Winter Roofing Essentials 2025

What’s Included in the Winter Roofing Essentials Range

Torch‑on Underlay & Mineral Felt

• Icopal Anderson SBS Torch‑On Underlay – This underlay uses a high‑tensile polyester carrier coated with SBS‑modified bitumen for excellent low‑temperature flexibility and resistance to damage. The sand‑finished top and thermofusible film underside ensure it melts quickly when torched, forming a secure waterproof layer. It forms the base for torch‑on flat‑roof systems and is ideal for cold weather installations.

• Tecnatorch SBS Torch‑On Mineral Felt – Designed as a cap sheet for built‑up roofing, this membrane uses patented mini‑groove technology to speed up installation. The high‑performance SBS elastomeric coating and polyester reinforcement give it high bonding strength and flexibility, while its mineral surface provides UV protection. Tecnatorch membranes are BBA‑certified and offer a 15‑year guarantee – perfect for winter repairs or new roofs.

Spray Foam & Sealants

• Bond‑It Mega Foam – A 2‑in‑1 expanding PU foam that can be used with a gun or as an aerosol. It delivers high yield and low curing pressure to avoid deformation. Mega Foam provides high thermal and acoustic insulation, resists shrinkage and cures to a semi‑rigid closed‑cell foam that withstands temperatures from –50 °C to +90 °C. It’s ideal for sealing gaps around windows, doors and roof penetrations before winter sets in.

• CT1 Multi‑Purpose Adhesive & Sealant – CT1 bonds virtually any material, including wood, metal, glass, concrete and even damp surfaces. It’s waterproof, UV‑resistant, non‑shrinking and solvent‑free. CT1 also resists vibration, chemical attack and fungal growth, making it perfect for emergency roof repairs or sealing around rooflights and flashings in wet conditions.

Lead Flashing & Chimney Protection

• Code 4 Lead Roll – Manufactured from high‑purity rolled lead to BS EN 12588, Code 4 lead is 1.8 mm thick and weighs 20.41 kg/m². Its malleability allows it to be formed around complex roof details while remaining strong enough to channel rainwater in valleys and roof junctions. Lead is extremely durable – when correctly installed it can last over 100 years – and resists corrosion, UV exposure and temperature extremes. Use it for flashing chimneys, dormers or parapet walls.

• Colt Cowls Top Lid 3 Chimney Cap – If a chimney is unused, fitting a cap prevents heat loss and stops rain, birds and debris entering the stack. The Colt Top Lid 3 is made from durable steel, fits internal diameters from 125–250 mm and uses an external strap fixing to avoid damaging the pot. Adding a cap in winter protects the interior from moisture ingress.

Liquid & GRP Roofing Kits

• Cure‑It GRP Complete Roofing Kit – Cure‑It is a wet‑laid GRP (fibreglass) system comprising roofing resin, reinforcement mat and topcoat. The laminated system forms a seamless, impact‑resistant membrane that cannot be cut with a knife, tolerates foot traffic and won’t deteriorate under UV or heat. Cure‑It comes with a 20‑year materials guarantee and is designed for year‑round installation down to 0 °C. It uses Duraflex resins for superior flexibility and bonding, making it an excellent solution for flat roofs and balconies subject to winter weather.

• Restec Flexitec Complete Kit – Flexitec 2020 is a flexible, single‑resin GRP system that combines the toughness of fibreglass with the versatility of liquid overlays. It can be applied to felt, asphalt, concrete, GRP, PVC and metals and forms a totally seamless membrane that is highly flexible and fire‑tested to the highest rating (BROOF(t4)). Flexitec offers rapid installation with 30–60 minute walk‑on times and is backed by a 20‑year guarantee. It can be applied between 1 °C and 30 °C and is cold‑applied for maximum safety.

