Commercial Roofing Done On Time, On Budget, On Spec
Commercial roofing is a different discipline to domestic work. The roofs are bigger, the systems are spec'd to architectural standards, the schedules are tied to occupier downtime, and the warranty paperwork has to satisfy commercial insurers and lenders. We've worked across the East Midlands on offices, light industrial units, retail premises, schools, care homes and farm buildings, and we understand the difference between domestic-style fitting and proper commercial work.
Most of our commercial work in Leicestershire involves single-ply membranes (Sika Sarnafil, IKO Armourplan), EPDM rubber for smaller flat roofs, built-up bituminous felt where the existing system needs matching, and increasingly liquid waterproofing systems where access or detailing makes traditional sheet products impractical. We hold the manufacturer accreditations needed to issue full system warranties on the major brands.
Single-Ply Membrane Systems
Single-ply systems — PVC and TPO membranes mechanically fixed, adhered, or ballasted — are now the dominant choice for commercial flat roofs in the UK. They're fast to install, lightweight, work well on large spans, and the better systems carry 20-25 year manufacturer warranties when fitted by an accredited contractor. Sika Sarnafil and IKO Armourplan are the systems we install most often, both giving full system warranties on materials and workmanship combined.
Detailing is what separates a good single-ply install from a leaky one. Welded seams have to be lap-tested with a probe before sign-off. All upstands and parapet returns need proper kerbs, not just membrane dressed up the wall and capped. Outlets need to be set into the deck, not bolted on top. We work to the manufacturer's design details on every project and provide the lap-test records and as-built drawings as part of handover.
EPDM, Felt & Liquid Systems
For smaller commercial flat roofs — bin store roofs, single-storey extensions, link buildings — EPDM rubber from Firestone or Classicbond is often more cost-effective than single-ply. Installed in single sheets up to about 15m wide, with no joints across the centre of the roof, EPDM gives a 25-50 year service life and is genuinely robust against foot traffic during maintenance.
Built-up bituminous felt remains the right choice on some commercial projects, particularly where the existing system is felt and a like-for-like replacement is wanted. Modern SBS-modified felts (IKO, Bauder) are far better than the old asphalt-saturated felts they replaced, and a good torch-on system will last 20-25 years.
Liquid waterproofing — Kemperol, Triflex, Sika Liquid Plastics — comes into its own on roofs with complex detailing, plant penetrations, valley gutters, or where the building can't be taken out of use during the works. It creates a fully bonded, seamless membrane around any awkward shape.
Project Management & Disruption Planning
On occupied commercial buildings, planning the work around the tenant matters as much as the roofing itself. We typically work in zones, hoarding off one section at a time so the building stays operational and weather-tight. Out-of-hours and weekend working is available where occupier requirements demand it. We carry the full RAMS, CSCS, asbestos awareness, working at height, and CDM Principal Contractor competencies needed for any commercial site.
On larger projects we provide written progress reports, photographic records, and full handover packs including system warranties, installer guarantees, lap-test records, drainage tests, and O&M manuals. Most of our commercial clients are repeat customers because they know what to expect from us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you work out of hours on occupied buildings?
Yes. Office and retail clients commonly need work done outside trading hours, and we run evening, night and weekend shifts as required. There's a labour premium but it's often outweighed by the avoided business disruption.
Do you handle the design, or do we need an architect?
Both. For straightforward replacements we can specify, design and install. For larger projects with planning input, structural changes or warranty requirements above 25 years, we work to architect or specifier drawings.
Do you carry full commercial insurance?
Yes — £5m public liability, £10m employer's liability, and project-specific cover available where required. Certificates available on request before tender or contract award.
Are you accredited with the major manufacturers?
We hold installer accreditations with the manufacturers whose systems we install regularly — Sika, IKO, Firestone, and others. This is what allows us to issue full system warranties on our installations.
How long does a commercial roof typically last?
Single-ply: 25+ years. EPDM: 25-50 years. SBS torch-on felt: 20-25 years. Liquid systems: 20-25 years. The biggest single factor in actual lifespan is the quality of detailing at upstands, outlets and penetrations.