Your local flat roofing specialists
Whether it’s a kitchen extension in Southbourne, a garage in Kinson or a dormer in Charminster, a flat roof is only as good as the details around it.
Most flat roof failures aren’t caused by the waterproofing itself. Poor falls leave water sitting on the roof, badly formed upstands and edge trims let water track in at the perimeter, and a cold, poorly ventilated deck can trap condensation that quietly rots the timber from within. Swap in a better membrane without fixing those issues and the same problems come back.
As a family-run, second-generation roofing company, flat roofing is what we do best. We look at the whole roof — deck, falls, drainage and every junction with walls, windows and gutters — then recommend the system and build-up that will perform on a Bournemouth home for decades, not just a few winters.
Flat roofing systems we install
There’s no single “best” flat roof — the right choice depends on the size and shape of the roof, how visible it is, whether you’ll walk on it and your budget. These are the systems we fit most often on homes and businesses around Bournemouth and Poole:
EPDM rubber roofing
A tough, flexible synthetic rubber membrane, usually laid as a single seam-free sheet on domestic roofs. UV-stable and low-maintenance, it’s our go-to for many extensions, garages and dormers.
- Best for
- Extensions, garages, dormers
- Finish
- Smooth black
GRP fibreglass roofing
Glass-reinforced polyester laminated in place to create a seamless, rigid surface. Crisp trims and a hard-wearing topcoat make it ideal where looks matter or the roof gets light foot traffic.
- Best for
- Visible roofs, porches, balconies
- Finish
- Coloured topcoat
Torch-on felt
Modern reinforced bitumen membranes bonded in layers and finished with a mineral cap sheet. A proven, robust system that suits larger roofs, complex details and commercial buildings.
- Best for
- Larger and commercial roofs
- Finish
- Mineral cap sheet
Liquid-applied coatings
Cold-applied liquid systems that cure into a seamless, fully bonded membrane. Excellent for awkward details, and in the right circumstances they can extend the life of a sound existing roof.
- Best for
- Tricky details, refurbishment
- Finish
- Seamless coating
| System | Typical lifespan* | Seams | Flame-free install | Great for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EPDM rubber | 30+ years | Usually none on domestic roofs | Yes | Low-maintenance extensions and garages |
| GRP fibreglass | 25+ years | Seamless | Yes | Neat, visible finishes and light foot traffic |
| Torch-on felt | 20–30 years | Sealed, overlapping laps | No | Larger roofs and complex detailing |
| Liquid-applied | 10–25 years | Seamless | Yes | Awkward details and refurbishment |
*Typical figures for quality systems that are correctly installed and maintained. Actual lifespan depends on the product, exposure and use — we’ll give you realistic guidance for your roof.
Warm roof or cold roof?
The build-up beneath the membrane matters as much as the membrane itself. In a traditional cold roof, insulation sits between the joists with a ventilated gap above it. If that ventilation is poor — as it often is on older extensions — warm, moist air can condense on the underside of the deck and slowly rot it.
In a warm roof, rigid insulation boards are laid above the deck with a vapour control layer beneath them. The structure stays on the warm side, condensation risk is greatly reduced and the room below is better insulated. For most replacement flat roofs we fit in Bournemouth, it’s the approach we recommend.
Replacing a flat roof can bring the work under Building Regulations, including current insulation standards. We’ll tell you if your project is affected and make sure the right approvals are in place before we start.
