We install several types of garage roofing systems, and we'll help you choose the best roofing material for garages based on your budget, the structure of your garage, and how long you want the new roof to last.
EPDM Rubber Roofing for Flat Garage Roofs
EPDM rubber roofing is our most popular choice for flat roofs and flat garage roof replacements. This rubber membrane system can last up to 50 years, making it one of the longest-lasting options in domestic roofing. Modern EPDM garage roofs provide good all-round protection and can stretch up to 300 percent, which means they handle thermal expansion without cracking or splitting.
The material itself is durable and needs very little maintenance once it's correctly installed. We use cold-applied adhesives during installation for additional safety, and the finished surface is completely watertight. Single-ply membranes like EPDM have up to five times greater UV resistance compared to older felt or bitumen systems.
Steel Roofing Panels with Plastisol Coating
Steel garage roofs typically last over 35 years and offer exceptional resistance to UK weather conditions. The plastisol coating on quality steel roofing sheets provides strong protection against wind, rain, and temperature changes. Some systems come with a DRIPSTOP anti-condensation membrane as standard, which prevents moisture buildup inside the garage.
Steel is a popular choice for pitched garage roofs and for detached garages where you want a low maintenance solution that looks clean and professional. The panels are lightweight, quick to install, and they withstand heavy rain and high winds without any problems.
GRP Fibreglass Roofing Systems
Glass-reinforced plastic roofs are lightweight and extremely resistant to leaks. A well-installed GRP system often delivers 20 to 30 years of durability. Some modern GRP systems are designed as one-piece, seamless roofs, which removes many of the weak points that caused leaks in older multi-layered designs.
GRP can become brittle in very cold temperatures, but in most cases, this isn't a significant issue for garage roofs in the UK. The material is affordable, quick to install, and it provides a smooth, professional finish that's easy to keep clean.
Why We Don't Recommend Felt for Long-Term Garage Roof Replacements
Felt garage roofs are among the least durable roofing materials available. They require regular maintenance to prevent damage, and even with careful upkeep, they rarely last more than 10 to 15 years. Flat garage roofs built decades ago with felt often lose their waterproofing and experience multiple small leaks within the first decade.
We'll replace an old garage roofing system made from felt, but we won't install new felt as a long-term solution. The materials have improved, but they still don't match the performance or lifespan of EPDM, steel, or GRP.