Our current system – (GRP waterproofing)

We’re proud to offer the latest in GRP waterproofing technology as our current system. GRP, or Glass Reinforced Plastic, provides a durable, seamless, and long-lasting solution for waterproofing flat roofs. With its exceptional strength and resistance to the elements, GRP waterproofing ensures your property remains protected against leaks, cracks, and other common roofing issues.

Our GRP waterproofing system is not only highly effective but also versatile, suitable for a wide range of applications including residential, commercial, and industrial properties. Whether you need to waterproof a small garage roof or a large commercial building, our GRP system delivers reliable performance and peace of mind.

With Smartseal Flat Roofing Ltd, you can trust that your property is in safe hands. Our team of experts is fully trained and equipped to install GRP waterproofing systems with precision and efficiency, ensuring a seamless finish and maximum durability.
Upgrade to our GRP waterproofing system today and enjoy a waterproof roof that lasts for years to come. Contact us now for a free, no-obligation quote and take the first step towards protecting your property with Smartseal Flat Roofing Ltd.

COLD ROOF INSTALLATION

The cold roof installation is our most common chosen method of the fibreglass roofs. A cold roof offers the same protection as a warm roof, however it doesn’t provide that same thermal benefits as one. These roofs are benefical in terms of the cost, the time to construct and any limitations to height. Due to the design of cold roofs, they restrict moisture build-up from the ventilated structure, thus preventing mould and timber rot.  It consists of the following:

1. Starting from or removing the existing material down to the joists. From here we can inspect if insulation has been used and what type of insulation is required on the specification.
2. It is common for houses to have similar insulation to Rockwool®. With this specific insulation our boarding can be fitted straight ontop of the joists which doesn’t restrict airflow.
3. Another insulation type used for our cold roof system are insulation boards such as Celotex® or Kingspan®. These are dense boards which are also placed in between the joists. For this specific insulation, it requires a cross-ventilated air gap, where it has continuous airflow of at least 50mm above the insulation to the decking.
4. Once the insulation is fitted, and the timber requirements are met, the decking can be screwed into the joists.
5. For the boarding we use 18mm tounge & groove OSB3 sterling boards. These boards are interlocking, which provides strength across the entire span of the roof. A 2mm gap is require to allow the polyester resin to glue the joins together, without this gap between the boards movement will be restricted.
6. Pre-formed fibreglass trims are typically fitted around the border of the roof with a polymer sealant and clout nails. This includes a fascia drip trim at the front and into the guttering. Secondly a raised-edge trim is installed at the sides to aid water flow to the drip section. And lastly a wall fillet at the rear, where a flashing trim can be inserted into the wall at the end.
7. Fibreglass chopped-strand matting is cut to size, covering all joins, corners and the main deck. The matting is rolled out along the deck from the rear to the front, overlapping by 75mm each time on the feather-edge.
8. These are numbered and rolled up, ready for application of resin in the next stage.
9. The polyester resin is applied with a roller, paint brush and a paddle-roller to eliminate pin-holes, air-bubbles and to evenly distribute the resin over the matting.
10. Once all areas have been coated, the fibreglass curing time will vary depending on the climate and the quantity of hardener the installer mixes into the resin. Laminating is never conducted in temperatures outside of the manufacturer’s guidelines or when potential rain is due.
11. The roof is sanded once all areas have been fully cured. This smooth the surface can removed any spikes or resin lumps from the roof.
12. A solvent cleaner is used to remove any dust before applying the topcoat. This also promotes extra adhesion of the topcoat.
13. A thin, even layer of pigmented polyester resin is appled to all areas of the roof. This final process gives the roof a solid colour and provides UV protection.

WARM ROOF INSTALLATION

Warm roof installations offer greater thermal benefits than a cold roof due to the spread of insulation. This means that during the cold seasons it prevents heat loss and in the warmer months it keeps it in. This is most benefical because it reducing heating costs and limits thermal bridging. A disadvantage of a warm roof is the height, typically this will increase by between 5-8 inches from the top of the joists. Additionally the fascia height will be increased considerably. Larger fiberglass trims will be installed on these roofs to provide a more pleasing aesthetic.

1. Starting from or removing the existing material down to the joists. From here we can inspect if insulation as been used, this is all removed for the installation of the warm roof.
2. Timber is cut to length and fitted around the border, thus created a box.
3. 11mm sub-decking is used as a base for the insulation boards to be placed upon.
4. The vapour barrier is rolled out along the roof, overhanging the sides.
5. Insulation boards such as Celotex® or Kingspan® are used. These are dense boards which are also placed on top of the vapour barrier layer.
6. Once the insulation is fitted, aluminium foil tape is applied to every join on the boards creating a seamless thermal barrier .
7. For the boarding we use 18mm tounge & groove OSB3 sterling boards. These boards are interlocking, which provides strength across the entire span of the roof. A 2mm gap is require to allow the polyester resin to glue the joins together, without this gap between the boards movement will be restricted.
8. Every board is screwed down through each layer of the warm roof and into the joists.
9. Pre-formed fibreglass trims are typically fitted around the border of the roof with a polymer sealant and clout nails. This includes a fascia drip trim at the front and into the guttering. Secondly a raised-edge trim is installed at the sides to aid water flow to the drip section. And lastly a wall fillet at the rear, where a flashing trim can be inserted into the wall at the end.
10. Fibreglass chopped-strand matting is cut to side, covering all joins, corners and the main deck. The matting is rolled out along the deck from the rear to the front, overlapping by 75mm each time on the feather-edge.
11. These are numbered and rolled up, ready for application of resin in the next stage.
12. The polyester resin is applied with a roller, paint brush and a paddle-roller to eliminate pin-holes, air-bubbles and to evenly distribute the resin over the matting.
13. Once all areas have been coated, the fibreglass curing time will vary depending on the climate and the quantity of hardener the installer mixes into the resin. Laminating is never conducted in temperatures outside of the manufacturer’s guidelines or when potential rain is due.
14. The roof is sanded once all areas have been fully cured. This smooth the surface can removed any spikes or resin lumps from the roof.
15. A solvent cleaner is used to remove any dust before applying the topcoat. This also promotes extra adhesion of the topcoat.
16. A thin, even layer of pigmented polyester resin is appled to all areas of the roof. This final process gives the roof a solid colour and provides UV protection.

