GRP & Fibreglass Roof Repair in Northern Ireland - Costs & Quotes

Table of Contents

Northern Ireland Fibreglass Roof Repairs
Overview
Information Video
Common Problems
What is Fibreglass?
How Fibreglass is Made
Fibreglass Shingles
Benefits of Fibreglass
Fibreglass Repair Costs
DIY Repairs?
Temporary Repairs
Replacing With Fibreglass
Questions Answered
Quote Process
Fibreglass Roof Pics
Areas Near Me
Example Requests

Compare specialist fibreglass roof repair quotes

Fibreglass roofing repairs can be an affordable solution to fixing any leaks or damage your roof may have, and it's a relatively easy process for the professionals on our network. Want to repair your roof, but concerned about the cost? That's why we're here. We'll help you find the best Northern Ireland fibreglass roof repairs at a price to suit your budget.

Providing fibreglass repairs to Northern Ireland residents since 2010!

(Video) Fibreglass Repair Information

Whether you want to repair the roof of your garage, or replace the entire roof over your garden shed or house, the professionals are ready to work on your project. No job is too big or too small for our network of Northern Ireland fibreglass roof repair companies. Fibreglass is comparatively cheap and easy to repair and once repaired it requires little to no maintenance. If you'd like to see how cheap it can be to fix your Northern Ireland fibreglass roof then complete the form above, or please read on for more information.

Common Fibreglass Roof Problems

Although fibreglass roofing is usually extremely durable, it will unfortunately wear, degrade and become brittle over time. This causes holes and cracks to appear in the sheets, which can often be repaired if caught in time. A fibreglass roof that has been correctly installed and prepared, it will last for many years though. Below are some of the most common issues experienced by property owners who have fibreglass roofing on their homes, garages or outside sheds.

Flashings

If the area where your flashings meet an adjoining wall haven't been sealed correctly, or were sealed against a poorly cleaned wall then they may have become separated. It's common for a small 1-2mm gap to appear along the abutting join which can compromise the seal of the roof and make it susceptible to vertical run-off.

Expansion & Contraction

The constant expanding and contracting of a fibreglass roof can cause fatigue which in turn can lead to cracks and holes appearing. When the roof was initially installed expansion should have been factored in. Another cause for this form of failure is when joints and trims aren't reinforced correctly allowing for unwanted movement.

Degrading Roof Sheets

Over time, fibreglass roofing will start fading and looking a little worn. However, this doesn’t mean that there is anything structurally wrong with it. In cases where this has occurred, your roofing can possibly be preserved for another 10 to 15 years by having a restoration or protective coating applied to it.

These days, a product is available that can provide the additional protection that older fibreglass roofing needs in a single coat – no initial priming will even be needed before applying it. In many cases, this product is able to fill extremely small holes and even some hairline cracks that may have appeared on some of the sheets.

The only preparation that will be needed before this coating is applied is a thorough roof cleaning. Once the roof has dried, the coating will be applied and you’ll be able to look forward to extending the life of your fibreglass roof by a good few years.

Development of Cracks

As fibreglass roof sheets get older, they become prone to cracking. While many smaller cracks can usually be treated with a product such as the protective coating mentioned above, large cracks could sometimes indicate that it’s time to replace one or more of the sheets.

If repairs can still be done, a professional roofer will ensure that the area immediately around the cracks is thoroughly cleaned before starting with repairs. In some cases, a coating can be applied over smaller cracks and if this is not possible, patches can be applied as well.

Holes Forming in the Sheets

Holes can start forming in fibreglass roof sheets due to age, general wear and tear and because insufficient protective coating was applied at the time of installation. While some of these holes may be too small to see unless you are actually up on the roof, this doesn’t mean that they can be ignored.

Pinholes that appear in fibreglass roof sheets should be attended to as soon as possible because they will become larger over time and result in the development of leaks. Wind, heavy rain and snow will cause these holes to become larger over time as well – which will allow a lot more water to seep inside and on to ceiling boards – which will cause severe damage within a short period of time.

The best way to help prevent pinholes from appearing on fibreglass roof sheets is to ensure that the protective coating that is being applied thoroughly covers all parts of the sheeting – this includes over screws and/or nails as well.

Flaking of the Protective Coating

Regardless of the quality of fibreglass sheeting that has been used on a roof, it will unfortunately have an average life expectancy. Once it reaches this time, the sheets start to lose their flexibility and they end up looking shrivelled and cracked. In cases where this has started occurring, you will unfortunately have to replace the roof sheeting.

Thankfully these common causes of fibreglass roof damage are easily repaired by any of the Northern Ireland professionals on our network.

Just want an idea of price? All quotes for fibreglass repairs are obligation-free!

What is Fibreglass Roofing?

