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Understanding Your Felt Roof: When Does It Need Repair?

Felt roofing, also known as built-up roofing (BUR) or torch-on felt, is a popular and cost-effective solution for flat or low-pitched roofs in the UK. Typically made from layers of felt bonded with hot bitumen, it provides a durable, waterproof membrane. However, like any roofing material, it's exposed to the harsh British weather and will eventually require maintenance and repair. Recognising the early warning signs is key to preventing a small repair from becoming a full-scale replacement.

Common Signs of Felt Roof Damage

It’s wise to inspect your flat roof periodically, especially after a storm or a period of extreme weather. From the ground, you may notice some issues, but a closer, careful inspection (if safe to do so) will reveal more. Look out for the following signs that you need to contact a professional felt roofer:

• Blistering or Bubbling:Trapped moisture or air beneath the felt can expand in the sun, creating noticeable bubbles or blisters on the surface. These are weak points that can easily split and cause leaks.
• Cracks and Splits:Over time, UV radiation and temperature fluctuations can make the felt brittle. This can lead to cracks and splits, particularly along seams or around roof details like vents and skylights.
• Ponding Water:While a flat roof has a slight pitch (or 'fall') to allow drainage, depressions can form over time. If you see pools of water that remain for more than 48 hours after rain, this is known as 'ponding'. The constant weight and moisture can accelerate the deterioration of the felt.
• Bare Patches:The top layer of most roofing felt has a mineral finish to protect it from the sun. If you see bald or bare patches where these granules have been washed away, the underlying bitumen is exposed and will degrade much faster.
• Internal Damp:The most obvious sign of a problem is evidence of a leak inside your property. Look for discoloured patches on ceilings, peeling paint or wallpaper, or a musty smell in rooms directly below the flat roof.
• Sagging Roof Deck:If the roof itself appears to be dipping or sagging, this could indicate a serious problem with the underlying timber structure, likely caused by a long-term, slow leak. This requires immediate attention from a professional roofing contractor.

What Causes Felt Roofs to Fail?

Understanding the cause of the failure can help you and your chosen tradesperson decide on the most effective repair strategy. Several factors contribute to the degradation of a felt roof system:

• Age and Weathering:A well-installed felt roof can last for 15-20 years, but constant exposure to sun, rain, wind, and frost takes its toll. The material naturally becomes less flexible and more prone to damage as it ages.
• Poor Installation:Unfortunately, many roofing problems stem from shoddy workmanship. Incorrectly sealed seams, inadequate overlap between felt sheets, or poorly detailed flashing are common culprits. This is why hiring a skilled felt roofing contractor from the outset is crucial.
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• Physical Damage:Foot traffic during maintenance (e.g., on a window cleaner’s access route), falling branches, or dislodged tiles from a pitched roof above can easily puncture or tear the felt membrane.
• Blocked Drains and Gutters:If gutters and outlets are blocked with leaves and debris, rainwater cannot drain away. It will back up onto the roof, leading to ponding and putting immense pressure on seams and flashings.

The Felt Roof Repair Process: What to Expect

Once you’ve identified a problem, a professional roofer will follow a systematic process to assess and carry out the repair. A reputable tradesperson will not simply apply a dab of sealant over a crack; they will investigate the root cause to ensure the solution is robust and long-lasting. Understanding these steps will help you know what to expect when the work begins.

Initial Inspection and Assessment

The first step any competent felt roofer will take is a thorough inspection. They will get up onto the roof to examine the entire surface, paying close attention to the problem areas you’ve pointed out. They will check the integrity of the seams, the condition of the flashings (the seals around walls and upstands), the state of the mineral surface, and look for any signs of ponding. They may also need to assess the condition of the roof deck beneath, as any sponginess or sagging indicates that the timber may be compromised.

Typical Repair Methods for Felt Roofs

The chosen repair method will depend entirely on the type and extent of the damage found during the inspection. A professional roofer will have the tools and expertise to employ several techniques:

• Preparation and Cleaning:The area to be repaired must be completely clean, dry, and free from moss, algae, and loose mineral granules. The roofer will use a stiff brush and potentially a fungicide treatment to prepare the surface for a strong bond.
• Patching Minor Damage:For small splits or holes, the most common solution is a patch. This is typically done using a new piece of torch-on felt. The roofer will use a gas torch to heat the bitumen on the underside of the patch and the existing roof surface, creating a seamless, waterproof seal. In some cases, a cold-applied adhesive and reinforcing scrim may be used.
• Treating Blisters:A blister cannot simply be patched over. The roofer will carefully cut an ‘X’ across the blister, peel back the flaps, and allow any trapped moisture to dry out completely. They will then apply a bitumen adhesive before pressing the flaps back down and sealing the cuts with a new top patch.
• Re-sealing Seams and Flashings:Failed seams are a primary source of leaks. The roofer will clean the area and apply a new layer of felt over the joint, ensuring a generous overlap. Similarly, damaged flashing will be removed and replaced to create a watertight seal against adjacent walls.
• Applying a Liquid Coating:If the roof is generally sound but the surface is showing signs of widespread wear, an acrylic or bitumen-based liquid roof coating can be an effective solution. This is applied like thick paint and cures to form a new, seamless waterproof layer, extending the life of the existing roof.

Repair vs. Replacement: Making the Right Call

An honest felt roofing contractor will advise you on whether a repair is sufficient or if a full replacement is the more sensible option. If your roof has a few isolated issues but is otherwise in good condition, a professional repair is perfectly adequate. However, if the felt is old, brittle, and has multiple failures, or if the underlying decking is rotten, patching it up is often a false economy. A full replacement, while more expensive upfront, provides a long-term solution with a fresh guarantee, offering better value and complete peace of mind.

