Will the hot weather damage my flat roof?

July 15, 2013
"However, the sun is well known for the damage it can do. Sunscreen, hats and sunglasses can help protect our bodies from the harsh UV rays. But what about our homes? From floor coverings to curtains, the sun can fade or damage a whole host of precious – and expensive – items. Even outdoor patio furniture, which you would think would be somewhat immune, can bleak, fade and crack from ongoing exposure to the sun."

Does the hot weather effect my flat roof?

It may have arrived later than we wanted, but the sun is finally shining the temperatures are high, the sandals and flip flops are out and as a nation, we are enjoying the summer for as long as it lasts.

However, the sun is well known for the damage it can do. Sunscreen, hats and sunglasses can help protect our bodies from the harsh UV rays. But what about our homes? From floor coverings to curtains, the sun can fade or damage a whole host of precious – and expensive – items. Even outdoor patio furniture, which you would think would be somewhat immune, can bleak, fade and crack from ongoing exposure to the sun.

But what about your actual property? Will the hot weather damage your  flat roof ? If you currently have a flat felt roof, the simple answer is yes. Of course, this does depend on the age and quality of your felt roof, but after time, the elements can severely damage and compromise your roof.

In some cases, a layer of chippings such as gravel, limestone or granite might have been applied on top of the felt to strengthen the roof and reflect rather than absorb sunlight, thereby protecting the felt layers. However, as it ages, a felt roof can blister in the hot weather, which will then become brittle. As the temperature changes, a flat felt roof can crack and the subsequent movement within the felt system can place further stress on vulnerable points of the roof, such as the edges, up stands, pipes, gullies and skylights.

This damage can be a slow process, meaning that issues arising from the hot weather may not be immediately noticeable. It could takes days, weeks or even months for a leak is detected. In the meantime, untold damage could have been done to your property, resulting in repairs costing hundreds – if not thousands – of pounds.

Felt versus single-ply membrane roofing = no competition!

In contrast to the traditional felt flat roof, single-ply PVC membrane roofing will never crack or blister in the hot weather. Engineered to form a 100% watertight covering that is unaffected by the elements, these membranes have been installed on domestic, commercial and industrial buildings around the world, spanning Saudi Arabia to Antarctica. In addition, because the roofing is made from breathable single-ply PVC, it will never be affected by condensation.

Our proven roofing technology does not require bitumen, resins or chippings. And we are so confident about the quality of our single-ply membrane roofing that it comes with a lifetime guarantee !

Steve Thornton – Author

If you have a question about this or any of our blogs, or about any of our services, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.

We will always try and answer your question quickly and professionally.

High-Tech Membrane Roofing Ltd’s Accreditations