Most buildings with flat roofs collapse suddenly. It happens over years. Small cracks open up. The seals lose their strength. The water ends up hanging around than it should be. At first, these problems can be patched up. Over time, they become leaks, damage repair after damage repeated. Many homeowners do nothing but patch their roofs again and again. A felt patch one year, a liquid coating the next. Each temporary expedient buys a little time, but none of them gets around the problem. If a flat roof keeps needing repairs, the issue is not the workmanship of the patch. It is the roofing system itself. This is where GRP fibreglass roofing stands apart. It is not a temporary repair method. It is a permanent roofing system designed to end the cycle of ongoing fixes. Reasons Why Flat Roofs Break Down Over Time Flat roofs can handle tough weather conditions. Rain, frost, UV rays and extreme temperature variations affect the ground 24 hours a day. Water can pool on the surface even if drainage is adequate. A roof usually breaks down in minor, expected ways: Fine cracks in the surface Weak joints or overlaps Edges and trims lifting Old materials drying out and shrinking These problems usually don't lead to immediate failure. They let moisture in slowly. When water hits insulation or decking, damage speeds up. Many flat roofs seem okay until leaks start happening often. Why Repeated Roof Repairs Become Expensive Temporary repairs seem like a smart choice. They are cheaper at first and need less work. Costs can add up fast. A typical flat roof repair should last as long as roof, approximately 20years, but also may last: 6-12 months for patch repairs 1-3 years for liquid coatings Slightly longer for partial felt overlays Every repair needs work, access, materials, and can cause some disruption. Repairs often fail close to where the original fix was made. Water hardly ever goes back to the same place two times. In 10 to 15 years, constant repairs can end up costing more than putting in a good roofing system once. What Defines a Roofing System That Lasts A good flat roofing system must meet three main conditions: It needs to be completely waterproof without using joints. It must resist UV, temperature changes, and movement It must not depend on regular patching to stay functional Traditional felt and bitumen systems have a hard time with all three. They use layers and adhesives that wear out as time goes on. A GRP fibreglass roof functions in a unique way. What Is GRP Fibreglass Roofing? GRP is short for Glass Reinforced Plastic. Lay resin and fibreglass matting straight onto the roof deck. It solidifies into a tough, waterproof layer once it dries. No seams are present. No overlaps. No gaps for water to get in. GRP hardens into a strong but slightly flexible surface. This lets it manage thermal movement without cracking. This is great for flat roofs that go through temperature changes all year. Data and case studies show that a well-installed GRP roof can last 25-30 years or more with little maintenance. Why GRP Is a Permanent Solution, Not a Repair GRP does not sit on top of the roof as a coating. It becomes the roof surface. Once installed: Water cannot travel beneath the system UV radiation does not break it down quickly Movement does not open seams, because there are none This is why GRP is widely used in industrial, marine, and commercial applications where failure is not acceptable. For domestic flat roofs, the benefit is simple. Install it once. Stop repairing. GRP vs Other Flat Roofing Systems Understanding the difference between systems explains why some roofs last and others do not. GRP Fibreglass Roofing Designed specifically for flat roofs. Forms a seamless, fully bonded surface. Minimal maintenance. Long lifespan. Bitumen and Felt Roofing Lower upfront cost. Relies on layered sheets and heat bonding. Seams weaken over time. Regular repairs are expected. Liquid Coatings Fast application. Often used as a short-term solution. Performance depends heavily on surface condition underneath. Not a structural system. Angled Roof Systems Great for sloped roofs. Not good for flat roofs unless you make structural changes. Don't overcomplicate things. System Typical Lifespan Maintenance Repair Frequency GRP Fibreglass 25-30+ years Low Rare Bitumen / Felt 5-15 years High Frequent Liquid Coatings 1-5 years High Very frequent Angled Systems 20-30 years Moderate Occasional When long-term performance is the goal, GRP is the most reliable option for flat roofs. Cost Comparison: Repairs vs GRP Installation Costs vary by roof size and condition, but the pattern is consistent. Typical repair costs: Small patch repair: repeated every 1-2 years Liquid coating: reapplication every few years Partial felt replacement: short lifespan Over 15-20 years, repeated repairs often exceed the cost of a full GRP system. A GRP roof costs more upfront. However, because it avoids repeat labour and material costs, it is usually more economical over its lifespan. This is why many property owners choose GRP when repairs stop making sense. Using the Right GRP Products Matters A GRP roof is only as durable as the materials used. Complete systems perform better than mixed components. At Apex Fibreglass Roofing Supplies, you can source: Fibreglass roofing kits for flat roofs. GRP resins, topcoats, and catalysts included for proper curing. Trims, edge profiles, and accessories for waterproof detailing. An all-in-one system reduces the potential for installation errors and increases long term reliability. Take a look at our range of GRP Roofing kits and accessories. Build a roof that stands the test of time, with no continual repairs. When to Stop Repairing and Replace the Roof Repair is no longer viable when: Leaks keep appearing in other locations. There is cracking or blistering on the surface. Water from ponding remains after rain. Repair attempts have failed numerous times. At this stage, repairs treat symptoms, not the cause. Replacing the roof with a GRP system provides a clean break from the repair cycle. For more roofing tips and guides, visit our blog. Frequently Asked Questions How long does a GRP fibreglass roof last? GRP roofs have a life span of 25-30 years, which is equal to or longer than most other roofing systems. The smooth finish prevents cracking, damage from UV and the formation of pools of water. These are all typical problems with other flat roofs. Is GRP better than felt roofing? Sure. GRP creates one waterproof layer without any overlaps. Felt has joints and layers that can weaken over time. That's why felt roofs often need repairs sooner. Does GRP need regular maintenance? Not much. Mostly all you need are a couple visual inspections and maybe some cleaning. None of this thinking, constant patching, resealing, or repainting. Can GRP be used on garages and extensions? Sure. GRP is commonly used on garages, extensions, dormers, and flat roofs like these. It works great for homes and businesses. Is GRP worth the higher upfront cost? Usually, yes. GRP costs more at first, but it saves you from constant repair bills. In the long run, it usually costs less than fixing or replacing systems that don't last long. Conclusion Flat roofs usually don't fail all at once. They get worse from ongoing small damage. Fixing those issues just puts off what will happen anyway. Buying a GRP fibreglass roof system is a permanent solution not a patch up or temporary fix. It eliminates seams, weathers well, and if applied properly, can last for years. You should be smarter and BUY a roof that holds up, not one you have to keep patching. Explore the range of GRP Roofing Systems offered by Apex Fibreglass Roofing Supplies.
