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Roofing
Kitchen Roof: Flat or Pitched and what material finish should I choose?
Anonymous user 23 February 2024 - 3.14 PM
Hello,
We have recently purchased a 46 year old property and the kitchen/garage has a flat felt roof (3x8m) which will need replacing.
Question 1: What’s the best material finish for a flat roof: Felt, rubber, fibreglass or any other? I have been advised to go for Fibreglass but will it be noisy if there's heavy rain?
Question 2: We would like to change this 3x8m flat roof to a low pitched roof. The issue is there would only be about 18 degrees due to the top landing window. I’ve been told a slate roof is possibly NOT an option unless it’s kept flat just by the central window with a lead seal – is this correct?
Otherwise would it be better to have a pitched roof finish in concrete tiles or fibreglass or any other finish?
Any advice, ideas and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?
I always recommend to my costumers to go with the grp roof. It is most durable of all existing materials and easiest to repair in case damage (window cleaner ladders, ...) You can have it in variety of colours if you wish. Also regarding rain noise, the top layer in that system is like rubberised paint so shouldn't be noisy. Just in case and for added thermal benefit if you have space you could add a layer of rigid insulation on top of your existing structure than a layer of 18mm roofboards screwed down through the insulation and your fibreglass layer on top. Hope that helps.
Personally if replacing the existing flat roof coverings I would go for rubber as opposed to felt or GRP. Unfortunately you will find that everyone will have their own preferred material but as long as they are fit for purpose it may come down to cost.
However if your preference is to have a pitched roof then an 18 deg roof is not a problem as there are a range of roof tiles to suit this roof pitch including the "slate look alike" Marley Thrutone tile which is suitable for pitches above 15 degs. With regards to your existing central rooflight I would advice that this be changed to a Velux rooflight which again is suitable providing you have a minimum roof pitch off 15 deg and will also allows you to have a fully vaulted ceiling line within re-furbed areas.
Regards
David
