Ely Roofers installs and refurbishes commercial roofs in Haddenham, covering everything from single-ply membranes to profiled metal sheet systems.
Call any time. Calls are answered day and night and passed straight to our roofers.
There is no single best material for a commercial roof. The right choice depends on the roof's pitch, the span of the building, how the space below is used, your budget and how long you want the system to last before it needs attention again. Getting this decision right at the outset saves money over the life of the roof. Getting it wrong can mean a system that underperforms from day one.
Below is a plain account of the main commercial roofing systems, what each one is suited to, and where each has limitations. We will recommend a system based on your specific building, but understanding your options makes it easier to have that conversation.
Built-up felt roofing has been used on commercial flat roofs for decades. It consists of multiple layers of bitumen felt torched or bonded together to build up a waterproof membrane. A mineral-surfaced cap sheet forms the finished surface.
Where it works well: Smaller flat roof areas, extensions, plant rooms and lower-budget refurbishment projects. Felt is straightforward to repair and widely understood by roofers.
Honest limitations: Felt has a shorter service life than alternatives - typically 10 to 20 years, depending on the number of layers and the quality of the original installation. It is more susceptible to blistering and lap failure than modern single-ply or rubber systems. On larger roof areas, the number of joins and laps increases the risk of water ingress. Felt is also heavier than some alternatives, which can be relevant on older roof decks with limited load capacity.
A three-layer felt system is more durable than a two-layer one. If cost is the primary driver and the roof area is modest, felt can be a perfectly adequate choice, but it should not be treated as a long-term solution on a large commercial building.
EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is a synthetic rubber membrane typically supplied in large sheets, which means fewer joins than felt. It is bonded to the roof deck using adhesive and the edges are sealed to upstands and parapets.
Where it works well: Flat and very low-pitch roofs on commercial buildings where longevity and minimal maintenance are priorities. EPDM is flexible, handles thermal movement well and performs reliably in both frost and heat. Larger sheet sizes mean fewer joints, which reduces the risk of water ingress over time.
Honest limitations: EPDM is less tolerant of poor edge detailing than some other systems. If the membrane is not correctly bonded at perimeters, upstands and penetrations, those edges will eventually lift. The material itself is robust, but a poor installation can undermine its advantages quickly. EPDM also has a plain, black appearance, which suits industrial or agricultural buildings but may not be right for every commercial setting.
When correctly installed, EPDM membranes can remain watertight for 30 years or more. That makes the upfront cost per year of service life competitive against cheaper systems that need replacing sooner.
Single-ply refers to a range of polymer membranes - most commonly TPO or PVC-based products - that are installed as a single layer, either mechanically fastened to the deck or fully adhered. Seams between sheets are heat-welded, creating a continuous waterproof layer.
Where it works well: Larger commercial flat roofs where light weight matters, where a cleaner finished appearance is required, and where the roof has complex penetrations or rooflight details. Single-ply systems are used extensively on office buildings, retail units and modern industrial premises. They are also well suited to roofs that need to accommodate significant movement.
Honest limitations: Single-ply costs more per square metre than felt. The quality of the weld at seams is critical; a poorly executed weld will fail at that point. The system also requires correct substrate preparation - if the deck beneath is uneven or degraded, that needs addressing before the membrane goes on. On very small roof areas, the cost differential over felt may not be justified.
Typical single-ply membrane installations on commercial buildings cost in the region of £50 to £90 per square metre, including insulation and edge details, though specification, access and deck condition all affect the final figure.
Profiled steel or aluminium sheeting is the standard choice for warehouses, agricultural buildings and large industrial units with pitched roofs. Sheets are fixed over purlins, with a standing seam or through-fixed arrangement depending on the system.
Where it works well: Large-span industrial, agricultural and storage buildings. Metal sheet roofing covers large areas quickly, is relatively lightweight and is available in a range of profiles and colours. Aluminium sheet is naturally corrosion-resistant; steel sheet is galvanised and coated.
Honest limitations: Steel sheet corrodes if the coating is damaged and not repaired promptly. Through-fixed systems have rubber-washered fixings that degrade over time and need periodic checking. Metal roofs can be noisy in heavy rain, which may be an issue in some occupied buildings. Insulation is typically provided by a separate insulation layer or by composite (insulated panel) construction, which adds to the overall cost and complexity.
Composite insulated panels address the noise and insulation issues in one product but cost more than single-skin sheet with separate insulation. For temperature-controlled warehouses or food production units, composite panels are usually the right call.
We survey commercial roofs across Haddenham and the wider Cambridgeshire area before recommending any system. The right answer depends on your building, and we would rather tell you that a simpler, cheaper system is appropriate than upsell you to one that is not needed. Call us to arrange a site survey and we will give you a straight assessment of your options.
No obligation · We'll call you to arrange a free visit
Call any time. Calls are answered day and night and passed straight to our roofers.
