Flat Roofing Cheltenham & Gloucestershire
Flat Roofing Specialists in Cheltenham – Installation, Repairs & Replacements in Felt, GRP & EPDM Systems
Flat Roofing Cheltenham & Gloucestershire
Flat Roofing Installation & Repairs in Cheltenham & Gloucestershire
Flat roofs are one of the most common roofing types found on Cheltenham properties — on rear extensions, garages, porches, dormers, bay window roofs, outbuildings and increasingly on modern new-build additions. At Montpellier Roofing Contractors Cheltenham, we specialise in the installation, repair and replacement of flat roofs across Cheltenham and the surrounding Gloucestershire area using three proven flat roofing systems: GRP fibreglass, EPDM rubber and torch-on felt. Many Cheltenham homes still have older flat roofs covered in traditional mineral felt or asphalt that were installed 15–25 years ago. Over time, these materials degrade — developing cracks, blisters, splits and areas of ponding water where the surface has lost its ability to shed rainwater effectively. Once water starts getting through, it can cause significant damage to the timber deck, ceiling joists and the interior below in a very short time. Modern flat roofing systems are a significant step up from the old felt and asphalt coverings. GRP fibreglass, EPDM rubber and modern torch-on felt all offer far superior waterproofing, UV resistance and longevity — with life expectancies of 20 to 30 years or more when installed correctly. Our experienced team will inspect your existing flat roof, explain the options and recommend the best system for the size, usage and budget of your project. Whether you need a brand-new flat roof on a Cheltenham garage or extension, repairs to a leaking flat roof, or a full replacement of an old felt covering, we provide a clean, professional service from inspection through to completion — with a clear written quote, quality materials and guaranteed workmanship.
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Flat Roofing Services in Cheltenham & Gloucestershire
Types of Flat Roofing We Offer
We install three proven flat roofing systems, each with different characteristics suited to different applications. Our team will recommend the best system for your property based on the roof size, intended use (walkable or non-walkable), budget and expected lifespan. Here is how each system works:
EPDM Rubber Flat Roofing
EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is a synthetic rubber membrane that is laid in a single sheet across the flat roof deck and bonded or mechanically fixed in place. Because it is supplied in large sheets — often big enough to cover the entire roof in one piece — EPDM creates a seamless, joint-free waterproof layer with no weak points where water could penetrate. EPDM is extremely flexible, which allows it to expand and contract with temperature changes without cracking or splitting. It is also highly resistant to UV radiation, ozone and weathering, and has a typical lifespan of 25 to 30 years or more. EPDM is a popular choice for garages, sheds, outbuildings and smaller extensions where a durable, cost-effective, long-lasting membrane is needed.
Best suited for: garages, sheds, outbuildings, smaller extensions, non-walkable flat roofs.
Typical lifespan: 25–30+ years. Key advantages: seamless single-sheet installation, UV-resistant, flexible in all temperatures, low maintenance.
GRP Fibreglass Flat Roofing
GRP (glass reinforced polyester) fibreglass is applied as a liquid resin over a fibre mat, which cures to form a completely seamless, rigid and watertight surface — effectively a single solid shell with no joints, seams or laps. This makes GRP one of the strongest and most reliable flat roofing systems available. GRP fibreglass is exceptionally hard-wearing and can withstand foot traffic, making it ideal for walkable flat roofs, balconies and roof terraces as well as standard extensions and garages. It is also fire-resistant (achieving a Class 0 fire rating), impact-resistant and completely impervious to water. GRP roofs can be finished in a range of colours and textures — including a non-slip aggregate finish for walkable surfaces and a smooth grey finish that mimics lead. GRP is typically the premium choice for flat roofing and carries a lifespan of 25 to 40 years depending on the specification. At Montpellier Roofing Contractors, we lay all GRP systems using a warm deck construction with rigid insulation boards fitted above the timber deck — meeting current Building Regulations Part L for thermal performance and ensuring your flat roof is properly insulated as well as waterproofed.
Best suited for: extensions, dormer roofs, balconies, walkable areas, bay window roofs, new-build projects.
Typical lifespan: 25–40 years. Key advantages: seamless rigid surface, walkable, fire-resistant (Class 0), warm deck construction meets Building Regs, available in colours/finishes.
