Why Metal Flashing Is Important On Flat Roofs

Daniel Bracewell • 27 December 2023

There are many advantages of having a flat roof, from lower installation costs to better energy efficiency. But it is still important to look after it in just the same way you would a pitched roof, including making sure the flashing is in good condition.

With flat roofs, metal flashings help to protect against dampness, particularly as flat roofs do not drain water as quickly as sloped ones. Therefore, rainwater remains on the roof materials for longer.

The risk is that water pooling may occur if it does not drain fast enough, and this could result in it seeping through the membrane.

If it gets into the ceiling, this could have lasting damage on the structure of the roof, particularly if the damp goes unnoticed for a long period of time. It could even lead to rotting timber, which may end up being a considerable cost in the long-run.

Flashings, however, work by shielding roofs from rainwater. They also protect against damage from heavy winds, as these could force rain through gaps in the roof, such as around windows or chimneys.

Metal flashings are particularly effective, but it is even better to also use one that is made of rubber. This provides twice as much protection, giving homeowners the confidence their homes will remain damp-free.

Using a rubber flashing as well as a metal one means that rubber is less likely to become damaged over time. Therefore, it is still able to offer protection even if the metal roof rusts or deteriorates.

This buys some time before the flat roof specialists can come in to repair it, preventing more weather damage occurring.

Thinking about roof flashings is particularly important in the winter months, as heavy rains, stormy weather, snow, and ice are frequent occurrences. Homeowners that are concerned their flashing needs repairing should consider getting it checked out before they find out through a leak in their ceiling.

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Why Spring Is An Ideal Time To Replace The Garage Roof

by Daniel Bracewell • 9 February 2026

With winter now nearing its end, now is a good time to start planning garage roof replacement work as the weather starts to get warmer, drier and lighter.

How Can Ice Dams Damage A Flat Roof?

by Daniel Bracewell • 20 January 2026

With 2026 starting with a burst of cold, wintry weather in the north of England, now is a good time to consider what damage snow and sub-zero temperatures can cause to your flat roofing in Manchester . One potential risk is the formation of ice dams – but what are ice dams, how do they cause damage and what can you do to prevent them? What are ice dams? As their name suggests, ice dams are areas of ice that prevent melted snow and ice flowing off of a roof. They form when the warmth from inside your home hits the roof, melting the snow and ice that has settled on the flat roof. This water then runs off the roof, but if temperatures are still below freezing, as it reaches the colder edges, it can re-freeze, creating a dam. These ice walls hold pooled water on the roof, rather than letting it escape – and it’s this that can cause the damage. On flat roofs, ice dams can also form around depressions in the roof – in other words anywhere that water can sit, you could end up with a pool that is unable to drain. They cause damage because standing water on your roof can seep into the underlying structure if there are any cracks or signs of damage in your roofing material. When ice dams form at the edges of roofs, they can also lead to damp penetrating walls if the pools of melted snow last long enough. How can you prevent ice dams from forming? The best way to prevent ice dams is to ensure that your roof is properly insulated. This will prevent the heat from your home melting the snow that’s accumulated on your flat roof while the outside temperature is still below freezing. Keeping your gutters and drainage channels clear is also essential. This helps to ensure that any snow that does melt has somewhere to go and can safely leave your flat roof. It’s one of the reasons why cleaning your gutters in the autumn is a good idea.

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.