Flat roofs are common on extensions, garages and outbuildings across Port Talbot, and if yours needs replacing or you are planning a new build, you have likely come across two main options: traditional felt and EPDM rubber roofing. Both have been used on flat roofs for a long time, but they behave quite differently once installed, especially in a coastal climate like this one.
How Traditional Felt Performs
Felt roofing has been the standard choice for flat roofs for decades and is a familiar sight on many Port Talbot properties. It is typically installed in layers and can do a perfectly reasonable job, but it does have some known weaknesses. Felt can be prone to cracking and splitting over time, particularly as it ages and is exposed to repeated cycles of sun, rain and temperature change. Joints between layers are also potential weak points where water can find a way in if the installation is not carried out with care.
Given the wind and rain that Port Talbot's coastal position brings, a felt roof needs to be installed well and checked periodically to make sure it is still doing its job properly, since any weakness in the joints or surface will be tested by the local weather sooner rather than later.
Why EPDM Is Often Preferred
EPDM is a synthetic rubber membrane that is typically installed as a single sheet, which removes many of the joint-related issues associated with felt. It is naturally flexible, which allows it to cope well with the expansion and contraction that comes with changing temperatures, and it tends to be more resistant to splitting and cracking over the years. For flat roofs exposed to the wind and salt air common around Port Talbot, this durability is a genuine advantage over a jointed felt system.
EPDM also tends to require less ongoing maintenance than felt once it is properly installed, which can make it an appealing option for homeowners who want a flat roof they do not need to think about too often, whether it is over a rear extension, a garage, or a dormer.
Choosing the Right Option for Your Roof
Whether EPDM or felt is the better choice for your particular flat roof depends on factors such as the size and shape of the roof, its current condition, how it is accessed, and your budget. Neither option is automatically right for every property, which is why it helps to have someone look at the roof in question rather than relying on general advice alone. T & T Roofing and Home Improvements Ltd installs both EPDM rubber roofing and traditional felt systems for homes across Port Talbot, and can talk you through the options for your property as part of a free, no-obligation quotation.
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