Fibreglass is a polymer plastic matrix reinforced with glass fibres. Fibreglass, also known as glass reinforced plastic or glass resin plastic (GRP), is typically used for flat roofs, but can be used for pitch roofs as well. Fibreglass roofing uses fibreglass laminate applied over conditioned plywood rafters. The roof is then finished with a fibreglass trim instead of traditional flashing, and coated with a pre-pigmented top coat in a colour to suit your aesthetic requirements. Roofing specialists can help find the best solution for your style of roof.

How Fibreglass Is Made

Most of the materials found in fibreglass are naturally occurring. These may include silica sand, soda ash, limestone, and others, but fibreglass gets its name from the silica sand that turns to glass when heated. The entire batch of materials is placed into a furnace where it is melted, and then it is transferred to equipment designed to convert the molten glass into fibres. There are several ways to do this, including filament extrusion and spinning. Once the fibreglass itself has been created, the fibres are then added to other materials to keep them strong and impenetrable.

Fibreglass Shingles

Fibreglass shingles are also quite popular across the country. Like traditional shingles, they have an asphalt exterior, but while organic asphalt shingles have a wood or paper mat, fibreglass shingles contain a matrix of plastic reinforced with fibres made of glass. They’re lighter than traditional asphalt, which makes them easier to install, but they don’t last quite as long and as a result we frequently receive repair requests. An advantage is that they cost less than traditional tiles or shingles, and they’re relatively simple to repair.

Northern Ireland fibreglass shingle repairs

The Benefits of Fibreglass

Fibreglass is durable and lightweight, which makes it an ideal construction material in instances when it needs to be hoisted up a ladder. Unlike other flat roof materials, including asbestos, fibreglass poses no health risks. Fibreglass is also ideal for small craft construction, and can be used not only for large roofs, but also for smaller roofs like a garden shed or animal hutch. Fibreglass is robust, flexible, weather resistant, and will never corrode. Fibreglass is one of the most inexpensive roofing materials, requiring little to no maintenance and few repairs.

The Costs of Fibreglass Repair

Fibreglass roofing has a life expectancy of up to 30 years. In that time, some minor repairs may be required. Although a fibreglass roof requires almost no maintenance, the condition of the roof should be checked regularly to spot any leaks early on. Due to fibreglass being an inexpensive material that is easy to work with, fibreglass roof repair Northern Ireland tends to be fairly cheap, although this will depend on the severity of the damage and the labour required to fix the problem.

Northern Ireland fibreglass roof repair costs

Factors Affecting the Cost

Factors that will affect the cost of having a new fibreglass roof installed or an existing one repaired or upgraded can include:

Quality of roof sheets, trims and other materials being used to complete the job – while it’s often possible to find cheaper alternatives, roofing is not something that you should cut costs on, especially if you’d like it to last for as long as possible
Accessibility – how easy will it be for roofers to access each part of your roof that requires repairs or replacement sheeting? Will scaffolding need to be erected on a public walkway to access your roof (permits may sometimes be needed if this is the case, and these will also cost money)? Are there double storey sections on your roof that require attention?
Location of your property – if you stay in central London, chances are that your labour rates and the cost of materials could be higher than if your home is in an outlying area or suburb
Size of the roof – Smaller roof areas will obviously cost less than larger ones to work with
Shape of the roof – if you roof has any unusual shapes or angles that require the fibreglass sheets to be cut to custom sizes, this will result in a increase in the cost of the work
Sizes of the company doing the work – a smaller company that only hires one or two employees will have lower overheads to cover than those with larger workforces. As such, you may be able to obtain better pricing from smaller roofing companies in some cases

Professional Fibreglass Repair Only

Do not attempt DIY repairs on your fibreglass roofing. Although fibreglass is fairly easy and safe to work with, laying fibreglass correctly requires skill and experience. A badly laid fibreglass roof could result in the need for expensive roof replacements. Improper repair may also diminish the integrity of the roof, resulting in leaks. Why strain yourself climbing ladders and hauling up materials when fibreglass roofing professionals are standing by?

Any type of fibreglass roof sheeting and that, which is found in the DIY repair kits, can also cause severe skin rashes and itching if the correct protective equipment is not worn during use or installation. Professional roofers will not only have the correct protective equipment available; they will know how to work with this material safely and efficiently as well.

Temporary Water Damage Prevention

If a storm or other event has caused a leak in your fibreglass roof, a properly-placed tarp can help to redirect that water away from the damaged area and prevent further water infiltration. Tarp placement can be quite dangerous for non-professionals and we don't recommend that you carry it out yourself (see above), so should you choose to do it, you should be very careful. Remember to attach the edges of the tarp to heavy boards to keep it in place, and never attempt to place a tarp during inclement weather. If you do not feel comfortable placing the tarp yourself, fill out the form for a free quote on emergency fibreglass roof repairs. Many companies employ professionals who will come to your home after business hours to help prevent any further damage caused by a damaged fibreglass roof.