On the diagram it states that timber is optional on a warm roof. This option is only available with the use of the Cure-It® Evo waterproofing system. Polyester resin can be directly applied onto the insulation boards, without the need of osb3 sterling boards.

Balconies & Walk-Ways

For balconies and walk-ways a 600g m² chopped-strand matting will be used to accommodate heavy foot traffic. Additionally heavy-duty thicker fibreglass trims may be for extra protection to the perimeter. We offer various finishes for balconies & walk-ways which provide grip and added durability to the roof, including:

• Aggregate non-slip finish (including a balcony sealer for tougher surface protection)
• Slate granules (green, grey and blue)
• Restec Resgrip (anti-slip coating)

Imitation Flat Roofs

If you require your flat roof to have identical features to a zinc or lead roof, we can imitate this in various ways such as our simulated lead rolls made from fibreglass or a varity of topcoats to match the tone of the material. Unlike felt and rubber systems, fibreglass itself can be manipulated to achieve a desired shape, while still maintaining long-lasting strength.

Topseal

The Topseal range of fibreglass flat roofing systems are exclusively sold to and installed by Topseal approved installers only. This means you can fully rely on us to deliver the highest quality of liquid waterproofing, backed by Topseal themselves.

Both cold and warm roof installation can be completed using Topseal, which includes Topseal HD for balconies and Topseal PU for refurbishments to existing fibreglass roofs.

Please visit the balcony & walk-ways section on this page to learn more about the installation.

Benefits of the Topseal waterproofing system include:

• Guaranteed for 25 years
• BBA certified
• EXT.F.AA Fire Rated to BS476: Part 3
• Good environmental credentials
• ISO:9001 and ISO:14001 registered
• Cold applied – no heat or naked flames
• Quick curing – fast application rate
• Completely seamless – no joints or seams
• UV and chemical resistant
• Fully reinforced – flexible
• Suitable for flat (zero falls) / pitched roofs
• Full range of BS4800/RAL colours
  available – including Simulated lead and copper finish.
• Isocyanate and halogen free
• Available with anti-slip finish
• No toxic rainwater run-off

Topseal has a BBA (British Board of Agrement) certificate. The BBA inspects and tests the quality of each of our products. This helps you to verify that you will be buying quality, which has been tried and tested by independent professionals. You can view our certificate via the BBA website using reference number 93/2932.

 Green Roofs

Topseal – The Green Roof System with a 25-Year Materials Guarantee!

Smartseal Flat Roofing Ltd offers Topseal, the ultimate green roof system that combines sustainability with durability. With Topseal, you not only benefit from a beautiful and eco-friendly roofing solution but also enjoy peace of mind with our 25-year materials guarantee.

Topseal’s green roof system is designed to enhance the aesthetics of your property while promoting environmental sustainability. Whether you’re looking to reduce energy consumption, improve air quality, or create a vibrant green space, Topseal delivers exceptional performance and longevity.

With its robust construction and innovative design, Topseal provides reliable protection against the elements, including UV exposure, extreme weather, and temperature fluctuations. Plus, our 25-year materials guarantee ensures that your investment is safeguarded for years to come, giving you confidence and reassurance.

Experience the benefits of Topseal’s green roof system and elevate your property with Smartseal Flat Roofing Ltd. Contact us today to learn more about Topseal and discover how it can transform your roofing project.

The photographs below display a green roof we completed in Wimbledon. This features a sedum blanket for the main deck, and pebbles to aid water filtration.

Restec FLEXITEC 2020

Restec Flexitec 2020 is the new generation of fibreglass overlay system. It is our primary overlay for all exisiting flat roof systems due to it’s flexibility and one resin application. The resin is applied with a 255g chopped-strand matting, with the option of 450g for heavier applications such as balconies and walk-ways. 

Benefits of Restec Flexitec 2020:

• Can be laminated onto felt, asphalt, lead, EDPM rubber, concrete and fibreglass using a primer
• Completely seamless
• 20-year guarantee & 30 years with BBA Platinum
• Flexible with expansion
• Anti-slip application with aggregate or slate granules (see balcony section)

Waterproofing – FOUNTAINS, WET ROOM TANKING, PONDS & POOLS

Wet Room Tanking

Waterproofing a wet room is a vital stage of the installation process, as it protects against the failure of the grout and tiling above. The fibreglass itself acts as a protective barrier; it is seamless and can withstand constant pressure due to the heavy-duty reinforcement matting. The fibreglass is cut to size and sealed onto the door opening and up the walls at a minimum height of 100mm. For any drainage or pipes, these sections will be primed, sealed, and covered for protection.

Direct lay systems can be used for laminating onto concrete and trays, providing added flexibility compared to standard polyester resin.

Fountains, Ponds & Pools

When waterproofing fountains, ponds, and pools, we use a clear sealer that adheres to all surfaces before laminating. The fibreglass matting is cut to size and applied onto the surface with polyester resin. Any filtration points or drainage will be carefully sealed using a polymer sealant specifically for fibreglass laminating. This will be reinforced further with matting and sanded at the final stage. 

All fountains, ponds and pools can be topcoated with a colour of your choice using the British Colour Chart BS4800.