Flat Roof Systems

At CARLISLE®, we provide flat roof systems for architects, designers, contractors or distributors. 

Discover our wide range of materials and services that provide comprehensive flat roof solutions for new build and refurbishment projects.

Speak to a member of our expert team, download the latest product specifications, or order your free samples today.

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Flat Roof Systems

Flat Roof Systems from CARLISLE®

CARLISLE® offers a comprehensive range of flat roof systems designed to meet diverse architectural and performance requirements. Our solutions include high-quality waterproofing membranes such as EPDM, TPO as well as Cold Applied Liquid and Hot Melt Waterproofing, each engineered for durability, sustainability and ease of installation.

With a strong reputation for excellence, at CARLISLE® we continue to provide innovative roofing systems that meet the evolving needs of modern construction projects. Explore the range below to revolutionise your flat roof system:

Key Benefits of CARLISLE® Flat Roof Systems

High-Quality Performance

A flat roof system is engineered for outstanding performance, providing long-term protection in all weather conditions. Whether exposed to heavy rainfall, strong winds or fluctuating temperatures, CARLISLE® flat roof membranes maintain their integrity and deliver superior waterproofing.

Long-Lasting Waterproofing

Our advanced flat roof membrane technology ensures exceptional resistance to water infiltration, reducing the risk of leaks and extending the lifespan of the roofing system. CARLISLE® 's waterproofing solutions are designed to deliver decades of reliable performance.

Comprehensive Product Portfolio

We offer a wide range of flat roof systems to meet varying project requirements, including EPDM, TPO and liquid-applied membranes. This comprehensive portfolio allows specifiers, contractors and building owners to choose the most suitable system for their needs.

Durability

Our flat roof membranes are crafted to withstand various environmental stresses, ensuring long-lasting protection for your building. They exhibit exceptional resistance to water infiltration, temperature fluctuations and mechanical stress, providing superior performance over conventional roofing materials.

Sustainability

We prioritise eco-friendly materials and processes, contributing to sustainable building practices. Our roofing solutions help reduce the environmental impact of your flat roof system by offering recyclable materials, energy-efficient properties and options for integration with solar panels and green roofs.

Ease of Installation 

A flat roof system from CARLISLE® is engineered for quick and straightforward installation, minimising disruptions and labour costs. Whether mechanically fastened, adhered or ballasted, CARLISLE® flat roof membranes are designed to provide an efficient and reliable solution for new builds and refurbishments alike.

Why Should You Choose CARLISLE® Flat Roof Systems?

Choosing a CARLISLE® flat roof system means opting for quality, reliability, and long-term performance. Our roofing solutions are designed to offer superior protection, ease of installation, and sustainability benefits. Here’s why CARLISLE® is the best choice for a flat roofing membrane:

  • Unmatched Durability: Our flat roof membranes are engineered to withstand extreme weather conditions, UV exposure and heavy foot traffic, ensuring long-lasting performance.

  • High-Quality Waterproofing: Our advanced flat roof system provides excellent resistance to water infiltration, minimising the risk of leaks and structural damage.

  • Comprehensive Product Portfolio: From EPDM and TPO to liquid-applied membranes, we offer a diverse range of solutions to suit various building requirements.

  • Energy Efficiency: Our systems improve thermal insulation, helping reduce heating and cooling costs while enhancing indoor comfort.

  • Eco-Friendly Solutions: CARLISLE® prioritises sustainable materials and processes, supporting green building initiatives with recyclable materials and energy-efficient designs.

  • Expert Support and Guidance: Our team of professionals is available to provide expert advice, ensuring you select the best flat roofing system for your project.

Flat Roof Systems with Green Roofs

Incorporating green roofs into a flat roof system brings environmental and aesthetic benefits:

  • Environmental Impact: Green roofs improve air quality, reduce the urban heat island effect, and promote biodiversity. By supporting plant life, they help to filter pollutants from the air while creating a natural habitat for birds and insects.

  • Energy Efficiency: They provide natural insulation, reducing heating and cooling costs throughout the year. Green roofs installed in a flat roof system also help to stabilise indoor temperatures, reducing the reliance on artificial heating and cooling systems and leading to significant energy savings.

