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Why Fibreglass Flat Roofs May Save More Than Just Your Pocket

By: William Penworthy


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Fibreglass flat roofs have grown massively in popularity. Perhaps that’s not surprising when you consider how much more affordable GRP roofing is compared to the alternatives available. Tiled roofs are not only fearfully expensive, but highly prone to damage in the increasingly stormy weather we are prone to experiencing in this country. And that’s just during the summer months!

The other common alternative form of roofing is of course the traditional felt lined roof, although as almost anyone who has lived in a property with one of these over the porch or patio will confirm, they are extremely liable to leak after a while. This is mainly as a direct result of the widely contrasting weather we experience in this country, from the heat waves to the icy storms and hurricanes.

This places a great deal more stress on felt lined roofs, causing expansion and contraction to gradually weaken the joints and bends, resulting in tears which allow moisture inside. This moisture then exacerbates the problem by causing warping of the underlying wooden joists, and very rapidly the entire roof becomes a liability, as you’re likely to discover the very next time there’s a downpour.

GRP roofing, otherwise referred to as glass reinforced polyester, is entirely different from both these roofing solutions, providing an alternative which is not only extremely affordable to purchase, but which offers several advantages over the longer term. Most traditional roofing methods require several contractors working over a significant period of time. This all increases the eventual price you pay of course. However, fibreglass flat roofs are so lightweight and easy to install that in most cases a single contractor is able to fit the entire roof in a very short space of time, lowering the initial cost dramatically.

But it’s also worth realising that whilst it’s easy to be swayed by the vastly lower costs of GRP roofing compared to tiled roofs or felt lined roofs, it’s usually the longer term that results in effective justification for any major decision of this kind. By longer term people generally refer to three things: appearance, maintenance and durability. How do GRP roofing solutions compare to tiled and felt lined roofs where these three considerations are concerned?

Many people are surprised at just how much variety there is in terms of the design and appearance of GRP roofing. Glass reinforced polyester can be produced in a range of colours and finishes, and in some cases can be manufactured in a way which allows you to apply your own finish, ensuring a perfect match for your existing exterior decor. GRP roofing is even available with wood effect finishes, allowing fibreglass flat roofs to be used within the grounds of older buildings or buildings of an older design. With so many styles and options available, GRP roofing provides far greater scope than either felt lined roofs or tiled roofs.

Where maintenance is concerned, fibreglass flat roofs are by far the easiest to maintain, simply because they require no maintenance! Perhaps you might point the hose pipe at it occasionally, or give it a quick wipe with a damp cloth, but apart from that, nothing is required to keep a GRP roof in excellent condition. Both felt lined roofs and tiled roofs need regular maintenance, with broken or missing tiles requiring swift repair or replacement to avoid leaking, and felt roofs needing extensive patches or replacement in the case of the slightest crack or split.

Finally, as far as durability is concerned, glass reinforced polyester has been used by both the RAF and the Navy. From the hulls of boats to the bodies of airplanes, GRP has been the material of choice for a long time, providing strength and flexibility, whilst offering superb water resistance and strength. If the material used for fibreglass flat roofs and GRP roofing can cope with the weather at thirty thousand feet, and the middle of the Atlantic Ocean in a storm, it’s fairly likely to provide more than adequate protection for your patio, conservatory, garage, shed or porch!

Article Source: http://depositarticles.com/

Fibreglass Flat Roofs | www.fibreglassmouldings.co.uk | GRP Roofing

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