Flat roofs have come a long way from the bitumen felt systems most UK homeowners remember. Today's materials, when installed correctly, can last anywhere from 5 to 50 years - but lifespan varies significantly between systems.
EPDM rubber roofing handles UV exposure well and flexes with temperature changes, which makes it well-suited to the British climate.
GRP (fibreglass) roofing produces a hard, seamless finish that performs especially well on flat areas with light foot traffic.
Liquid-applied systems like Ultraflex can deliver a 20-year guarantee with a service life beyond that. Because they cure into a fully bonded, seamless membrane, they're often the longest-performing option for complex roofs with lots of details. This is the best roofing system on the market and is why we install this ourselves.
Traditional torch-on felt has a shorter lifespan.
Whichever system you choose, installation quality is the single biggest factor in how long your roof lasts. Poor detailing around upstands, outlets and junctions is the most common cause of early failure.