  • Stormwater Management: The vegetation layer absorbs rainwater, reducing runoff and easing pressure on drainage systems. This helps to mitigate flood risks and prevents excessive strain on urban drainage infrastructure, especially in areas prone to heavy rainfall.

  • Extended Roof Lifespan: A green flat roof system protects the underlying waterproofing membrane from UV exposure and temperature fluctuations, extending its durability and reducing maintenance costs over time.

A Green roof installed on a Carlisle flat roof system

How to Construct a Flat Roof System

High quality flat roof waterproofing is essential to permanently protect your building from water and moisture ingress. There are three kinds of flat roof construction that our products are optimally suited for; warm roof, cold roof and inverted roof.

If you have any specific questions, please feel free to contact our team of experts today.

Warm roof construction

A ‘Warm Roof’ is where the insulation is on top of the roof deck, i.e. the flat roof system becomes warm. They are more complex than cold roof constructions but offer a number of advantages.

They are more energy efficient, they provide better insulation against noise and they are less likely to suffer from condensation problems.

This is a reliable and preferred method of construction and provides robust detail. It is easier to calculate and achieve the required thermal performance (known as U-Value) by installing the appropriate insulation thickness.

Most modern flat roof systems are built as unventilated warm roofs, with waterproofing applied directly over the insulation. A key component of this system is a vapour control layer (VCL) which prevents moisture ingress.

A warm roof constructed and installed into a flat roof system

Cold roof construction

Cold roofs have insulation placed below the roof deck between the joists, unlike uninsulated roofs, which lack insulation altogether. 

Typically made from mineral wool such as Rockwool, this insulation helps maintain thermal efficiency. The waterproofing layer is applied directly to the structural deck, and proper ventilation of the void is necessary to prevent moisture buildup.

Cold roofs are ideal where the overall building height must be minimised, such as near adjoining structures with low window or door sills or to comply with planning restrictions.

A flat roof membrane installed in a cold roof

Inverted roof construction

When it comes to flat roofing systems, inverted roofs are a smart choice for durability and strength.

Unlike traditional warm roofs, inverted roofs feature a waterproofing layer applied directly to the roof deck, with insulation situated below.

This construction style makes inverted roofs ideal for areas with high foot traffic, such as podium decks, terraces, and walkways.

Inverted roofs are an excellent option for a flat roof system that may face heavy snow loads in the winter.

An inverted roof constructed in a flat roof system
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Specify Your Flat Roof System Here

With the NBS Source, you can easily streamline your project specification process by directly adding products and generating 3D models through NBS Chorus and Autodesk Revit integrations. Additionally, you can conveniently download product information for future reference.

Flat Roof System Repairs

Flat roofs with EPDM systems require low maintenance and are extremely durable in comparison to other flat roof systems such as felt.

However, any roof is susceptible to damage from nearby tree debris in high winds or even falling debris from nearby buildings. If you’re unfortunate enough to have damage to your flat roof membrane, they are easy to repair using specific EPDM flat roof repair kits.

Whether you’re looking for a full roof replacement or just need to patch specific areas with fillers, coatings or other flat roof repairs, our team of specialists can assist you with the best systems and kits for your project.

Our Services

  • Roof condition survey

  • Roof inspections

  • Detail drawing preparation

  • Preparation of renovation concepts (flat roof check)

  • Drainage calculation

  • Test Certificates

  • Wind upload calculations

  • U-value calculation

  • Product training courses & CPDs in our CARLISLE® ACADEMY

  • Installation instructions for installers

  • Delivery to the location of your choice, also direct to the site

  • Extended testing in our in-house test laboratory

Creating Falls on a Flat Roof

Building Regulations Part H mandates that adequate drainage systems are in place to effectively remove rainwater from roofs.

As outlined in BS 6229 and BS 8217, flat roofs should be designed with a minimum fall of 1:40 to ensure a finished fall of 1:80.

This slope is essential for proper water runoff, accounting for potential construction variations. These requirements apply to both general roof areas and internal gutters.

Need further help?

Speak to a member of our expert team today and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.