Liquid Roof Coatings

• Acrypol+ Roof Coating Waterproof System – A resin‑based acrylic coating developed for day‑to‑day roof maintenance. Acrypol+ is brushed on as a semi‑liquid paste; it dries to form an ultra‑tough, seamless, flexible overlay and can be applied in damp weather. It’s ideal for flat roofs, lead, slate, metal, asphalt, flashings and more, providing long‑term waterproof protection even during winter.

• Cromapol Acrylic Waterproofing Coating – A fibre‑reinforced liquid acrylic resin that delivers instant waterproofing in a single coat. Cromapol offers excellent adhesion, solar reflectivity (in white and grey), a seamless flexible membrane and economical coverage. It can be applied to flat or pitched roofs, roof lights, gutters, slate, asphalt, lead and primed felt and tolerates damp surfaces – perfect for emergency winter repairs.

Why Choose Winter Roofing Essentials?

• Designed for harsh weather – From SBS‑modified membranes that stay flexible in cold conditions to GRP systems rated down to 0 °C and resin coatings that cure in damp weather, every product is selected for winter performance.
• Fast, reliable installation – Torch‑on felts with mini‑groove technology allow quick coverage, while liquid coatings and GRP kits are cold‑applied for safety and can often be walked on within an hour.
• Long‑term protection – Many products come with 15‑ or 20‑year guarantees and have been formulated to resist UV, temperature extremes and mechanical damage.
• Versatility – The range covers everything from structural waterproofing and flashing to insulation foams and multi‑purpose sealants, so you can tackle repairs, new builds and emergency patching with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to protect a flat roof over winter?

A combination of a durable membrane and correct detailing is essential. SBS torch‑on systems or GRP kits such as Cure‑It or Flexitec form seamless, weatherproof layers that withstand frost and standing water. Ensure edges, upstands and penetrations are sealed using appropriate trims and sealants.

Can liquid roof coatings be applied in damp conditions?

Yes. Products like Acrypol+ and Cromapol are designed for application on damp surfaces. Acrypol+ can be applied during inclement weather and still cures to a tough, flexible coating. Cromapol will tolerate damp substrates but performs best on clean, dry surfaces.

How do I stop leaks around a chimney in winter?

Use Code 4 lead flashing to create a watertight junction between the chimney and roof. Its malleability allows it to fit complex shapes while offering long‑term durability. For unused chimneys, fitting a Colt Cowls Top Lid 3 cap prevents rain ingress and heat loss.

What’s the difference between torch‑on felt and liquid applied systems?

Torch‑on membranes, such as Icopal Anderson underlay and Tecnatorch cap sheets, are bituminous felts heated with a torch. They provide multi‑layer waterproofing and are quick to install on large areas. Liquid systems (Acrypol+, Cromapol, Cure‑It and Flexitec) are cold‑applied resins that cure into seamless membranes. Liquid systems are particularly useful for complex shapes or when working in low‑flame environments.

Which adhesive or sealant should I use for winter repairs?

For general bonding and sealing, CT1 is a versatile choice because it bonds a wide range of materials, remains flexible, is fully waterproof and can even cure under water. Bond‑It Mega Foam is ideal for filling gaps and insulating around windows and roof penetrations because it provides high thermal and acoustic insulation and cures even at low temperatures.

Can GRP systems be installed in cold weather?

Yes. Cure‑It resins are formulated for seasonal variations and can be applied down to 0 °C, while Flexitec 2020 can be applied as low as 1 °C when used with a winter accelerator. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding catalysts and curing times.

How long do lead flashings last?

When installed correctly, Code 4 lead flashings can last between 50 and 100 years due to lead’s natural durability and corrosion resistance. Regular inspection and application of patination oil will maximise lifespan.

Do I need a primer for Acrypol+ or Cromapol?

Generally no. Acrypol+ does not usually require a primer; it’s a one‑coat system that bonds to most substrates. Cromapol can be applied without a primer on many surfaces and provides instant waterproofing in one coat. However, porous or friable surfaces may benefit from a dedicated sealer or primer to improve adhesion.