Flat
Roofing

Commercial and Industrial Flat Roofing

Cambridge Roof Exchange refurbishes, repairs and replaces flat roofs on commercial and industrial buildings across Cambridge, East Anglia and the rest of the UK. Offices, warehouses, factories, retail units and public buildings all rely on flat roofs that are often harder to inspect and quicker to fail than pitched ones. Ponding water, split membranes and failed upstands can let water in long before the problem is visible from the ground.

We start with a survey of the roof’s actual condition, then recommend the right route: a targeted repair, a protective coating, an overlay of the existing roof or a full strip and replacement. Every option is planned around your building staying open while we work.

Our flat roofing services

Single ply roofing (PVC and EPDM)

Single ply membranes are lightweight, flexible and quick to install, which makes them well suited to refurbishing large commercial flat roofs with minimal disruption. We install PVC and EPDM single ply systems on new decks and over suitable existing roofs. Single ply also provides a good base for rooftop solar panels if you’re planning to add them in future.

Hot melt roofing

Hot melt is a robust, long-life waterproofing system applied directly to the roof deck. It’s particularly suited to concrete decks, larger roofs and roofs that will carry plant, paving or green roof finishes. All hot works are planned and controlled under permit, with fire safety arrangements in place before work begins.

Flat roof repairs

Not every flat roof needs replacing. Where the existing roof is still sound, we carry out targeted flat roof repairs to splits, blisters, failed laps, upstands, outlets and flashings. We fix the source of the leak rather than patching the symptom.

Protective roof coatings

Liquid-applied protective coatings can add years to an ageing flat roof that is weathered but structurally sound. A coating is often a cost-effective way to delay full replacement and spread the cost of roof investment over a longer period.

Flat roof refurbishment and replacement

When a flat roof has reached the end of its life, we strip and replace it or overlay it with a new system. We can upgrade the insulation at the same time to improve the building’s thermal performance and energy efficiency. Our flat roofing work includes the refurbishment of the Aldi and Lok’n Store building in Staines-upon-Thames, completed ahead of the new leases.

Repair, coat or replace?

The right answer depends on the condition of the membrane, whether the insulation underneath is wet, and how long you need the roof to last. We survey the roof in person and by drone, check for trapped moisture, and give you a written recommendation that explains the options and their costs. You can then decide with full information rather than defaulting to the most expensive route.

Our guides for owners of ageing commercial roofs cover the repair versus replacement decision in more detail.

Flat roofing on live sites

Most of our clients can’t close their building for roof works. We plan flat roofing projects around your operations, deliveries and access arrangements, phase the work where needed, and keep the building watertight at the end of each working day.

We work to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 standards. We are NFRC members, SafeContractor approved and CITB registered. Fragile roof areas, edge protection, hot works and asbestos risk are assessed and planned before anyone goes up, under the oversight of our dedicated Health and Safety Manager.

Keeping your flat roof in good condition

Flat roofs last longest when outlets are kept clear and small defects are fixed early. Our roof maintenance and repair service covers planned inspections, outlet and gutter clearance and reactive repairs, so your roof keeps performing between major works.

If your building also has metal roofing or cladding, see our commercial roofing and cladding services, or browse our commercial roofing case studies.

Flat roofing FAQs

Which flat roofing system is right for my building?

It depends on the deck, the size and use of the roof, the access it needs and your budget. Single ply suits many refurbishments because it’s lightweight and quick to install. Hot melt suits concrete decks and heavily used roofs. We’ll recommend a system based on a survey of your roof.

Can a new flat roof be laid over the existing one?

Often, yes. If the existing roof and deck are sound and the insulation is dry, an overlay can avoid the cost and disruption of a full strip. Our survey will confirm whether it’s suitable.

Can you repair a leaking flat roof rather than replace it?

Yes, if the roof is otherwise in reasonable condition. We find the cause of the leak and repair it. If the roof is beyond economical repair, we’ll tell you plainly and explain why.

Can you work while our building is in use?

Yes. Our flat roofing works are planned around live sites, with phasing, access arrangements and safety controls agreed before we start.

Which areas do you cover?

We’re based in Cambridge and carry out commercial flat roofing across Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, Essex, Norfolk and East Anglia, as well as further afield across the UK.

Book a flat roof survey

Tell us about your building and the problems you’ve noticed, such as leaks, ponding water, blistering or splits. We’ll arrange a survey and follow up with a written recommendation and budget quote.