One of the reasons flat roofs are popular everywhere from home extensions to garden rooms is their longevity. That said, how long your flat roof will last will depend on various factors, including what material it’s made of and how well you maintain it. 

For the purposes of this blog, we’re going to assume that you’re maintaining your flat roof properly. 

The answer to how often you should replace your flat roof depends on what material it’s made from – and this may also inform your decision about what material you use for your replacement roof. The minimum life expectancy of a flat roof is generally 15 years, with some materials lasting 40 or more when installed by flat roof specialists.

The following are the main options for flat roof materials:

• Felt
• EPDM rubber
• Fibre glass
• Green roofs

Felt flat roofs typically last between 15 and 20 years. Our preference is for high-performance torch-on felt flat roofs, which offer improved durability over older types of felt roofing material.

EPDM rubber flat roofs have the longest life expectancy of the lot – often over 40 years. Among the advantages of this type of material is that it can be laid as one piece, so no danger of leaks in joins and its incredible durability. 

Similarly, fibre glass flat roofs provide longevity, often 30 years when looked after correctly and installed professionally. It’s important to ensure conditions are right for fibre glass roof installation before going ahead, which is why trained specialist roofers are the best people for this job. 

Finally, green roofs are becoming increasingly popular. This is where plants grow on top of the flat roof, providing additional green space in urban environments. The plants protect the underlying material from the weather, as well as helping to absorb rainfall. They are also known for their insulating properties. 

If you’d like to know whether your flat roof is in need of replacing, it’s best to call in a specialist who can inspect your roof and advise you as to whether it’s time to get a new roof, or if your existing roof has a good few years left in it.