Patch it or replace it?
Garage roofs tend to be forgotten until something inside gets wet. Because nobody lives under them, small problems are left for years, and by the time anyone climbs up for a look the covering may be well past its best.
A single split or a lifted edge can often be repaired. But some signs point towards replacing the whole roof rather than adding yet another patch:
- Water ponding in the same places after every shower
- A deck that sags between joists or feels soft underfoot
- Leaks returning in new spots soon after each repair
- Old felt that is cracked, blistered or covered in previous patches
- Rotten timber showing at the edges or around the gutter
Replacing a flat garage roof
Most garages in and around Glasgow have flat roofs. Replacing one properly starts with stripping the old covering right back, rather than laying a new layer over the top. Only then can the deck be seen and checked.
Boards that have rotted or gone spongy are replaced, and any sag that has been causing water to collect is corrected so the roof falls towards the gutter. The edges and any upstand against a house wall are detailed carefully, because that is where many garage roofs let water in.
The new covering is then laid to suit the roof and its use. Our flat roofing page explains repair and replacement for flat roofs more widely, including those on extensions and dormers.
Pitched and detached garages
Some garages, especially larger detached ones, have pitched roofs finished in tiles or slate. These suffer the same faults as a house roof: slipped tiles, tired ridges and failing underlay. They can be repaired, or stripped and retiled or re-covered entirely, in the same way as re-roofing a house.
Where a garage sits against the house, the junction between the two roofs or between garage roof and house wall is an important detail. Lead flashing or a properly formed upstand keeps water from running down inside the wall.
Gutters and fascias at the same time
Garage gutters are often neglected, overflow onto the drive and rot the timber behind them. While the roof is being replaced, it makes sense to fit new PVC fascias, gutters and downpipes. See roofline and guttering for what that covers.
Older garages and asbestos
Many garages built in past decades have roofs of corrugated cement sheeting, and some of these sheets contain asbestos. If there is any chance your garage roof is made of this material, it must be assessed by a licensed specialist before anyone cuts, drills, breaks or removes it.
Swift Roofing does not remove asbestos. If you suspect it, mention it when you get in touch and Richard will advise on the next step, including what can be done once the old sheets have been dealt with by a specialist.
Getting a garage roof quote
Send a photo of the garage roof and your postcode through the quote form, email contact@swiftroofing.info or call 07544 695 027. Richard has been roofing since 2002, works as a sole trader with trusted subcontractors when required, and carries public liability insurance.
Work is carried out across Glasgow and Central Scotland, typically within 30 miles. Phones are answered Monday to Friday 07:30 to 17:00, Saturday 07:30 to 16:00 and Sunday 09:00 to 15:00.