Flat roofs we work on
- Single-storey kitchen, rear and side extensions
- Garages, carports and outbuildings
- Dormer roofs and dormer cheeks
- Porches, bay windows and canopies
- Balconies and roof terraces, with suitable walkable finishes
- Blocks of flats — for owners, landlords and managing agents
- Shops, offices, hotels and industrial units — see commercial flat roofing in Bournemouth
A flat roofer near you in Bournemouth
When you search for a flat roofer near you, you want someone local who’ll turn up when they say, knows how Bournemouth’s coastal weather treats a roof, and will still be around if you ever need them again. That’s us. We work right across the BH postcodes, including:
- Westbourne
- Boscombe
- Southbourne
- Pokesdown
- Tuckton
- Iford
- Winton
- Charminster
- Moordown
- Queen’s Park
- Talbot Woods
- Throop
- Kinson
- Ensbury Park
- Wallisdown
- Littledown
Just over the border, we also look after flat roofs in Poole — Parkstone, Branksome and Canford Cliffs — as well as Christchurch, Highcliffe and Mudeford, and East Dorset towns such as Ferndown, West Parley and Wimborne. Not sure if we cover your street? Check your postcode:
Signs your flat roof needs attention
- Damp patches or water stains on the ceiling below
- Puddles that are still there a couple of days after rain
- Blisters, bubbles, cracks or splits in the surface
- Felt lifting at the edges or around upstands
- Moss, plants or debris building up on the roof
- A soft or spongy feel underfoot — often a sign the deck is rotting
Caught early, many flat roof problems can be fixed rather than replaced. If your roof has reached the end of its life, we’ll show you why and talk you through the options. Find out more about our roof repairs in Bournemouth.
How we install your new flat roof
- Survey — we inspect the existing roof, deck, falls and drainage, and take accurate measurements.
- Recommendation & quote — we explain the best system for your roof and send a clear, itemised quote.
- Preparation — we protect your property, strip the old covering and repair or replace any damaged decking.
- Build-up — vapour control layer, insulation and deck boards go down, with falls formed to shed water.
- Waterproofing — the membrane is installed with properly formed upstands, trims, outlets and flashings.
- Final checks — we check every detail, clear the site and walk you through the finished roof.
What does a flat roof cost?
Every roof is different, so we price each job after a free survey rather than quoting blind. The main things that affect the cost of a flat roof in Bournemouth are:
- The size of the roof and how complicated its shape is
- The system you choose — EPDM, GRP, torch-on felt or a liquid coating
- Whether the deck and joists are sound or need repairs
- Upgrading to a warm roof with new insulation
- Details such as rooflights, lanterns, upstands and outlets
- Access, scaffolding and removal of the old roof
You’ll get a clear, itemised written quote that explains exactly what’s included — with no obligation to go ahead.
Flat roofing FAQs
How much does a new flat roof cost in Bournemouth?
It depends on the size of the roof, the system, the condition of the deck, insulation and access. A small porch or dormer costs far less than a large extension or garage. We’ll survey the roof for free and give you a clear written quote with no obligation.
How do I find a reliable flat roofer near me in Bournemouth?
Look for a local company that specialises in flat roofs, has genuine reviews, explains which system and insulation it recommends and why, and gives you an itemised written quote. As a family-run Bournemouth roofing business, that’s exactly how we work.
How long does it take to replace a flat roof?
Most domestic flat roofs — such as a garage or single-storey extension — take one to three days. Larger roofs, or those needing new decking or insulation, can take longer. We’ll give you a realistic timescale with your quote.
Can you replace my old felt roof with rubber or GRP?
Yes. We regularly replace tired felt roofs with EPDM rubber or GRP. We strip the old covering, check and repair the deck, and install the new system — often upgrading to a warm roof at the same time.
Do you do commercial flat roofing in Bournemouth?
Yes — we replace, refurbish and repair flat roofs on shops, offices, hotels, industrial units and blocks of flats. Find out more about our commercial flat roofing.
Do I need planning permission for a new flat roof?
Replacing a flat roof like-for-like doesn’t usually need planning permission, but listed buildings, conservation areas and changes to the height or shape of the roof can be different. Building Regulations may also apply. We’ll advise you before any work starts.
Can you install a flat roof in wet weather?
Membranes, adhesives and resins need dry conditions to bond properly, so we plan work around the forecast and never cut corners to beat the rain. If the weather turns mid-job, we make sure your roof is protected.
