Rubber flat roofingin Torquay & surrounding areas
A flat roof that keeps the weather out. As approved rubber roofing installers, we fit rubber membranes on properly built decks for extensions, garages and replacements.
- Director: 18 years' trade experience
- 11+ years trading in South Devon
- 1-year indemnity-backed guarantee
- Public liability insured
- City & Guilds bricklaying & carpentry
A flat roof done properly
A flat roof covers extensions, garages, dormers, garden rooms and many older properties. Modern rubber roofing systems use a single membrane that flexes with temperature changes and suits the South Devon climate.
We're approved rubber roofing installers. This service is for homeowners building a new extension with a flat roof, and for those whose existing felt or asphalt roof is leaking or reaching the end of its life.
You'll need it when you're building a new flat-roofed structure, or when an existing roof shows ponding water, splits, blisters, or damp patches on the ceiling below.
A flat roof is only as good as what's underneath it and how the edges are detailed. Because we also handle structural carpentry in-house, we can build or repair the roof structure and deck as well as fitting the membrane.
What a failing flat roof costs you
Flat roof leaks are rarely just a drip. Water travels, and the damage spreads before you see it.
Rotten decking and joists
Water getting through the covering soaks the timber deck and joists, which then need replacing.
Interior damage
Stained ceilings, damaged plaster and ruined insulation are common results of a long-term leak.
Repeated patch repairs
Patching an old felt roof often just moves the leak, costing more over time than a replacement.
Condensation problems
Poorly insulated or ventilated flat roofs can suffer condensation that rots the structure from inside.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Laying a new membrane over a damaged or rotten deck.
- Getting edge and upstand details wrong where the roof meets walls.
- Building a roof with no fall, so water ponds.
- Using non-approved installers for a system that relies on correct installation.
Our flat roofing process
Step 1
Send your plans
Share your approved drawings and any structural calculations. We'll arrange a free site visit.
Step 2
Clear written price
You get a written quote for the work, with any fit-out priced separately if you want it.
Step 3
Deck preparation and membrane installation
We build or repair the roof structure and deck, then install the rubber membrane, detailing edges, upstands and outlets so water runs off properly.
Step 4
Building Control liaison
We can liaise directly with Building Control officers on site where inspections are required.
Step 5
Completion and guarantee
We hand over the finished work, covered by our 1-year indemnity-backed workmanship guarantee.
What you get with JB Carpentry and Building
Approved installers
We're approved to install rubber roofing systems.
Single-sheet membrane
Rubber roofing is typically laid as a single sheet, reducing joins where leaks start.
Structure and covering together
We handle the timber deck and the membrane, with the scope agreed for your project.
Ideal for extensions
A clean, low-profile finish that suits modern extensions and garden rooms.
Less maintenance
Rubber membranes resist cracking and don't need regular re-felting.
Guaranteed workmanship
A 1-year indemnity-backed workmanship guarantee covers completed work.
Flat roof construction and rubber roofing
Understanding how a flat roof is built helps explain why some last and others don't.
What rubber roofing is
Rubber roofing is commonly an EPDM membrane: a synthetic rubber sheet bonded to the deck. It's flexible, handles temperature changes well, and can often be laid as one piece on domestic roofs.
The roof deck
The membrane sits on a timber deck, often OSB board, laid over joists. The deck must be sound, dry and smooth, and laid to a fall so water drains away.
Warm and cold roof construction
In a warm roof, insulation sits above the deck, under the membrane, reducing condensation risk. Cold roofs have insulation between the joists and need ventilation. Most new extensions use warm roof construction.
Edges, upstands and outlets
Most flat roof leaks start at the edges: where the roof meets a wall, at drip edges and around outlets. Trims and upstands need careful detailing.
Where flat roofs are used
Single-storey extensions, garages, dormers, porches, garden rooms and replacing tired felt roofs on existing properties.
Related services
Based at 156 Newton Road, Torquay, Devon. Flat Roofing across Torquay, Paignton, Totnes, Dartmouth, Kingsbridge, Salcombe, South Hams, Teignbridge.
Planning your flat roofing project
Start with approved drawings
We work primarily from existing client plans, so the best time to contact us about flat roofing is once your architect's drawings and any planning consent are in place. Drawings fix the size, layout and specification, which helps us define the scope of the quote; any assumptions or changes should be agreed for your project. If your engineer has produced structural calculations, include them too; they set the foundation sizes, steel sections and fixings we'll build to.
Working with your architect and engineer
We regularly work alongside client architects and structural engineers. When a question comes up on site (an unexpected drain, softer ground than expected, or an existing wall that isn't what the drawings assumed), we can discuss it with your designer before proceeding and agree any necessary changes.
Building Control from first dig to sign-off
Most structural work needs Building Regulations approval and inspections at key stages, such as foundation excavations, damp-proof courses, drainage and structural elements before they're covered. We liaise directly with Building Control officers on site throughout the build, where required; inspection timing and approval depend on the relevant Building Control body.
Shell handover or full finish
Our core strength is the ground, the structure and the watertight shell. Once that's complete you have a choice: we can price and manage the internal fit-out (kitchens, bathrooms, doors, decorating) through our vetted specialist trades, or we can hand over at the shell stage so you can bring in your own finishing trades and control that part of the budget yourself. Either way, the structure your finishes sit on has been built by one accountable team.
Building in South Devon conditions
Site conditions vary across South Devon. Sloping plots, restricted access, existing drains, coastal exposure and older structures may affect your flat roofing project. Your architect or engineer can specify the measures required, and we can discuss the site conditions and agreed scope when preparing a quote.
What happens after you get in touch
Call Jake or send your drawings through the contact page. We'll look over the plans, arrange a free site visit at a time that suits you, Monday to Saturday, and walk the site with you to understand access, ground conditions and how you want the project finished. You'll then receive a clear, written quote setting out what's included, so you can compare it properly and decide with confidence.
One team, managed start to finish
A core in-house team of six handles groundworks, brickwork, blockwork and structural carpentry, growing to as many as 15 with long-standing subcontractors on larger projects. Director Jake Brown brings 18 years of hands-on trade experience and the company has been trading across South Devon for over 11 years. You get one point of contact, clear communication and strict quality control on every stage.
Want to know more about the team? Read about us or go back to the homepage.
Flat Roofing questions
Got your plans?Get a clear price.
Free site visit and a written quote. Director Jake Brown brings 18 years of trade experience. All completed work carries a 1-year indemnity-backed workmanship guarantee.