Lifespan
How Long Does a Flat Roof Last?
Torch-on felt lasts 10 to 25 years, GRP fibreglass 25 to 35 and EPDM rubber 20 to 50+. The deck, the falls and the details at the edges decide more than the material.
Each material's life, what makes a flat roof fail early, and how to keep it going.
Free, no obligation. One local company prices it, not five.
Each material's life
| Membrane | Life | What decides it |
|---|---|---|
| EPDM rubber | 20 to 50+ years | One sheet; the trims and corners are the weak points |
| GRP fibreglass | 25 to 35 years | Cracks where the deck moves |
| Torch-on felt | 10 to 25 years | Two or three layers; the cap sheet |
| Single-ply PVC or TPO | 20 to 35 years | Welded seams |
| Zinc | 60 to 80 years | Dearer, long-lived |
What makes a flat roof fail early
- Standing water, from a lost fall or a blocked outlet.
- A wet or moving deck underneath.
- Poor details at the wall, the trims and rooflight kerbs.
- Foot traffic on a membrane not meant for it.
- Sunlight on felt without a mineral cap sheet.
- Condensation from below on a cold roof.
Keeping a flat roof going
- Clear the outlet and the gutter every autumn.
- Look at it from a window after heavy rain: water should be gone within a day or so.
- Deal with a blister, a split or a lifted flashing while it's small.
- Keep the guarantee paperwork, and what material and system went on.
Flat roof jobs we cover
Flat roof replacementExtensions, garages and dormers. €3,000 to €6,500 on a kitchen extension.More on flat roof replacement →
Flat roof repairLeaks, blisters, split seams, outlets. €250 to €900.More on flat roof repair →
EPDM rubber roofsOne sheet, no flame. €70 to €140 a m² laid.More on epdm rubber roofs →
GRP fibreglass roofsHard and walkable. €75 to €140 a m² laid.More on grp fibreglass roofs →
Torch-on felt roofsThe lowest cost. €55 to €90 a m² laid.More on torch-on felt roofs →
Warm flat roofsInsulation above the deck. €130 to €190 a m².More on warm flat roofs →Flat roofs in every county
- Carlow1.4% flat main roofs
- Cavan0.8% flat main roofs
- Clare1.2% flat main roofs
- Cork2.5% flat main roofs
- Donegal1.0% flat main roofs
- Dublin3.0% flat main roofs
- Galway1.2% flat main roofs
- Kerry1.8% flat main roofs
- Kildare1.0% flat main roofs
- Kilkenny1.4% flat main roofs
- Laois1.2% flat main roofs
- Leitrim1.2% flat main roofs
- Limerick1.6% flat main roofs
- Longford0.9% flat main roofs
- Louth2.3% flat main roofs
- Mayo2.3% flat main roofs
- Meath1.3% flat main roofs
- Monaghan0.9% flat main roofs
- Offaly1.3% flat main roofs
- Roscommon1.2% flat main roofs
- Sligo1.4% flat main roofs
- Tipperary1.6% flat main roofs
- Waterford2.2% flat main roofs
- Westmeath1.5% flat main roofs
- Wexford2.7% flat main roofs
- Wicklow2.7% flat main roofs
Free quote
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Questions people ask
How long does a felt flat roof last?
10 to 25 years, longer with three layers.
How long does a rubber roof last?
20 to 50+ years, depending on the membrane and the details.
My flat roof is 20 years old. Should I replace it?
Not on age alone. If it's firm, dry and drains, keep it and look at it each year. If it leaks in several places or feels soft, get it priced.
Get a free price for your flat roof
One local flat roofing company, a look at the roof, a written price. Free, no obligation.