Flat Roof Replacement

Flat Roof Replacement for Commercial and Industrial Buildings

A failing flat roof rarely stays a small problem. At Total Cladding and Roofing, we replace flat roofs on warehouses, factories, offices, retail units, schools and public buildings across the UK, installing modern waterproofing systems that are built to last and designed around how your building is used.

We offer two main flat roofing systems, liquid-applied membranes and PVC single ply membranes, so we can recommend the right one for your roof rather than the only one we install. Every replacement can also include new insulation, cut-to-fall designs and upgraded outlets and edge details.

Signs Your Flat Roof Needs Replacing

• Recurring leaks – water coming in at different points, despite repairs.
• Ponding water – standing water that does not drain away after rain.
• Blistering, splitting or cracking – a membrane or felt surface that has broken down across the roof.
• Wet or crushed insulation – soft areas underfoot, often from water trapped beneath the waterproofing.
• Failed details – leaks at upstands, rooflights, plant bases, outlets and edges.
• High heating costs – an older flat roof with little or no insulation.

Choosing the Right Flat Roofing System

Liquid Flat Roofing Systems

Liquid-applied membranes are cold-applied and fully bonded, forming a seamless waterproof layer with no joins or laps. They suit roofs with lots of detailing, such as plant bases, rooflights, upstands and gutters, and can often be laid over a sound existing roof. Because no flames or hot works are needed, they are a safe choice for occupied buildings. We install systems including PMMA and polyurethane liquid membranes. Find out more about our liquid flat roofing systems.

PVC Single Ply Membranes

PVC single ply is a lightweight, flexible sheet membrane with hot-air welded seams. It installs quickly over large, open flat roofs, can be mechanically fastened or adhered, and resists UV and weathering. Light-coloured finishes reflect heat, and walkways can be built in for maintenance access. It is a strong choice for large commercial and industrial roofs where speed and a clean, consistent finish matter.

Which Is Right for Your Roof?

• Complex roofs with lots of details – liquid systems follow every shape without seams.
• Large, open roof areas – PVC single ply covers big areas quickly and evenly.
• No hot works allowed – both can be installed without flames.
• Overlaying an existing roof – both can be suitable where the existing deck and insulation are sound.

We will recommend a system after surveying your roof, taking into account the deck, existing layers, how the building is used and your budget. Many liquid and single ply systems can be supplied with a manufacturer’s guarantee, and we will confirm what is available for your roof when we quote.

Strip and Replace, or Overlay?

Not every flat roof needs a full strip-out. Where the deck and insulation are dry and sound, a new membrane can often be laid over the existing felt or single ply, saving time, cost and disruption. Where water has got into the build-up or the deck has deteriorated, we strip back and rebuild. Our options include:

• Strip and relay – full removal and a new roof build-up.
• Overlay existing felt – a new liquid or single ply membrane over a sound felt roof.
• Overlay existing single ply – a new system over an ageing membrane, where suitable.
• Profiled steel deck – design and installation of a new deck where the existing one has failed.

Insulation, Falls and Drainage

A flat roof replacement is the time to fix the causes of ponding and heat loss, not just the waterproofing. We install tapered, cut-to-fall insulation schemes to move water off the roof, upgrade insulation to current Building Regulations standards, and replace outlets, gutters and edge trims so the whole roof drains as it should.

Our Flat Roof Replacement Process

1. Survey – we inspect the roof and its details, and check the existing build-up and deck.
2. Recommendation – a clear proposal setting out the system, insulation and any repairs to the deck.
3. Preparation – safe access and edge protection, then strip-out or surface preparation.
4. Installation – insulation, membrane and details installed to the manufacturer’s specification.
5. Inspection and handover – final quality checks before the roof is handed back to you.

Flat Roofing Experience

Our flat roofing work ranges from small office roofs to large retail and industrial buildings. See our liquid flat roof project for Asda in Yeovil, and browse more of our projects.

Why Choose Total Cladding and Roofing?

• Two systems, honest advice – liquid or PVC single ply, chosen to suit your roof.
• Nationwide coverage – flat roof replacement for commercial clients across the UK.
• Fully trained team – experienced roofers backed by our accreditations.
• Minimal disruption – work planned around your building and the people in it.

Get a Flat Roof Replacement Quote

If your flat roof is leaking, ponding or past its best, call us on 020 4652 9219 or contact us to arrange a free consultation and site survey.