How To Inspect A Flat Roof

Daniel Bracewell • 11 March 2021

Regular maintenance of any and all flat roofs you have on site is essential if the installation is to stand the test of time, continuing to function as you would wish - but it’s important to know what needs to be done in order to carry out inspections properly… and safely.

Working at height can be dangerous, so it’s necessary to ensure that all access is safe before any work begins. If you’re using a ladder, for example, make sure it’s properly secured before anyone uses it to gain access to the roof.

Also make sure that the roof surface itself is safe to walk upon and, if you’re unsure, steer well clear, until a competent person can do the work on your behalf.

If the roof is fine to access, however, your inspection should include a check of all outlets and gutters, removing any debris you find. Look out for puddles and blisters on the surface of the roof, making a note of the size and position of any you find so you can keep an eye on them and see if they get bigger over time.

Check the condition of the edge trims, joints, upstands and flashing, as well as the protective finish. If you find any issues, repairs may well be required, in which case you can get in touch with Manchester flat roofs specialists A&B Roofing and we’ll be able to come out and help you complete the necessary work.

It may be that re-roofing is required if you have problems such as membrane splits in the line of deck boards or around the perimeter, as well as sagging between the joists.

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Can You Install Solar Panels On A Flat Roof?

by Daniel Bracewell • 10 December 2025

If you’re exploring how to lower your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint, you may be looking at the likes of solar panels for your home. But what if your property has a flat roof rather than a pitched roof? Can you still install solar panels on a flat roof? The short answer is yes, you can! In fact, it is often easier to install solar panels on a flat roof than it is to fit them to a sloped roof, which might make this an even more appealing avenue to explore when you’re looking at flat roof ideas . In many cases, you also don’t need planning permission to install solar panels on your flat roof. Of course, there are exceptions if you have a listed building or live in a conservation area, but if you own your house (different rules apply for flats too), you should be free to add solar panels to your home as you choose. There are different kinds of mounting systems for flat roof solar panels and which is most appropriate for your home will depend on the direction it faces. It is worth noting that the cost of installing solar panels is often higher on flat roofs because of the mounting system, but some of this can be offset by the lower labour costs because the installation process is usually more straightforward. One of the main reasons homeowners install solar panels is to reduce their energy bills. Many report savings of hundreds of pounds each year, which means these panels often pay for themselves relatively quickly. What’s more, under the Smart Export Guarantee , you can sell any energy you don’t use back to the National Grid, which can increase the rate at which your investment in solar panels pays for itself. So, if you are exploring ways to make the most of your flat roof, consider solar panels as an option to reduce your energy bills and do good for the environment.