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Flat Roof Systems

At CARLISLE®, we provide flat roof systems for architects, designers, contractors and distributors.

Discover our wide range of materials and services that provide comprehensive flat roof solutions for new build and refurbishment projects.

Speak to a member of our expert team, download the latest product specifications, or order your free samples today.

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Flat Roof Systems

Flat Roof Systems from CARLISLE®

CARLISLE® flat roof systems include a variety of waterproofing flat roof membranes including; EPDM, TPO, or Liquid Waterproofing.

Our range of flat roof systems are quick and easy to install, helping you find some of the most durable, sustainable and cost-effective flat roof systems available. Explore the range below.

Key Benefits of CARLISLE® Flat Roof Systems

Comprehensive product portfolio

We offer a wide range of waterproofing solutions for flat roofs, buildings, and façades, so you can find the perfect system for your project.

Long-lasting Waterproofing

Our EPDM membranes have a much longer service life than felt alternatives and our best systems have a service life of over 50 years, withstanding the most extreme temperatures and damage from UV rays.

Our hybrid membrane, RESITRIX®, is 100% bitumen compatible making it ideal for renovating bitumen and felt roofs with no additional separating layers required.

High quality and performance

Our products are made with the highest quality materials and construction methods, so you can be confident that they will provide long-lasting protection against water and other elements.

Safe and Easy Installation

Our RESITRIX®, HERTALAN®, and SURE-WELD® TPO membranes are welded together using hot air, eliminating the need for naked flames.

This significantly reduces the risk of fire, making it a much safer option for roofers and building owners.

Sustainable and Ecologically Safe

Our roofing membranes are made from sustainable materials and are permanently resistant to bird droppings, chemical emissions, and other environmental factors.

They are also free of hazardous additives like heavy metals, halogens, and volatile softeners and don’t don't release any harmful toxins in the environment, making them an environmentally friendly choice.

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Green Roof Systems

Green roof systems are becoming increasingly popular as a sustainable and eco-friendly roofing option and our EPDM membranes offer the ideal system for them.

We can install green roof systems on flat roofs to provide several benefits to your project including insulation, water management, and increased biodiversity.

Our EPDM membranes can even be installed on substrates and under all types of roof gardens and green roofs. Find out more about green roofs and the different types here.

Constructing a Flat Roof

High quality flat roof waterproofing is essential to permanently protect your building from water and moisture ingress. There are three kinds of flat roof construction that our products are optimally suited for; warm roof construction, cold roof construction, and inverted roof construction.

If you have any specific questions, please feel free to contact our team of experts today.

Warm roof construction

A ‘Warm Roof’ is where the insulation is on top of the roof deck, i.e. the roof becomes warm. They are more complex than cold roof constructions, but they offer a number of advantages.

They are more energy efficient, they provide better insulation against noise, and they are less likely to suffer from condensation problems.

This is a reliable and preferred method of construction and provides robust detail. It is easier to calculate and achieve the required thermal performance (known as U-Value) by installing the appropriate insulation thickness.

Most flat roof systems today are built as unventilated warm roofs and the waterproofing is installed as the top layer without an intermediate space directly over the insulation. An essential component of this build-up is a vapour control layer (VCL).

Warm roof construction breakdown

Cold roof construction

It's important to understand that cold roofs and uninsulated roofs are not the same thing.

While uninsulated roofs lack any insulation, cold roofs actually have insulation underneath the roof deck between the joists. Typically, this insulation is made of a mineral wool material such as Rockwool.vThe waterproofing layer is then directly applied to the structural deck.

One thing to keep in mind with cold roof constructions is that they require proper ventilation of the void. However, they do offer the benefit of keeping the overall height of the building to a minimum which can be particularly useful in situations where there are upstand height issues against an adjoining wall with window or door sills, or to comply with local planning restrictions.

Cold roof construction breakdown

Inverted roof construction

When it comes to roofing, inverted roofs are a smart choice for durability and strength.

Unlike traditional warm roofs, inverted roofs feature a waterproofing layer applied directly to the roof deck, with insulation situated below.

This construction style makes inverted roofs ideal for areas with high foot traffic, such as podium decks, terraces, and walkways.

Additionally, inverted roofs are an excellent option for roofs that may face heavy snow loads in the winter.

Inverted roof construction breakdown
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Specify Your Flat Roof System Here

With the NBS Source, you can easily streamline your project specification process by directly adding products and generating 3D models through NBS Chorus and Autodesk Revit integrations. Additionally, you can conveniently download product information for future reference.

Flat Roof Repairs

As mentioned above, flat roofs with EPDM systems require low maintenance and are extremely durable in comparison to other flat roof systems such as felt.

However, any roof is susceptible to damage from nearby tree debris in high winds or even falling debris from nearby buildings. If you’re unfortunate enough to have damage to your flat roof, they are easy to repair using specific EPDM flat roof repair kits.

Whether you’re looking for a full roof replacement or just need to patch specific areas with fillers, coatings, or other flat roof repairs, our team of specialists can assist you with the best systems and kits for your project.

Support For All Stages of Your Project

Whether it's a new build or renovation, our commitment to good service means that we are always there to provide you with technical advice and assistance.

From the initial consultation, to on-site visits and inspections, and even after the completion of your project, we are here for you. Contact us here for support today.

More about Flat Roof Systems

Transform your flat roof into an energy efficient and watertight space. Our insulation options for EPDM, TPO, green roofs and liquid waterproofing systems deliver exceptional thermal performance and energy efficiency. Whether it's a warm, cold or inverted roof, we have the perfect insulation solution to enhance your building's performance and sustainability.

Tapered Insulation offers a streamlined and efficient alternative to traditional on-site methods like screed to falls and timber firing pieces. Our innovative system can be tailored to meet the unique requirements of even the most complex projects, significantly reducing installation time and costs.

Beyond surface water drainage, CARLISLE® Tapered Insulation is designed to deliver exceptional thermal performance, helping to optimise your building's energy efficiency. Our expert technical team can provide guidance on substrate build-up, upstand limitations, and the most suitable drainage method to ensure optimal results.

Our Services

  • Roof condition survey

  • Roof inspections

  • Detail drawing preparation

  • Preparation of renovation concepts (flat roof check)

  • Drainage calculation

  • Test Certificates

  • Wind upload calculations

  • U-value calculation

  • Product training courses & CPDs in our CARLISLE® ACADEMY

  • Installation instructions for installers

  • Delivery to the location of your choice, also direct to the site

  • Extended testing in our in-house test laboratory

Creating Falls on a Flat Roof

Building Regulations Part H mandates that adequate drainage systems are in place to effectively remove rainwater from roofs.

As outlined in BS 6229 and BS 8217, flat roofs should be designed with a minimum fall of 1:40 to ensure a finished fall of 1:80.

This slope is essential for proper water runoff, accounting for potential construction variations. These requirements apply to both general roof areas and internal gutters.

Need further help?

Speak to a member of our expert team today and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.