Westbury-on-Trym has a good number of older, established properties, many of which have gained rear or side extensions over the years, often finished with a flat roof. When it comes to choosing a covering for an extension on an older property, EPDM rubber is generally a very suitable option, though there are some specific considerations that come with working alongside an existing older building rather than a completely new structure.
One of the main advantages of EPDM on an extension roof is its flexibility. Older properties, and the extensions built onto them, tend to experience more movement over time than a brand-new build, whether from settlement, seasonal expansion and contraction, or the simple age of the surrounding structure. EPDM's rubber composition allows it to accommodate this movement without cracking, which is a real benefit compared with more rigid or brittle roofing materials.
The junction between a new extension roof and the existing older building is often the most technically demanding part of the installation. Older walls in Westbury-on-Trym may have irregular brickwork, existing render, or period detailing that needs to be worked around carefully, and getting the upstand and flashing details right at these points is essential, since this is where the vast majority of flat roof leaks originate rather than in the main flat area of the membrane itself.
Where an extension roof also has to tie into an existing pitched, tiled or slated roof, the junction needs particularly careful attention, with correctly formed and dressed flashing that channels water away from the joint rather than allowing it to track back under the tiles or slates. This is a detail that requires genuine roofing skill and experience with older property types, not just familiarity with laying a membrane on open ground.
The condition of the extension's roof deck also deserves proper consideration, particularly if the extension itself is not brand new and has had a previous covering, whether felt or something else, that has started to fail. Inspecting and, where necessary, replacing affected decking before the EPDM membrane is installed ensures the new roof is not laid on a compromised base that would undermine its performance regardless of the membrane's own quality.
Insulation upgrades are also worth considering on older extensions, since many were built to lower thermal standards than would be expected today. Improving insulation as part of an EPDM re-roof can noticeably improve comfort in the room below, and it makes sense to address this while the roof is already being worked on rather than as a separate project later, when the scaffolding and access costs of doing it again would simply be repeated.
For homeowners in Westbury-on-Trym with an older extension in need of a new flat roof, the combination of EPDM's flexibility and careful, experienced detailing at the junctions gives a durable, long-lasting result that respects the character of the original building.
Brunel Roofing Bristol has experience working on older Westbury-on-Trym properties and can assess your extension roof to recommend the right EPDM specification, backed by a 15-year guarantee and fully insured work.
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