Garages
- Often larger flat areas, so falls and outlets matter most
- Can receive water from a higher roof above
- Access may be restricted by vehicles and stored items
- Gutters and downpipes need checking alongside the new surface
Roofing
Fibreglass Roofing for Garages, Porches and Bays
Garages, porches and bay windows often have small flat or low-pitched roofs built around awkward shapes. Fibreglass is one of the systems we use for these spaces. Here is how to choose, what the project involves and what to ask.
Choosing a roof for a small space
Small roofs are often overlooked until they start to leak. A garage roof may be a flat deck that carries water to a gutter at the rear. A porch can sit above a front door with little room for drainage. A bay roof usually meets the main house wall and needs its junctions sealed carefully. Each of these spaces needs a surface that suits its shape, its access and the way it is used.
Fibreglass belongs to the same category of system as GRP. For a technical description of how the laminate is built and how it is maintained, see our GRP roofs page. This page concentrates on the decisions that homeowners face on smaller projects.
Before you choose
Questions to ask any roofer about fibreglass
A short list of questions helps you compare proposals on a like-for-like basis. We are happy to answer each of them.
- How will the deck be checked, repaired and dried before the new surface is laid?
- How will the falls be formed so that water reaches the outlet?
- How will the edges, upstands and junctions with the house wall be finished?
- What guarantee terms apply, and what is excluded from them?
- Which approvals may apply to the project, and where should I check them?
- How will the work be protected from the weather, and what access is needed?
- What maintenance will the roof need once the work is complete?
On site
What the project involves on a garage, porch or bay
On a garage, the work usually starts with the deck, which may be timber boards, sheets or a concrete base. Any soft or damp boards must be replaced before the fibreglass is laid. An edge trim is then fixed so that water falls clear of the wall and the gutter below. Garage roofs can also receive water from a larger roof above, so drainage forms part of the design.
A porch roof is frequently fixed to the front of the house and must be sealed carefully where it meets the wall, the door surround and any fascia. A bay roof sits above a window and must be lapped correctly with the main roof and the wall behind it. These junctions are where most problems start, so we spend time on them.
Comparing the spaces
Garage, porch and bay: the main considerations
Each space has different risks and access issues. These are the points we typically discuss when planning the work.
Porches and bays
- Smaller areas with many junctions to seal
- Visible from the street, so the finish and trim matter
- Limited space for scaffolding or access equipment
- Meeting points with doors, windows and the main roof need care
Free survey
Planning a small roof project?
We can visit, look at the deck and the junctions, and explain whether fibreglass is a suitable choice. You receive a written explanation of the proposed work before you decide.
How the project runs
A typical sequence for a small roof
Smaller projects are quicker than larger ones, but the order of work still matters. We confirm each stage with you before it starts.
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Visit and measure
We look at the roof, the walls it meets and the gutters around it, then measure the area. We note any soft or damp boarding and any need for new trims.
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Deck work
Damaged boards or supports are repaired first. The deck is allowed to dry before the surface is laid, because moisture trapped beneath a system can cause problems later.
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Falls and edges
Falls are formed to direct water to the outlet, and edge trims are fitted to protect the roof edges. The wall junction is prepared so it can be sealed neatly.
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Laying the surface
The fibreglass system is applied in layers, with each one set before the next. Protection stays in place while the surface cures.
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Clearing up
The area is cleaned, gutters and outlets are checked, and the finished roof is inspected. We explain how to keep it in good order.
Planning around daily life
A garage, porch or bay is usually part of a home that carries on being used while the work takes place. Planning the project around daily life keeps it manageable. We talk through when the car needs to be moved, where materials will be kept, and how the entrance will be protected. For a porch, we agree how the front door stays accessible, and for a bay we consider the room behind the window so that furniture can be moved away from the wall if needed.
It also helps to think about how the space will be used afterwards. A garage roof used for storage, or a porch that becomes a place to sit, may need different detailing and different allowances for weight. Tell us about this early, so we can explain the implications before any design is agreed.
Related
Related roof systems
Questions
Fibreglass roof questions
Answers to questions homeowners ask before a garage, porch or bay roof project.
Is fibreglass a good choice for a porch?
It can be, where the shape suits a laminate and the junctions can be sealed well. Porches have many details around doors and walls, so we check these carefully during the survey and tell you whether fibreglass or another system is the better fit.
Will the new surface change the look of my house?
It can. A fibreglass surface is usually finished in a smooth colour, and edge trims change the outline of the roof. We talk through colour and trims before work starts, so you can judge the effect on the property.
Do I need to clear the garage before work starts?
Usually yes, at least around the work area, so that access and protection can be set up safely. We explain what needs clearing and where items can be stored during the project.
What if the deck underneath is rotten?
Rotten or wet boards must be replaced before a new surface is laid. This is one reason we inspect the deck first. If the damage is extensive, we explain the options and their effect on cost and programme.
Should I ask a builder or a roofing specialist?
Choose a provider who looks at the deck, the drainage and the junctions, not just the surface. Ask them to explain the work in writing and to tell you what is excluded. We are happy to answer those questions.
Where we work
Roofers serving five regional areas
We work across five regional areas: North London, North West London, West London, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire. Not sure if we cover your street? Call us on 01632 960123, or see all areas we cover.
Next step
Plan a small roof project
Tell us which space you want to cover and we will arrange a visit. Use the contact page to get in touch.