof leak means a new roof. A localised split, a lifted edge or a failed joint can often be repaired. We will tell you honestly if a repair is the sensible choice.

Replacement becomes the better option when the covering is blistered, cracked or ponding across much of its area, when there have been repeated repairs, or when the deck beneath has become soft or rotten. In these cases, patching only delays the inevitable, and water trapped in a failing deck can damage the ceiling and timbers below. A new roof with a sound deck gives you a fresh start.

Extensions, garages and dormers

Peterborough has a large number of homes with single-storey rear extensions, attached and detached garages, and box dormers added in loft conversions. Each needs a slightly different approach. Extensions often meet the house wall, so the junction must be properly flashed. Garages can be larger spans where a good fall and a reliable outlet matter. Dormers involve working at height and neat detailing against the main roof, often with lead flashings to the cheeks and abutments.

For smaller pitched and flat roofs over porches and garages, see our porch and garage roofs page as well.

Edge trims, upstands and outlets

The details are what keep a flat roof watertight. Edge trims finish the perimeter neatly and hold the membrane in place. Upstands where the roof meets a wall are taken up the brickwork and protected with a flashing. Outlets and gutters are positioned so water leaves the roof quickly rather than sitting in puddles.

We prepare the deck properly before any membrane goes down, replacing boards where they are damaged and making sure the surface is clean, dry and sound. Getting these steps right at the start is what gives a flat roof a long, trouble-free life.

Flat roofing across Peterborough

We cover Peterborough and its surrounding areas, including Werrington, Orton and Hampton, for flat roofs alongside general repairs, re-roofs and leadwork. For more about the other roofing work we carry out in the city, see our Peterborough roofers page, and for full details of our membranes and process, read about EPDM flat roofing.

Every job starts with a free inspection and a clear written quote. Klarna is available if you would like to spread the cost; see our finance options. All work is fully insured and guaranteed.