Torch-On Felt Flat Roofing
Felt roofing is the most established flat roofing system and remains a practical, cost-effective choice for many smaller flat roofs. Modern torch-on felt systems are a significant improvement over the older poured-bitumen and mineral felt roofs found on many Cheltenham garages and outbuildings — they are stronger, more durable and provide a much better waterproof seal. Torch-on felt is installed by heating a modified bitumen membrane with a gas torch and bonding it directly to the roof deck in overlapping layers. The heat-welded seams create strong, watertight joints that resist weather exposure far more effectively than the old cold-applied felt systems. We install multi-layer torch-on felt systems with a capsheet finish that provides reliable waterproofing and a neat, professional appearance. While felt doesn't offer the same lifespan as GRP or EPDM, it is a practical and affordable solution for garages, sheds, porches and smaller outbuildings where a 15–20 year covering is sufficient.
Best suited for: garages, sheds, porches, smaller outbuildings, budget-conscious projects.
Typical lifespan: 15–20 years. Key advantages: most affordable flat roofing option, proven technology, quick installation, suitable for smaller structures.
Not sure which system is right for your property? Our team will inspect your flat roof, explain the pros and cons of each option for your specific situation, and provide an honest recommendation. We also carry out flat roofing work alongside new roof installations, roofline upgrades and general roof repairs — combining the work under one project to save time and cost.
Our flat roofing services include:
- New GRP fibreglass flat roof installations
- New EPDM rubber flat roof installations
- Torch-on felt flat roof installations
- Flat roof repairs — leaks, splits, blisters, ponding
- Full flat roof replacement (strip and re-cover)
- Overlay systems — new membrane over existing deck
- Flat roofing for garage roofs
- Flat roofing for rear and side extensions
- Dormer flat roofs
- Bay window flat roof repairs and replacement
- Balcony and walkable flat roofs (GRP with non-slip finish)
- Warm deck construction with rigid insulation (Building Regs Part L compliant)
- Flat roof edge trims, upstands and fascia integration
- Emergency flat roof leak repairs across Cheltenham and Gloucestershire
Why Choose Montpellier Roofing Contractors for Flat Roofing?
Trusted Flat Roofing Specialists in Cheltenham
Flat roofing requires precision — the falls need to be correct, the deck needs to be properly prepared, the membrane needs to be laid without wrinkles or voids, and the edge details need to be watertight. Poor flat roof installation is one of the most common causes of roofing callbacks in the industry. Here is why Cheltenham homeowners trust Montpellier Roofing Contractors with their flat roofing projects.
Over 20 Years' Flat Roofing Experience
Our team has installed and repaired hundreds of flat roofs across Cheltenham and Gloucestershire — on garages, extensions, dormers, bay windows, outbuildings and commercial units. We understand the specific challenges of flat roofing and how to avoid the common mistakes that lead to leaks and failures.
Correct Falls & Proper Preparation
A flat roof is never truly flat — it needs a minimum fall of 1:40 to 1:80 to ensure water drains to the outlets and does not pond on the surface. We check and correct the falls on every flat roof we install, using tapered firring strips or insulation boards where needed. Proper preparation of the timber deck is equally important — we replace any rotten or damaged boards before laying the new covering.
Building Regulations Compliant
All our flat roof installations can be specified with a warm deck construction that includes rigid insulation boards fitted above the timber deck. This meets Building Regulations Part L for thermal performance and is required on all new-build extensions and most re-roofing projects. We handle the insulation, vapour control layer and membrane in a single coordinated installation.
Guaranteed Workmanship
Every flat roof installation and repair is fully guaranteed. We use quality materials from established manufacturers and follow their specified installation procedures to ensure the guarantee is valid and your roof performs as expected for its full intended lifespan.
With over 20 years of experience and a strong reputation across Cheltenham and Gloucestershire, Montpellier Roofing Contractors are a trusted choice for flat roofing services on homes of all ages and styles.
Looking for a Quote for Your Roofing Project?
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- Established roofing company with over 20 years' experience
- Experienced and reliable tradesmen
- Free no-obligation written quotes
- All work guaranteed
- Competitive and affordable pricing
- Local Cheltenham roofing specialists
01242 309 035
montpellierroofingcontractors@gmail.com
Roofing Contractors Covering Cheltenham & Surrounding Areas
Flat Roofing Services Across Gloucestershire
Montpellier Roofing Contractors are based in Cheltenham and provide roofing services across the town and nearby areas throughout Gloucestershire.
