Flat Roofing Solutions: Bauder, Liquid Plastic & Modern Flat Roof Systems
From Bauder flat roofing to liquid plastic coatings, EPDM and GRP — this guide explains the modern flat roof systems available, how flat roofing waterproofing works, how to fix a leaking flat roof and why proactive maintenance keeps your roof watertight for decades.
Flat roofs need the right system and the right care
Flat roofs have come a long way. The old image of a leaky, short-lived felt roof belongs in the past — today’s roofing solutions for flat roofs are engineered to last for decades when they’re specified and installed properly. The two things that matter most are choosing the right flat roof system for your building and looking after it once it’s on.
In this guide we explain the leading flat roofing options — including Bauder flat roofing, liquid plastic roofing, EPDM rubber and GRP fibreglass — how flat roofing waterproofing actually works, how to fix a leaking flat roof and the simple, proactive maintenance that keeps water out for the long term. If you’re anywhere in Hampshire or West Sussex — Fareham, Portsmouth, Gosport, Havant or Southampton — Altitude Roofing South can help with any of it.
Modern flat roof systems compared
There’s no single best answer — the right flat roofing waterproofing depends on the size, shape, budget and how long you want it to last. These are the systems we install most.
Bauder flat roofing
Bauder is a premium, warranty-backed flat roof system used across the UK on homes and commercial buildings. Reinforced bitumen membranes are heat-bonded in layers to create an exceptionally tough, long-life waterproof covering.
Liquid plastic roofing
A liquid plastic roof is applied as a cold, seamless coating that cures into a single flexible membrane. Liquid plastic for a roof is ideal around awkward details, upstands and pipes where a sheet system is hard to dress in neatly.
EPDM rubber membrane
A single-ply EPDM rubber membrane gives a durable, low-maintenance waterproof flat roof coating in one continuous sheet — a cost-effective choice for garages, extensions and outbuildings.
GRP fibreglass
Glass-reinforced polyester creates a hard-wearing, seamless finish that copes well with foot traffic — a proven flat roof system for balconies, dormers and smaller flat areas.
How to fix a leaking flat roof — the right way
A lasting repair starts with finding the true source of the leak. On a flat roof, water rarely enters directly above the damp patch you can see indoors — it tracks across the deck before it drips. Here’s how the common repairs break down:
- Splits & blisters. Cutting out and patching failed felt, or overlaying the roof with a new waterproof flat roof coating, to close the gaps that let water in.
- Failed seams & details. Re-dressing or re-sealing upstands, kerbs, pipes and outlets — the details are where most flat roofs actually leak.
- Ponding water. Clearing the flat roof drainage system and, where the falls have settled, correcting them so water runs off instead of sitting on the surface.
- Liquid plastic overlay. Applying liquid plastic for a roof as a seamless, cold-applied membrane over a sound but tired surface — ideal around awkward details.
- Full re-cover. Where the covering has reached the end of its life, stripping back and installing a modern flat roof system such as Bauder, EPDM or GRP.
We handle domestic and commercial flat roofing alike, from a leaking garage roof to a large flat roof over a business unit. Whatever the roof, a qualified roofer will inspect it, explain what’s happening and fix the cause — not just cover the symptom.
Roof Repairs
Fast, lasting fixes for leaks, slipped tiles, storm damage and worn flashing.
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New Roof Installation
Complete re-roofs and new roof installations built to last with quality materials.
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Flat Roofing
Durable EPDM rubber, GRP fibreglass and felt flat roofing for extensions and garages.
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Slate & Tile Roofing
Expert slate and tile roofing, from single tiles to full pitched roofs in Keymer tiles.
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Guttering, Fascias & Soffits
Replacement guttering, fascias, soffits and bird-proofing to protect your roofline.
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Emergency Roof Repairs
Rapid response to storm damage and leaks to make your roof safe and watertight.
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Chimney Repairs & Leadwork
Chimney repairs, repointing, flashing and leadwork to stop leaks at the source.
Learn moreFlat roofing waterproofing — what makes a roof last
Every long-lasting flat roof gets a few fundamentals right. Rather than focus on brand names alone, it’s more useful to understand what actually keeps a flat roof watertight:
- A continuous membrane. Whether it’s Bauder’s bonded layers, a liquid plastic roof or a single-ply sheet, the aim is an unbroken barrier with no weak joints.
- Proper falls & drainage. A flat roof drainage system with the right falls lets water clear quickly — standing water is the enemy of any flat roof.
- Well-dressed details. Upstands, trims and penetrations finished correctly, because that’s where a waterproof flat roof coating is put to the test.
- Quality materials. A premium system installed by a qualified team costs a little more up front but lasts far longer — the honest, better-value choice.
Our approach is simple: a free, no-obligation survey and a written quote with the recommended flat roof system, materials and labour clearly broken down, so you know exactly what you’re paying for before we start.
A proactive flat roofing maintenance routine
Proactive flat roofing is always cheaper than an emergency repair. Follow these four steps to keep small problems small and get the full life out of your roof.
Clear the drainage
Keep outlets, gutters and hoppers free of leaves and moss so water runs off freely. A blocked flat roof drainage system is the number-one cause of ponding and premature failure.
Inspect twice a year
Check the surface each spring and autumn for splits, blisters, lifted seams and standing water. Spotting a small fault early keeps a cheap repair from turning into a full re-cover.
Renew the coating
A fresh waterproof flat roof coating or liquid plastic overlay restores the surface and adds years of life — far cheaper than stripping and replacing the whole roof.
Book a proactive survey
Proactive flat roofing means a planned annual check by a qualified roofer, not a panicked call after a leak. It protects your building and spreads the cost of upkeep sensibly.
Your local flat roofing team
If you’re looking for a trusted team to install Bauder flat roofing, fix a leaking flat roof or advise on the right flat roof system in Hampshire or West Sussex, Altitude Roofing South is on your doorstep. We’re a genuinely local roofing contractor with over 20 years’ experience and more than 500 completed projects, based in Fareham and covering Portsmouth, Southampton, Gosport, Havant and the surrounding towns.
From a small garage overlay to a full commercial flat roof, our fully qualified team is honest, tidy and transparent — with materials clearly broken down and free, no-obligation quotes on every job. We fix the cause, not just the symptom, and we treat every roof as if it were our own.
What our customers say
Real reviews from homeowners and businesses across Hampshire and West Sussex.
“I was recommended Altitude Roofing and was not disappointed. They were very responsive, polite, reasonably priced and professional. They did a great job on a large shed roof which had been previously done by another company twice and was still leaking! Altitude roofing secured it and did a brilliant job, I'm so pleased the shed can now be used! Thank you Altitude Roofing 😊”
“Jordan was recommended to me. I was very happy with the work to upgrade my flat roof and with the service he provided.”
Common questions about flat roofing solutions
Thinking about a new flat roof or need a leak fixed? Get a free quote
Whether you want to fix a leaking flat roof now or plan a new Bauder, liquid plastic or EPDM flat roof system, our fully qualified local team will get back to you fast with honest advice and a free, no-obligation quote.