Fibreglass – a smart flat roofing solution for Cornish weather

Even without this year’s unusual downpours, Cornwall can experience quite heavy rainfall at any time in the year.  This rainfall, combined with our above average sunshine hours can take a heavy toll on flat roofs which, if not maintained can lead to a loss of structural integrity and serious damage.  This flat roof damage can lead to dampness, rot and potentially substantial repair bills.

Water pooling on a flat roof can ultimately lead to cracking of tar based felt products, followed by water seepage into the building below. One potential solution is to install or repair your Cornish flat roof using a fibreglass roofing product.  The growing appreciation of the benefits, enhanced finishes, fantastic prices and, above all, ability to be a match for the Cornish weather, are some of the factors that have resulted in increasing numbers of fibreglass roofs appearing all over Cornwall.

What makes fibreglass the preferred choice?

It is the ever changing weather that can shorten the lifespan of some flat roofing materials. Fibreglass is strong, durable, lightweight and stable. It uses marine technology which has been developed to enable yachts to sustain a life in the ocean for years.

Fibreglass roofs, often known as Glass Reinforced Plastic roofs or GRP roofs, are made of a combination of fibre glass and glass polyester resin. This highly advanced roofing material is not only lightweight but also extremely strong. Fibreglass also has many other advantages over other traditional roofing materials. Fibreglass as a roofing material is highly energy efficient. Being a very good insulator it helps to keep the interior of your home warm during the winter months and cool during the summer.

Fibreglass roofs are seamless; this greatly reduces the chances of water penetration and leakage. Moreover, as a part of the laying process, gullies can be built in. With Fibreglass roofing you have the advantage of being able to choose from a variety of colours thus enabling your roof to match well with the surroundings and make a statement!

Fibreglass roofs are strong, durable and come with anti-slip properties. Therefore, these should be chosen for areas designed to be walked on. Such materials ensure easy maintenance; fibreglass roofs can be easily cleaned with mild soap and water. Unlike traditional roofing materials such as felt, fibreglass roofing needs little maintenance.

GRP roofing is tough and lightweight, it offers a high level of resistance to rainwater, snow, frost and sunlight. It can be shaped and moulded to fit its surroundings. On a sloped roof, flat roof or any other architectural feature such as guttering, towers and stacks, fibreglass proves to be a highly suitable construction material.

With all of these advantages it is no wonder Fibreglass roofing is fast becoming the preferred flat roof choice for the people of Cornwall.