Flat Roofing Systems - A Brief History

Flat roofs have been around for hundreds of years on a global scale. Actually nobody has a flat roof, as all of them have a fall or pitch of some sort, so they are just another type of pitched roof. However, generally any roof under 25 degrees is classed as a flat roof. This fact came about as manufacturers of tiles for pitched roofs couldn't make tiles weathertight below this pitch.

 Lead, tin, copper, asphalt, galvanised steel etc., have all been used over the years for roofing. Some have declined in use, but most metals from this list have stood the test of time and continue to be used today.

Back in the 50s we started to see the use of what is known as 'Mineral Felt', and by the '60s this was being incorporated into new building practices. It was during this era that flat roofing got its bad name, and since then, those in the construction industry have been trying to re-build the flat roof reputation.

During the '60s, the construction industry was surging forwards and new innovations were helping to keep the costs down. One of these innovations was to build blocks of flats using 'reinforced concrete' and lay a flat roof over the top. Unfortunately the technology was new and mistakes were made such as those listed below:

• Unsuitable structural timbers were used causing the roof to sag and puddle.

• Unsuitable falls to drainage outlets.

• Unsuitable decking materials e.g. compressed straw.

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Email: info@londonflatroofing.co.uk

Is this like your old roof?
This picture shows an old asphalt roof in need of repair or replacement.