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EDPM vs Fibreglass for a flat roof (lemmy.sdf.org)

submitted 4 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

9 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Hi,

Any of you folks know about EDPM vs Fibreglass roofing.

I need to make a choice for a property extension in the UK. I expect rain, a few hot days, more rain, more rain, and some ice.

The roof won't be load bearing (people won't be walking on it).

Seems like every other website has differing opinions on what's best. I guess because everyone is selling something.

Any impartial opinions on what you'd use?

Cheers

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 months ago (1 children)

EDPM is cheaper and doesn't last as long. Make sure your builder knows how to do flat roofs, poor workmanship can make them a nightmare and hold water. If you have trees in the area make sure to clear the debris off at least twice a year because the tannins can damage the roof, bugs can dwell in it and damage the roof, and plants can take root and damage the roof.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Some people report that fibreglass gets brittle and cracks. Thoughts?

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Are you thinking fiberglass sheet like corrugated tin? I am talking about GRP roofing material that is a competing product to EPDM. Everything will eventually crack and fail, fiberglass lasts longer before compromising failure.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 months ago

GRP yeah.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Necropost, but did you choose one in the end?
I've just had to DIY an EPDM, and honestly...It's not horrible to work with, and if done properly shouldn't have any issues.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Every builder I got a quote from recommended fibreglass over EDPM since we are going to have a roof lantern.

The builder I'm going to uses this system: https://www.tuffstuff.co.uk/

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago

Sounds good to me. If you're getting a builder to do it, you're almost definitely better off with whatever system they're happy using.
Everyone will have their preference that they feel most comfortable with.

Honestly, I reckon it's 6 of one, half a dozen of the other. Over 25 years, it'll probably do the same job.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Fiberglass can be smashed to shit by hail.

If hailstones EVER happen, you want a non-fiberglass roof, which you may well have to replace, after a storm.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 months ago

Thanks. Not sure why the down votes.