Our team regularly works across Cheltenham’s residential areas, carrying out roof repairs, installations and maintenance for homeowners and local businesses.
Areas we commonly cover include:
Flat Roofing Cheltenham FAQ
Common Questions
The lifespan depends on the system used and the quality of the installation. GRP fibreglass flat roofs typically last 25 to 40 years. EPDM rubber flat roofs last 25 to 30 years or more. Modern torch-on felt flat roofs last around 15 to 20 years. Older mineral felt and asphalt roofs may only last 10 to 15 years before they need replacing. All lifespans assume professional installation and proper drainage — a flat roof with ponding water will degrade much faster regardless of the material used.
Yes. We carry out flat roof repairs across Cheltenham and Gloucestershire. Our team will identify the source of the leak — which is not always directly above where the water appears inside — and carry out a lasting repair. Depending on the age and condition of the roof, this might be a localised patch repair, a re-sealed seam, or a recommendation for a full re-cover if the membrane has reached the end of its usable life.
For most domestic garages in Cheltenham, we recommend either EPDM rubber or torch-on felt. EPDM is the better long-term investment — it lasts 25–30 years, requires no maintenance and is installed as a single seamless sheet with no joints. Felt is the most affordable option and performs well for 15–20 years. GRP fibreglass is also an option if you want maximum durability or if the roof will be walked on, but it is typically the higher-cost choice for a standard garage.
For rear and side extensions, we most commonly recommend GRP fibreglass. It creates a seamless, rigid surface that is extremely strong and watertight, and it integrates well with edge trims and wall abutments. GRP is also the preferred system where the flat roof meets a cavity wall, as it allows clean detailing at the upstand. For larger extensions or where budget is a primary consideration, EPDM rubber is an excellent alternative.
The most common causes of flat roof leaks are: aged or degraded membrane (cracking, splitting, blistering), ponding water caused by incorrect falls or blocked outlets, failed seams or joints where membrane sheets overlap, deteriorated flashings where the roof meets a wall, puncture damage from foot traffic or falling debris, and water tracking in around poorly detailed edge trims or upstands. Our team inspects the full roof surface, outlets, flashings and edges to identify the exact cause before carrying out repairs.
If you are building a new extension or carrying out a full flat roof replacement, Building Regulations Part L requires the roof to meet minimum thermal performance standards. This is achieved by installing rigid insulation boards as part of a warm deck construction — the insulation sits above the timber deck, beneath the waterproof membrane. We include insulation as standard on all new-build and replacement flat roofs where Building Regulations apply, and we calculate the required insulation thickness based on the U-value specified for your project.
Yes. Dormers and bay window roofs are common flat roofing applications on Cheltenham properties. We install GRP fibreglass and EPDM on dormer cheeks and top panels, and we replace old lead or felt bay window roofs with modern flat roofing membranes that provide a watertight, long-lasting finish. These smaller roofs require careful detailing at the edges and wall junctions, which is where experience makes a significant difference to the quality of the result.
In some cases, a new membrane can be overlaid on top of an existing flat roof if the underlying deck is in good condition and the existing covering is stable and dry. This can reduce the cost and disruption compared to a full strip and re-deck. However, if the timber deck is soft, damp or sagging, or if the existing covering is heavily blistered or delaminating, a full strip-back and re-cover is necessary to ensure a reliable result. We will inspect the existing roof and advise honestly on whether an overlay is viable or whether a full replacement is needed.
The cost depends on the size of the roof, the system chosen (GRP, EPDM or felt), whether insulation is required, the condition of the existing deck, and access/scaffolding requirements. A small garage flat roof will cost significantly less than a large extension roof. We provide free, no-obligation written quotes so you can see a clear breakdown of the work and costs before making a decision. Call us on 01242 309 035 to arrange a quote.
Yes. If your flat roof is leaking and water is entering your property, call us on 01242 309 035 as soon as possible. We aim to attend Cheltenham properties quickly to make the roof watertight with a temporary or permanent repair, preventing further water damage inside your home. We cover the whole of Gloucestershire for emergency flat roof work.