Flat Roofs Need Specialist Attention

Flat roofs are everywhere in Burton upon Trent — on garages, kitchen extensions, bay windows, dormers, and porches. They're practical, cost-effective, and essential to thousands of homes in the area. But they also take a beating from the British weather, and when they fail, water damage follows quickly.

The problem with many older flat roofs is the material. Traditional felt flat roofs were only ever designed to last 10 to 15 years, and many across Burton have been patched, re-patched, and left well beyond their useful life. If your flat roof is bubbling, cracking, leaking, or holding standing water, it's time to look at a proper replacement.

At Hight Rise Roofing, we install modern flat roofing systems that are built to last decades, not just a few seasons. We cover Burton upon Trent, Swadlincote, Derby, Lichfield, Tamworth, and all surrounding areas.

Flat Roofing Systems We Install

EPDM Rubber Roofing

EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is a synthetic rubber membrane that has become the go-to choice for residential flat roofs. It's laid in a single sheet, which means no seams and no weak points where water can get in.

  • Lifespan: 40 to 50 years with minimal maintenance
  • Best for: Garages, extensions, porches, dormers
  • Key benefits: Fully waterproof, UV resistant, flexible in all temperatures, lightweight
  • Maintenance: Virtually none — just keep it clear of debris

EPDM is our most recommended flat roofing system for homeowners in Burton upon Trent. It's cost-effective, incredibly durable, and backed by a manufacturer's guarantee of up to 20 years.

GRP Fibreglass Roofing

GRP (glass reinforced polyester) creates a seamless, rigid surface that is completely waterproof. It's applied as a liquid resin with fibreglass matting, which cures to form a solid shell over your flat roof.

  • Lifespan: 30 to 40 years
  • Best for: Balconies, walkways, areas that need to bear foot traffic
  • Key benefits: Extremely strong, seamless finish, can be walked on, available in a range of colours
  • Maintenance: Very low — occasional cleaning is all that's needed

GRP is an excellent choice if your flat roof doubles as a balcony or if you need to access it regularly for maintenance. It's slightly more expensive than EPDM but provides a rock-solid finish.

Felt Flat Roofing

While we always recommend EPDM or GRP for new installations, we also carry out high-quality torch-on felt roofing for customers who prefer it or where budget is a primary concern.

  • Lifespan: 10 to 20 years (high-performance felt)
  • Best for: Budget-conscious repairs, sheds, outbuildings
  • Key benefits: Lower upfront cost, quick to install
  • Maintenance: Regular inspections recommended to catch wear early

Common Flat Roof Problems

If you have an existing flat roof that's causing trouble, here are the most common issues we deal with across Burton upon Trent:

  • Ponding water — Water pooling on the surface because the roof has insufficient fall or the drainage is blocked. This accelerates deterioration and leads to leaks.
  • Blistering and bubbling — Trapped moisture causes the felt or membrane to bubble, weakening the surface and letting water in.
  • Cracking and splitting — Temperature changes cause older felt to shrink and crack, especially during cold Burton winters.
  • Failed joints and seams — Multi-sheet felt roofs often fail at the overlap points where water penetrates the seams.
  • Detached flashings — Where the flat roof meets a wall, the flashing can come loose, creating a gap for water to enter.

If you're experiencing any of these problems, we can carry out a leak repair or recommend a full flat roof replacement depending on the condition. For urgent issues, see our emergency repairs page.

Flat Roofing for Garages and Extensions

The majority of flat roof work we carry out in Burton upon Trent is on garages and rear extensions. Many homes in the area were built with single-skin garage roofs covered in mineral felt that's now well past its best. Replacing these with EPDM or GRP transforms a constant maintenance headache into a roof that will outlast the building itself.

If you're building a new extension, we work alongside builders across Burton and South Derbyshire to install flat roofing as part of the build. We can also fit new fascias, soffits, and guttering at the same time for a complete finish.

Local Flat Roofing Across Burton and Beyond

We're based in Burton upon Trent and carry out flat roofing work throughout the area, including Swadlincote, Derby, Lichfield, Tamworth, Uttoxeter, and villages across East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire. We're local, so we can usually survey your flat roof within a day or two of your enquiry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Both are excellent systems. EPDM is generally our top recommendation for most residential flat roofs because of its long lifespan, flexibility, and lower cost. GRP is the better choice if you need a flat roof you can walk on regularly, such as a balcony or accessible roof terrace. We'll advise you on the best option during your free survey.
Most garage and extension flat roof replacements are completed in one to two days. Larger or more complex roofs may take a little longer. GRP needs a dry day for curing, so we schedule installations with the weather in mind.
It depends on the age and condition of the roof. Small, localised damage can sometimes be patched. But if the felt is old, brittle, and failing in multiple places, a full replacement with EPDM or GRP will save you money in the long run. We'll give you an honest assessment when we inspect the roof.
Yes. All flat roofing installations come with our 10-year workmanship guarantee. EPDM systems also carry a manufacturer's product guarantee of up to 20 years. You're fully covered.