Can you walk on flat roof?

Category: home and garden indoor environmental quality
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Walking on a Flat Roof
You're less likely to cause damage on a warm day, and it's generally advisable to lay boards across it to walk on. A flat roof can only be used for recreational purposes if it's constructed to take the weight of continual walking and any equipment you bring up.



Herein, can you walk on Fibreglass flat roof?

Yes you can. Within a day of the surface being applied. Although roofs without an anti-slip coating are extremely slippery when wet.

Subsequently, question is, what can I put on my flat roof? Traditionally, flat roofs would have been covered with felt – a paper or fibre material that is impregnated in bitumen and then covered with a layer of gravel to protect the felt from the elements. Felt is the cheapest option when it comes to flat roof replacement but it does come with quite a few drawbacks.

Also to know is, can you walk on EPDM?

Yes to an extent. EPDM is designed to take LIGHT foot traffic during installation and for occasional cleaning or maintenance. If you require more use than this, i.e. for a balcony then there are additional materials that can be laid over your EPDM for a more durable solution.

What is the best covering for a flat roof?

Ethylene Polypropylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) is one of the most versatile rubber roofing options on the market. Considered to be one of the best materials for flat roofs, rubber is a popular choice for industrial and commercial applications thanks to its ability to withstand extreme weather conditions.

26 Related Question Answers Found

What is the best material to put on a flat roof?

Metal Flat Roofing
Metal is one of the most popular materials used for flat roof replacement. Metal, specifically aluminum, is known for its durability. Flat metal roofs can last for almost 35 years in ideal conditions. Plus, it has the added advantage of reflecting heat from the sun, which keeps energy costs down.

Are Fibreglass flat roofs any good?

Most fibreglass roofs are guaranteed for 25 years but can last much, much longer if well looked after. Fibreglass is the most expensive of the options due to material costs, and although it is not as flexible as rubber it is incredibly resistant to damage and repairs are very easy and almost un-noticeable.

How many layers of Fibreglass do I need for a flat roof?

On the roof size you have selected you can use 2 layers of 450gm fibreglass matting.

What is the best material for a flat roof?

High-Performing Commercial Roofing Material Types
  • PVC Roofing. For many projects, PVC roofing is our preferred choice as the best flat roof material on the market.
  • Metal Roofing. A commercial standing seam metal roof is the ideal choice for a building with a roof slope greater than 2 inches.
  • TPO.
  • Modified Bitumen Roof.

Is Fibreglass roofing better than felt?


Fibreglass is a newer roofing system that lends itself best to flat roofing but is also suitable for pitched roofs in some applications. Fibreglass is much more durable than felt and stronger too. The downside to fibreglass roofing is its cost. It typically costs 10 times more than felt, depending on the brand used.

What types of flat roofs are there?

Most common types of flat roofs
  • Bur or Build Up Roofs.
  • Modified Bitumen Roofing.
  • EPDM Rubber Roof.
  • Spray Polyurethane Foam Roof.
  • Thermoplastic membranes PVC or TPO.

Does EPDM have to be glued down?

While the rubber roofs are known to be durable, they also need maintained. EPDM roofs are fully adhered or as many call it glued down. The system is not attached mechanically. If you are set on a rubber roof, make sure the roofing contractor is fully trained and experienced in installing a rubber roof.

Can you put furniture on a rubber roof?

Rubber is a long-lasting and durable roof flooring option that comes in mat, tile and roll form. Outdoor rubber tiles and mats are tough enough to withstand weather, patio furniture and foot traffic. They are also thick enough to protect any underlying roofing membrane from damage.

Can EPDM be installed on plywood?


EPDM is applied with a body bonding adhesive. You can glue any seams with lap adhesive and lap caulk the very edge. EPDM can be glued to black insul board, roofing foam insulation board, OR directly to OSB or plywood.

How do you maintain a rubber roof?

Regular cleaning and scheduled maintenance will protect your rubber roof and prevent unnecessary work. Clean and inspect the roof on a regular basis to avoid damage and costly repairs. Apply roof sealant to every every crack and apply a quality butyl roof tape to all the seam edges for maximum moisture protection.

Is EPDM better than TPO?

That being said, TPO seams tend to be much stronger than EPDM seams because of the way they are adhered to the roof. While EPDM is usually placed in a single sheet without seams, if there are seams, they may not be as strong.

How much does it cost to install a rubber roof?

Rubber roofing costs anywhere between $8,000 to $14,000 to install depending on the slope, pitch, and size of your roof. You can expect to pay $4.25 to $8.25 per sq. foot or $425 to $8825 per square installed on a standard sized single story home.

Will bubbles in rubber roof go away?

If the rubber is bonded prior to the adhesive drying then bubbles will appear under the membrane caused by the trapped vapour from the adhesive. These bubbles are often not severe and will disappear over a relatively short period of time as the EPDM membrane is partially breathable.

How much should a flat roof cost?

Flat roof cost per square metre
Flat roof prices start from £40 per m2 for felt roofs. Rubber roofs costs start from £80 per m2. For fibreglass expect to pay from £90 per m2 and for fire glass bay roof from £250 per square metre. Lead bay roofs are even more expensive starting from £300 per m2.

How do flat roofs drain?

The scuppers are the openings in the outside walls, specifically designed to allow water, but not debris, to wash off your roof. The roof slopes toward the center drain, where pipes in your building channel the water into the sewage system.