How To Keep Your Flat Roof Safe During Heavy Rainy Periods

Daniel Bracewell • 28 November 2024

Some homeowners worry installing a flat roof could be a challenge when the rain sets in, causing problems of pooling and potential leaking. However, there are things you can do to protect your roof and the room underneath, even during heavy storms.

Firstly, it is important to make sure it has a waterproof membrane, so that the bottom layer of the roof can remain dry even if it is pouring down outside.

Polyurethane Liquid Waterproofing Membrane is a particularly good option for roofs that cannot easily fit other types of membranes. It is essentially liquid rubber that is laid down on to existing roofs that have proven to be ineffective at keeping the water out so far.

It works very well at keeping the interiors dry and preventing water damage from occurring to the rest of the roof, and typically has a long guarantee and life expectancy, so you can be confident your roof will remain in good condition for up to 25 years.

This type of membrane also means you can improve your existing roof without having to get it replaced and an underlying membrane fitted. As it is fixed on top of the structure, it can simply be added to the flat roof, which is good news if it is, otherwise, in a good condition.

Homeowners could also try using waterproofing paint as a temporary fix, as this can help prevent leaks while you organise larger-scale repair work. Another thing they could do is make sure their gutters are attached to the roof properly and are cleared of fallen leaves and other debris. This will help remove the rainwater from the roof and prevent pooling.

This advice is especially important at this time of the year when rainy weather is the norm. Most recently, Storm Bert has left some places with more than 13 cm of rainfall in 24 hours.

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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.