Flat Roofing is My Alpha and Omega
If you are looking for an experienced felt roofer in Sussex, you have come to the right place. My name is Jan Sagi, and I have been working as a professional roofer for 18 years, with the last 12 years dedicated specifically to properties in Brighton, Hove, and Worthing. Over the course of my career, flat roofing has become my absolute specialty—my alpha and omega. Having spent nearly two decades repairing and installing flat roofs, I have seen exactly what works, what fails, and how different materials stand up to the unpredictable UK coastal weather.
Why I Choose Tecnatorch SBS Torch-On Felt
Through years of hands-on experience, I have found that the most reliable solution for the vast majority of flat roofs is a high-performance, two-layer torch-on system. Specifically, I exclusively use Tecnatorch SBS Torch-On Mineral Felt Charcoal. In my professional opinion, this is simply the best material for flat roofs.
The primary advantage of SBS (Styrene Butadiene Styrene) modified bitumen is its exceptional flexibility. Buildings naturally move, expanding and contracting with temperature changes. Tecnatorch SBS works with this thermal expansion rather than fighting against it. Furthermore, if the roof ever suffers mechanical damage, SBS felt is straightforward and cost-effective to repair, ensuring your home remains watertight.
EPDM Rubber: A Good Alternative with Long-Term Caveats
I also have experience working with other modern flat roofing systems, such as EPDM rubber roofing. Generally speaking, EPDM is a very good material. It offers a seamless finish and a decent lifespan. However, it does have a significant drawback. After many years of exposure to harsh UV rays, the rubber can change its properties. If an older EPDM roof suffers mechanical damage, executing a reliable, long-lasting patch repair becomes exceptionally difficult, often necessitating a larger replacement than initially anticipated.
The Hidden Dangers of GRP Fibreglass on Complex Roofs
One material I frequently encounter during repair callouts is GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) fibreglass. I do not want to completely dismiss fibreglass—it has its applications—but it is highly unsuitable for articulated or complex flat roofs. The major weakness of GRP is its extreme rigidity.
When a roof needs to flex due to thermal expansion, or if it abuts rigid structures like traditional cast iron pipes passing through the deck, fibreglass cannot handle the movement. It cracks. Sometimes these stress fractures appear after a few years; occasionally, I have seen them happen within days of installation. The most insidious part is that these hairline cracks often go unnoticed. A small amount of water slowly penetrates the structure, quietly rotting the timber joists and decking over months or years before the property owner ever sees a damp patch on their ceiling.
In more severe cases, where water collects heavily, the leaks become obvious within weeks. During my 18 years as a felt roofer, I have been called to dozens of relatively new fibreglass roofs that have failed in this exact manner.
The DIY Fibreglass Trap
Unfortunately, fibreglass also falls victim to the ‘YouTube DIY’ effect. Unqualified individuals or well-meaning property owners watch an installation video and attempt the job themselves. When the inevitable rigid crack appears and the roof leaks, their solution is often to simply paint another layer of fibreglass resin over the entire roof. This temporary fix might hold for two or three weeks before the structural movement cracks the new layer, causing the leak to return. This frustrating cycle of layering continues until I am called in to completely strip the roof back to the joists and install a proper flat roof replacement using proven Tecnatorch SBS felt.
Transparent Pricing and Next Steps
Choosing the right material is the foundation of a long-lasting roof. If you are dealing with persistent flat roof leaks or need a complete overhaul, I am here to help provide a permanent, professional solution using materials designed to move with your home.
I believe in complete transparency, which is why I have eliminated the traditional wait for roofing quotes. For most services, you can use the online calculator on my website to get an instant, free, and no-commitment price estimate in just 30 seconds. Once you have your estimate, we can arrange a free on-site roof inspection where I will personally assess your property and provide a fixed-price quote.