A popular roofing material in the UK is GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic). GRP solutions come with an array of handy benefits. There’s a reason so many contractors choose GRP roofing over more traditional materials. GRP is known to protect and keep your roof waterproof for long periods of time. This is essential if you live somewhere with a wet climate.
Although GRP roofing comes with an array of advantages, it’s not to say that minor damages will occur over time. Like any roofing material, GRP roofs can develop problems such as cracks, leaks or other forms of damage. Fortunately, you don’t always need to call a professional to repair your GRP roof. With the right guidance and basic tools, you can tackle GRP roof repairs yourself.
How you handle your roof repairs is vital. If you fail to repair your roof, there’s a high chance you could face some serious issues in the long run and have to completely restore your roof. If you’re choosing to repair your roof independently with no help from professionals, it’s best to make use of trusted online resources such as step-by-step guides. To find out more about doing your own GRP roof repair, read on.
Understanding What a GRP Roof is
Before you dive into repairing your GRP roof, it’s essential to understand what it is. GRP, also known as fibreglass roofing, is a durable and long-lasting roofing material. It consists of a layer of polyester resin reinforced with glass fibres. GRP roofs are known for their excellent waterproofing properties.
Despite the longevity and reliability that come with GRP roofing, damage can still occur, especially if your GRP roof is quite old. The faster you repair damages to your GRP roof, the better. Leaving minor damages can create larger problems that are more tedious to deal with.
Repairing your GRP Roof
Fibreglass roofs have many advantages, but they can still get damaged or worn out over time. If the damage is bad, it’s good to have a professional come to your home and fix it. Although it’s safer to have a contractor deal with your repairs, minor repairs on your GRP roof can be dealt with independently. So, what steps should you take to repair a GRP roof?
Safety First
Safety is key when it comes to flat roof repair, so only perform repairs if it’s safe to do so. Repairing a roof can be a dangerous task, so it’s crucial to take the necessary precautions. Invest in a good-quality pair of safety gloves, safety glasses, and a dust mask. Remember to check the weather forecast before starting your repair and avoid working on a wet or windy day, as it can make the task riskier.
Assess the Damage
The first step in any repair project is to assess the damage. Walk around your roof and look for signs of damage, such as cracks, blisters, or areas with loose or missing GRP. Knowing what damage has occurred and what you need to work on allows you to plan your repairs efficiently. Small cracks and blisters can usually be fixed easily; however, larger damage may require more extensive repairs.
Get the Right Materials
Having the right supplies ready to complete your repairs is essential. It’s best to stay organised and prepare everything you need. To complete GRP roof repairs, you’ll need a quality GRP resin; this will be used to make the repairs. You’ll also need other repair products, including a catalyst, topcoat, fibreglass matting, rollers and brushes, a utility knife, and, as mentioned earlier, safety equipment.
Prepare the Surface
It’s crucial to ensure the space you’re working on is cleaned thoroughly. Removing dirt, algae, loose leaves and general debris allows you to see your roof clearly and spot damage a lot easier. In some cases, using a sheet of sandpaper on the damaged area helps the resin adhere better, although this step isn’t essential.
Complete the Repairs
You can repair a fibreglass roof using patches or a quality liquid roof sealant. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing the resin and catalyst. Typically, you’ll add a small amount of catalyst to the resin and mix it thoroughly.
Using a brush or roller, apply a thin layer of resin to the damaged area. Next, you’ll want to place the fibreglass matting across the resin solution; ensure they overlap the damaged area and press them down gently.
Continue applying additional coats of resin until you think enough layers have been applied. Coating the damaged area more than once is usually necessary. The resin will set into a hard membrane that fully protects the area it’s been applied to. Liquid membranes last for a long period of time if applied correctly. We recommend working from the centre outward to remove any air bubbles.
Trim and Apply Topcoat
Once the repair is complete and the resin has cured properly, use a utility knife to trim any excess fibreglass matting. Once you’ve completed your repairs and trimmed any excess, consider applying a topcoat to protect the repaired area and the rest of your GRP roof. This will provide additional waterproofing and UV protection.
GRP Roof Products at Restec
Here at Restec, we offer a wide range of products. GRPROOF 1010 is a widely used roofing material that can be purchased across the merchant market. Our GRP solution is of the highest quality and provides users with a seamless, watertight roof system.
No matter if your project is large or small, simple or complex, GRPROOF 1010 is ideal for waterproofing flat roofs and balcony areas. This durable sealant is popular among roofing contractors and builders, proving its excellence over time.
The GRP Roof Kit is another product within our extensive range that comes equipped with everything you need. GRP Roof Kits are ideal for all individuals to use and can be used across 10m2 of flat roofing space. Our GRP kits come with a handy application manual that has all the information you need for a streamlined application.
As part of our services, we also offer expert training days for individuals to attend in their local area. Whether you want to polish up your existing skills or want to learn more about GRP roofing before dealing with a DIY project, our roofing courses allow you to learn everything you need to know. You’ll be taught by highly trained professionals who have been working in the industry for some time.
The courses have been most beneficial for people who want to learn some additional information and learn new skills. You can expect hands-on training using Restec’s range of liquid and GRP roofing systems. Upon completion, you’ll become a Restec-certified installer. If you’d like to find out more about our products or services, contact a member of our team here.