Felt Roof Repair Costs in the UK

The cost of repairing a felt roof can vary significantly. It's important to understand the factors that will influence the quotes you receive. A small, simple patch will naturally cost far less than a repair that involves replacing a large section or requires scaffolding for access. Getting detailed, written quotes from multiple tradespeople is the best way to ensure you're paying a fair price for the work required.

Factors That Influence the Cost of Repairs

When a roofer prepares a quote, they will consider several variables. Being aware of these will help you understand the breakdown of their pricing.

• The Extent and Nature of the Damage:Sealing a single, small split is a quick job. Repairing multiple large blisters or a 2m² section of damaged felt will take more time and materials.
• Accessibility:A single-storey garage roof that is easily accessible will be cheaper to repair than a three-storey extension roof that requires a scaffold tower for safe access.
• Condition of the Roof Deck:If the inspection reveals that the timber decking beneath the felt is damp or rotten, it must be cut out and replaced. This will add significantly to both labour and material costs.
• Location:As with most services, labour rates vary across the country. You can expect to pay more for roofers in London and the South East compared to other parts of the UK.
• Materials Used:The quality and type of felt and other materials used will affect the price. Modern, high-performance torch-on felt systems may cost more than basic materials but offer superior longevity.
• Waste Disposal:If old roofing material has to be stripped off, it must be disposed of correctly. The cost of hiring a skip or using a waste removal service will be factored into your quote.

Average Felt Roof Repair Price Guide

While a bespoke quote is always necessary, the following figures provide a general idea of what you might expect to pay for felt roof repairs in the UK. These are estimates and will vary based on the factors listed above.

For a minor, localised repair, such as patching a single split or dealing with a couple of small blisters on an easily accessible roof, you should budget between£150 and £350. This typically covers the tradesperson's time for an hour or two, plus materials.

For more substantial repairs, such as replacing a larger damaged section (e.g., 2-4 square metres) or re-sealing multiple failed seams, the cost is likely to be in the range of£350 to £700. This reflects the increased time and materials required for a more complex job.

If the work is more extensive, requiring scaffolding or the replacement of some of the underlying timber decking, costs will increase. A full replacement of a standard single garage roof (around 15m²) would typically start from£800 - £1,500+. By using ServiceTasker, you can easily gather competitive quotes from local felt roofers to get an accurate price for your specific project.

How to Hire the Right Felt Roofing Contractor

Choosing the right tradesperson is the most critical step in ensuring a successful, long-lasting repair. It's not just about finding the cheapest quote; it's about finding a skilled professional who takes pride in their work. Avoid the "cowboy builders" by doing your due diligence and looking for signs of professionalism and expertise.

Key Qualities of a Professional Roofer

When you start receiving interest from tradespeople, look for these key indicators that you are dealing with a true professional:

• Specialist Experience:Look for a roofer or roofing company that specifically lists felt roofing as a core service, not just a sideline to other building work.
• Comprehensive Insurance:Any roofer working on your property must have adequate Public Liability Insurance. This protects you and your home in the unlikely event of an accident or damage. Do not be afraid to ask for proof.
• Guarantees on Work:A reputable contractor will stand by their work. Ask them what guarantee they offer on their repairs, which should cover both the materials used and their workmanship. A standard guarantee for a repair is often 1-5 years, while a full replacement should come with a 10-20 year guarantee.
• A Professional Approach:This includes clear communication, turning up on time for the quotation, providing a detailed written estimate (not just a figure on the back of a card), and being willing to answer all of your questions.
• Local Reputation:A tradesperson who relies on local work will be keen to protect their reputation. Check for a history of work in your area and ask if you can see examples or speak to previous customers.

Questions to Ask Potential Felt Roofers

Being prepared with a list of questions will show a potential roofer that you are a serious and informed customer. It will also help you to effectively compare the different tradespeople who provide you with a quote.

• How long have you been specialising in felt roofing systems?
• Can you provide photos or addresses of similar felt roof repairs you have completed locally?
• Are you fully insured, and could I see a copy of your Public Liability Insurance certificate?
• What specific type of felt system do you recommend for my repair, and why?
• What guarantee do you provide on the workmanship and the materials for this repair?
• Will you provide me with a detailed, written quote that breaks down the costs for labour, materials, and waste disposal?
• What steps will you take to protect my property, such as my garden or driveway, while the work is being carried out?
• How will you dispose of any old roofing materials and other rubbish?
• What is the estimated timeframe for starting and completing the work?
• Do you require a deposit? What are your payment terms? (A small deposit for materials can be reasonable, but you should never pay the full amount upfront).

Ready to Fix Your Felt Roof? Get Quotes from Local Experts Now.

A damaged felt roof needs prompt and professional attention. Don't let a small, manageable leak develop into a major headache that causes damp, rot, and extensive damage to your home's structure. A timely repair by a skilled roofer is a wise investment that protects your property and saves you a great deal of money and stress in the long run.

Finding experienced and trustworthy felt roofing contractors near you is straightforward with ServiceTasker. There's no need to spend hours ringing around or taking a chance on an unverified name. Simply post your job on our platform, describing the issue with your felt roof. We will then connect you with qualified local felt roofers who are available and interested in the work. You’ll receive competitive, no-obligation quotes directly, allowing you to compare their profiles, experience, and prices at your leisure. Choose the best tradesperson for your needs and get your roof back in top condition. Take the first step towards a secure, waterproof roof today.