GRP fibreglass is a durable and cost-effective roofing solution and has become increasingly popular in recent years. It's a lightweight material with impressive waterproof properties making it an ideal choice for industrial, commercial and residential buildings. But just how long will it last?
What Is The Estimated Lifespan Of Fibreglass Flat Roofs?
While fibreglass roofing has been used since the 1960s, because of the recent advancements in technology & installation techniques, it's not easy to forecast lifespan. For example, manufacturers quote 10 -15 year guarantees for their fibreglass roofing kits, but this is a little on the conservative side, with the general expectation to be around 30 - 40 years or more.
Life expectancy will of course depend on several factors, including its exposure to sunlight, wind, rain and snow, as well as how well it is installed and maintained. Sun exposure can cause deterioration over time due to UV radiation, while heavy rain or snow can increase the chances of water ingress. Poor installation can also lead to premature failure of the system by allowing water ingress through gaps or seams in the membrane. Regular maintenance such as cleaning gutters and downpipes should be carried out regularly, as this can help reduce water pooling on the surface which can contribute to leaks in the long run.
What Is A Realistic Lifespan For Fibreglass Roof?
Various studies have indicated that properly installed and maintained fibreglass roofs can last up to 30 years or more. In fact, some have lasted as long as 50 years.
In Europe, a study was conducted to assess the actual lifespans of fibreglass roofs from actual projects. The study found that most roofs had an average lifespan of approximately 20-25 years. This was under normal conditions and with adequate maintenance being carried out regularly. Some roofs had even lasted up to 40 years with proper care and maintenance.
The evidence from research suggests that with proper care, it's reasonable to expect a lifespan of anywhere between 30 - 50 years.
What Are The Lifespans For EPDM Rubber, Single Ply PVC And Felt ?
EPDM rubber has a lifespan that typically ranges from 25 to 30 years, making it one of the longest-lasting roofing materials available.
Single Ply PVC is another commonly used material, with a manufacturer's guarantee of 20 years and an expected lifespan of 30 + years.
Finally, torch on felt roofing is a much cheaper option and consequently has a life expectancy of 10 to 20 years when maintained properly.
Summary
It's always difficult to estimate the lifespan of any flat roof, as so much will depend on location, quality of materials used, maintenance etc. Added to that, the material technology has advanced in leaps and bounds so a GRP roof today should greatly outperform one from 20 years ago.
It's not unrealistic to expect 40 - 50 years from a GRP roof installed today. So if it were down to lifespan alone, GRP fibreglass would be the winner. But in the real world, there are a host of other considerations, which is why we have several choices when it comes to flat roofing.