Replacing an Existing Roof Material

If your Northern Ireland roof is damaged or leaking and have been advised that repairs are going to be expensive because of the material used to construct the roof, it may sometimes be possible to install fibreglass sheeting over it instead. However, to do this, a roofer will first need to perform a full inspection to determine that the structure itself is not damaged in any way.

When installing roof sheets or shingles over an existing structure, one of the main advantages you will enjoy is lower maintenance cost. Fibreglass roofing is extremely durable and as such, only minor maintenance and repair work will be required over time. In many cases, a new roof can last for 30 years or more.

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Your Northern Ireland fibreglass repair questions answered

What are some considerations?

You should make sure that the contractor you choose is experienced in performing fiberglass roof repairs, and that the work will also be guaranteed. Thankfully the roofers on our network have already undergone numerous checks to ensure competence and reliability.

How long do fibreglass roof repairs near me normally take?

Most repairs can be performed in one day, unless the roof is severely damaged. In that case, more than one visit from a roofing contractor may be needed.

Are fibreglass roofs difficult to repair?

Fibreglass roofs are not any more or less difficult to repair than any other type of roof. Each style of roof requires a specific technique to repair, but your repair technician will able to determine what the proper technique is.

How much do fibreglass roof repairs normally cost?

The price will vary depending on the amount of time the repairs take and the supplies that are needed, but in most cases, fibreglass roof repairs will cost from £200 - £400 and will normally not take more than a day.

How are leaks in a fibreglass roof normally repaired?

They are typically repaired by adding a sealer to the area that is leaking. This will require careful cleaning of your Northern Ireland roof, followed by scraping to remove any old sealer and create a watertight seal.

Where might my GRP roof be leaking?

One of the areas of GRP roofing that is most prone to leaking is the flashings into an abutting wall. If these haven't been sealed properly, or were applied when the brickwork was dusty then a small gap can appear leaving any water run-off to enter the roofing structure.

When should I consider fibreglass roof replacement?

Fibreglass laminate roofs are quite durable, and they’ll last for about 50 years if they are properly maintained. About halfway through their lifespan, they’ll require a fresh coat of “gel-coat”, which gives the roof its colour. Afterwards, it’ll last about another 20 years.

What if I need my fibreglass roof repaired immediately?

Unfortunately, roof damage doesn’t wait until normal business hours. There’s nothing to stop a storm from coming through in the middle of the night and causing a significant leak. Many of the companies in our network will perform emergency fibreglass roof repairs. When you fill out the form for a quote, simply mention your need for emergency repairs. Keep in mind that contractors may charge premium rates when they work outside of normal business hours.

Should I choose the company offering the lowest price?

When you receive your quotes, it’s important to review all the information you receive very carefully. Though price should certainly be a factor in your decision, you should also consider things like the company’s experience and reputation, which can make a major difference in the quality of your repairs. You can also read recent reviews submitted by other companies to help make a decision. You should also find out how long it will take each company to complete the work; while one company may not be able to get to your repair for a week, the next one may be available the very next day.

What benefits are there?

One of the main benefits associated with glass fibre roofing is longevity. GRP roofs can last for 30 years or more if regular maintenance is performed on them.

What will a replacement GRP roof cost?

This will depend on the size of your roof and how easy it will be for roofers to access it. If the replacement is classified as an emergency job, the costs will often be higher as well.

The Process of Getting Quotes

Why live with cracked tiles, holey thatch or blistered asphalt when fibreglass offers you a cheap and durable alternative? Don't live with a leaking roof, putting your valuables at risk of water damage. Don't put up with expensive roofing materials that require constant maintenance and costly repair. Get a free no-obligation quote today. It only takes a minute to fill in our online form with a few details about your roofing problem. With our access to a network of Northern Ireland fibreglass roof repair professionals, we guarantee the best services at the lowest prices.

When requesting quotes from us, you will be able to rest assured that the contractors who will get in touch with you have been carefully pre-screened. This ensures that they will provide you with good quality materials and excellent workmanship at fair industry prices.

You’ll receive up to four free quotes within a day or two after requesting information, so it will prevent you from having to search for multiple contractors to provide you with the information you need. A full inspection of your property will also be performed before any quotes are provided or any work is allowed to commence.

1 Complete Our Quote Form

All you have to do is complete the 60 second quote form with some details about your fibreglass roofing requirements.

2 Receive Fibreglass Roofing Quotes

We then pass your requirements on to our network of fibreglass roofing specialists and allow up to four to quote.