Why garage roofs fail
Many garages around Taunton were built with the cheapest roof available at the time: thin felt on chipboard, or corrugated sheets bolted to a few purlins. Nobody goes up there, so problems go unnoticed until the stored boxes get wet or the ceiling boards start to sag. Common faults include felt that has split along the edge, chipboard decks that swell when damp, gutters that overflow back onto the roof, and sheets that crack after years of sun and frost.
Repair or replace?
A garage roof repair is worthwhile when the deck is firm and the covering has failed in one spot, perhaps a lifted trim or a single split. Replacement is the better route when the deck is soft, the whole surface is worn, or water has been getting in long enough to damage the joists. If you're unsure, we'll check and tell you which we would do if it were our own garage. For leaks on any flat roof see our flat roof repair page.
Choosing a new covering
Most replacement garage roofs get one of three systems:
- EPDM rubber: one sheet, cold-applied and quick to lay, a strong fit for a plain rectangular garage.
- GRP fibreglass: a hard finish if you want to step onto the roof or need neat detailing.
- Torch-on felt: a built-up system that can match adjoining felt roofs.
What a replacement involves
The old covering is removed and disposed of. Any asbestos-type sheeting is identified first so it can be handled correctly. Then the joists are checked and new decking boards are laid, with firring strips if the roof needs more fall to drain. Upstands are formed where the roof meets a house wall, the new system is laid, and edge trims and a gutter outlet finish it. If the garage gutter or fascia is rotten, it makes sense to renew it in the same visit through our guttering and fascias service.
Planning around a garage in use
Most garages are full of things that don't like getting wet: tools, bikes, freezers and boxes. Before a replacement starts, it helps to clear the area directly under the roof or cover it with dust sheets, since some debris inevitably falls through when the old deck comes off. Garage roofs are usually stripped and covered again in a short window, and we watch the forecast so the roof isn't left open overnight in rain. If the garage shares a wall or roof with a neighbour, it's worth letting them know beforehand, as the junction with their side may need to be finished carefully.
Getting a garage roof repair quote
Before selecting the covering, explain how you use the garage and whether it shares drainage with the house. Storage, a workshop and an unoccupied outbuilding can raise different questions about insulation and condensation. Note any ceiling lining that hides the underside of the deck, as its condition may not be visible until work starts. The quote should separate the covering from supporting timber or drainage work, allowing you to compare complete proposals rather than prices for a membrane alone.
Prices depend on the garage size, whether the deck and joists need work, the system you pick and how easy access is. Our flat roof cost guide explains each factor. Send us a couple of photos and the rough size, and we'll arrange a visit and a free written quote. Call 07399 680142 or use the contact form. We cover homes and commercial sites across Somerset and Devon up to about 50 miles from Taunton. See every option on our flat roofs page.