How to Choose Garage Roof Waterproofing

With a wide range of garage roof waterproofing materials available, how do you choose which is best for you? There are several factors to consider, including roof deck substrate and design, install method and whether you’re handling it yourself or engaging a professional to install it for you.

As flat roof specialists, we’re here to guide you through the best options for your garage roof. With expert advice, resources, roof kits and more, let us help you decide on the right approach for a long-term, reliable seal.

Planning: Getting off to a good start

Whether you’re replacing the garage roof because of damage, heading off potential leak issues or starting from scratch with a brand-new build, planning your waterproofing project is an absolute must. Determine the goals for performance and consider these factors:

Location and use

Where the garage is situated and whether it is overlooked by trees and other buildings may influence your final decision on materials. For instance – the shade provided by other buildings or trees can keep materials and the building itself cooler than in a south-facing garage with no shade. 

• If the garage is being converted to a more usable space, such as a workshop or garden room, it would make sense to upgrade the insulation and choose compatible waterproofing, such as EPDM or a liquid coating. 
• If the garage is for storing flammable materials, such as paint, gas, oils or other fuels, the waterproofing will also need to be fire retardant.

Appearance and aesthetics

If your garage roof waterproofing is visible from the street, then appearance will likely be a priority, or at least a consideration. Choosing a plain rubber membrane or a single colour liquid coating is often the best approach for a flat roof, whereas pitched designs will benefit aesthetically from tiling to match the house.

When it comes to colour, ensure that tiles match to your existing house roof and take advice on weathering from your supplier, as it can take some time for them to weather in. 

Most EPDM membranes come in charcoal grey and liquid coatings cure to a concrete grey colour. Flat roof trim can provide colour variation and is a valuable addition, not only to enhance aesthetics, but also the seal around the edges. 

Environmental considerations

A growing number of homeowners consider the impact of their improvements on the environment and choose materials that:

• Are recycled or recyclable
• Have a long service life
• Reduce landfill
• Support energy efficiency
• Are cost effective
• Reduce install time and simplify labour
• Lower maintenance
• Resist the effects of ozone and UV radiation
• Are compatible with green and blue roofs

To tick all of these boxes, look at some of the latest garage roof waterproofing materials, such as one-piece EPDM membranes, fully recyclable and with a 50-year service life, or a liquid coating, providing a seamless approach on even the most complex roof designs. These products offer a high performance, low impact solution for eco-conscious homeowners and trades.

Service lifespan and cost vs. value

Reliable longevity is something that homeowners are considering now more than ever. As a growing number of garages are converted to living spaces, the need for reliable waterproofing is much higher and so quality is fast becoming a priority over cost as a result. 

In these instances, it makes sense to look at the cost vs. the value over the comparable service life expectancies of the materials, for example (approximately):

• Felt or tar paper – 6-10 years
• Fibreglass – 20-30 years
• EPDM membrane – 50+ years
• Liquid PU coating – 30+ years

Installation

Whether you are installing the garage roof waterproofing yourself or engaging a professional may have a significant impact on your choice of materials. 

• If you’re going the DIY route, consider ease of install and whether the method includes complex stages, such as seaming and joining membranes, allowing for skylights or flashing to upstands.
• If you are calling in a professional installer, consider the potential reduction in labour cost for a straightforward system application technique. Make sure you obtain a range of quotes from reputable trades. We can connect you with recommended EPDM and liquid PU system installers via our professional network. Find out more on our corporate website here.

Garage roof waterproofing simplified at PermaRoof UK

We offer a straightforward approach to garage roof waterproofing at PermaRoof UK in our range of EPDM and liquid roofing kits:

• Ideal for DIY and trade, our EPDM garage roof kits are available to buy off-the-shelf in garage sizes or can be cut to any size in the custom option. A single sheet membrane, cold applied, simplifies and accelerates installation and creates a reliable, seamless application, sealed with edge and gutter trim.
• Liquid PU garage roof waterproofing kits are available in two project sizes – 5m2 and 10m2 – fast and straightforward to apply. Trim is available separately to complete the edge and gutter aesthetic.

In our Knowledge Base, we offer a full range of free guides available to read online or visit our corporate resource library to find all our downloads - PDFs, video tutorials and articles covering tips, advice and step-by-step installation guidance. 

Fast, straightforward to apply, high performance and a long-lasting approach, EPDM rubber roofing is the ideal choice for garage roof waterproofing and taking a liquid approach delivers seamless coverage, regardless of the complexities. Talk to us if you need any help or would like to chat your project through on 01773 441 947 or use the live chat for a quick query.