- What it is
- Laminating glass-fibre mat and resin directly onto a roof deck to form a seamless, hard-wearing fibreglass roof covering.
- Best for
- Plant rooms, guard houses, sheds, domes, canopies, balconies and small flat roofs.
- Key benefit
- Seamless, strong, lightweight and repairable.
- Finish
- Pigmented, UV-stabilised top coat in grey, white or custom colours
- Where we work
- Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah
- Next step
- Free site inspection and a written, itemised quotation
GRP roofing in Dubai for small and complex roofs
ESA Technical Services LLC is a Dubai-based technical services company, established in 2006, specialising in GRP works, waterproofing, insulation and installation across the UAE. GRP roofing in Dubai is ideal where roofs are small, shaped or exposed, and where a hard, walkable, seamless finish is wanted.
Because the roof is laminated in place, it bonds to the deck and forms one continuous membrane, including upstands, drips and gutters. It's the same composite technology used in boats and water tanks, adapted for roofs.
What is a GRP roof?
A GRP roof is a roof covering made by laminating glass-fibre chopped strand mat saturated with polyester resin onto a prepared deck, usually timber board or a compatible concrete substrate, then finishing with a pigmented, UV-stabilised top coat. It cures into a seamless, rigid, waterproof fibreglass layer with moulded GRP trims at edges.
GRP roofing is widely used on small flat roofs, dormers, balconies and bespoke shapes such as domes and barrel roofs. Pre-moulded GRP roof panels and domes can also be installed on structures. Correct detailing at edges and joints, including trims, bandage joints at board joins and upstands, is what makes GRP roofs last.
When do you need grp roofing installation?
These are the signs and project triggers we see most often on UAE sites:
- Plant rooms and small buildings. Guard houses, pump rooms, stores
- Domes and shaped roofs. Curved and architectural forms
- Canopies and entrances. Seamless, rigid covers
- Balconies and walkways. With anti-slip finish where suitable
- Replacing failed felt or coatings. On small roofs with good decks
Our step-by-step grp roofing installation process
Deck assessment
We check the deck for soundness, moisture and fall. Timber decks must be suitable grade and dry, and concrete must be sound and compatible.
Preparation
The deck is cleaned and dried. Board joints are taped (bandaged) and trims are fixed at edges, drips and upstands.
Resin and mat lay-up
Resin is applied, chopped strand mat laid, and more resin rolled through until fully wetted, with air rolled out to form the laminate.
Details
Upstands, corners and trims are laminated with extra reinforcement, and outlets are formed or bonded in.
Curing
The laminate cures. In heat, resin quantities and catalyst are adjusted, and work is scheduled for cooler hours.
Top coat
A pigmented, UV-stable top coat is applied, with anti-slip aggregate for walkable areas.
Inspection
The roof is checked for dry spots, pinholes and trim adhesion, then water tested where practical.
Technical specifications
Values below are typical ranges. Final specifications are confirmed per project from drawings, operating conditions and the manufacturer's technical data sheets.
| Parameter | Typical specification |
|---|---|
| Laminate | Chopped strand mat (e.g. 450–600 g/m²) and polyester resin; heavier builds for walkable roofs |
| Deck | Suitable timber deck board or compatible concrete substrate |
| Trims | Pre-formed GRP edge trims, drips and upstand angles |
| Top coat | Pigmented UV-stabilised top coat; anti-slip option |
| Details | Bandaged board joints, reinforced upstands and outlets |
| Testing | Visual inspection and water test where practical |
Materials and methods
- Roofing resin: polyester roofing resin systems
- Glass mat: chopped strand mat
- Trims: GRP edge and upstand trims
- Top coat: UV-stable pigmented finish
Benefits of grp roofing installation
Seamless
No joints or laps for water to find.
Tough and rigid
Resists foot traffic and impact better than soft membranes.
Shapes and domes
Covers complex geometry in one skin.
Lightweight
Adds little load to the structure.
UV-stable finish
Pigmented top coat protects the laminate.
Repairable
Damage can be ground out and patched seamlessly.
Applications across the UAE
| Sector | Typical application | Why it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities & industrial | Pump rooms, substations, guard houses | Durable with low maintenance |
| Villas | Balconies, canopies, garden rooms | Neat, seamless finish |
| Architectural | Domes and barrel roofs | Follows complex forms |
| Hospitality & leisure | Kiosks, pavilions | Colour options |
GRP roofing vs PU membrane vs bitumen felt
| Factor | GRP roof | Liquid PU | Bitumen felt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seams | None | None | Laps |
| Hardness / traffic | Rigid, walkable | Elastic, traffic grades | Needs protection |
| Movement tolerance | Low (needs stable deck) | High | Medium |
| Complex shapes | Excellent | Excellent | Difficult |
| Best for | Small, stable decks, domes | Concrete roofs with movement | Protected roofs |
Quality control and safety
- Deck moisture and soundness checked
- Joint bandaging and trims fixed before laminating
- Laminate weight/coverage recorded
- Inspection for dry spots and pinholes
- Top coat coverage
- Work-at-height and resin handling controls
Why choose ESA for grp roofing installation
- Laminating experts. GRP is our core material
- Heat-adjusted methods. Cure control in UAE temperatures
- Since 2006. Nearly two decades of fibreglass work
- Clean detailing. Trims and upstands done properly
GRP Roofing Installation: frequently asked questions
Is GRP roofing suitable for large concrete roofs?
Large concrete roofs with thermal movement are usually better served by elastic PU membranes or combo roof systems. GRP roofing is best on small, stable decks and shaped roofs.
How long does a GRP roof last?
A properly laminated GRP roof with a UV-stable top coat typically gives long service. The top coat can be refreshed later to extend it.
Can you walk on a GRP roof?
Yes. GRP roofs are rigid and can be finished with anti-slip top coats for regular foot traffic.
Can GRP roofs be repaired?
Yes. Damaged areas are ground back and re-laminated, blending into the existing roof.
Written by the ESA Technical Services teamLast updated: