What is flat felt roofing? [Infographic]

Posted on 17 March 2021

Flat felt roofing has been a popular choice for property owners for many years. Made from a combination of bitumen, sand, and fibrous membrane, it is a strong and robust roofing solution. Flat felt roofs benefit from a long lifespan of around 30 years or more. They’re also one of the most affordable options. So what is flat felt roofing? Read on to find out more about flat felt roofing.

What is flat felt roofing? [Infographic]

Flat felt – one of the top roofing solutions

Flat Roofs in Grimsby

Felt roofing is very common in the UK. Not only do flat felt roofs look appealing, but they’re also extremely durable, remaining resistant not just to moisture, but rips and movement too. Small metal fibres are used in the construction of felt roofs. This makes them stronger and even more hardwearing. They’re weatherproof, repelling heat as well as water. This is important as it helps to avoid potential issues such as leaks, water pooling, and deterioration of the roof. Modern felt roofs made with bitumen are able to contract and expand better. This ensures they don’t lose their elasticity as easily as felt roofs in older properties. As long as you hire experienced roofers in Grimsby or Louth to install your flat felt roof, there’s no reason why it shouldn’t last you 30 years or more.

What is roofing felt made from?

Bitumen is mixed with fibreglass or polyester to construct felt roofs. Polyester is tough and difficult to tear. This material also copes well with the usual movement related to flat roofs. The combination of polyester and modified bitumen ensures that felt roofing is tough and long-lasting. Whilst these two materials create a robust roof, a final layer is required to protect it from the elements. Very cold temperatures can impact a felt roof, but strong sunlight is even more harmful. It causes the oils to dry, causing it to become hard and brittle. Heat expansion movement can occur too. 

To provide valuable protection, we add a surface layer. There are various options to choose from for this layer, including lead flashings or even solar reflective paint. Often, we use a mineralised cap sheet to give a smart and easy to maintain finish.

More benefits of flat felt roofs

There are so many benefits to using felt for flat roofs. Not only does it consistently perform, offering aesthetic appeal as well as withstanding the effects of the elements, but it also offers fantastic value for money. Felt is one of the most low-cost roofing solutions, making it a popular option with cost-conscious homeowners. Flat felt roofs are generally easy to maintain too, meaning they’re unlikely to require many significant repairs. They tend to last between 20-30 years, however, we can often recycle them at the end of their lives. This makes them a very eco-friendly roofing choice.

When should a flat felt roof be replaced?

Flat Roofing Grimsby

A flat felt roof that’s been installed to a high standard by experienced roofers in Louth or Grimsby should last in the region of three decades. However, you shouldn’t always wait until the end of a roof’s expected lifespan to replace it. There are some big signs that a felt roof needs replacing, from weather damage to organic growth such as moss and algae.

Tears and cracks.

Often caused by weather damage or even simply due to age, tears and cracks can be easy to identify. Whilst smaller tears can often be fixed easily and affordably, larger splits across the surface of the roof are more serious, and could indicate it’s time to replace it. Failing to replace a roof with serious cracks could lead to water entering your home.

Bubbling and blistering.

This problem can sometimes arise in felt roofs if the adhesive fails. It’s often easily repairable. However, sometimes the blisters can become so large that there’s no option but to replace the roof. Blisters can occasionally pop, leaving a hole in the roof. So, if you do notice bubbling or blistering on your flat felt roof, it’s important to address the problem sooner rather than later. These issues can either be fixed by repairs or replacement.

Ponding.

The problem of ponding can seriously reduce the lifespan of a flat felt roof. Standing water causes stress to the roof, potentially leading to cracking and even water making its way into the home. If you do notice ponding on your roof, you need to call a local company specialising in roofing in Grimsby or Louth right away. They may be able to fix it, however, replacing the roof may be the only option if the problem has been going on for some time.

Organic growth.

You might not feel particularly worried when you spot moss or algae on your felt roof. However, it’s actually a sign of water retention and is often the result of not being maintained properly over time. If unaddressed, a build-up of organic growth can cause larger problems with water damage. In this case, we may need to completely replace the roof.

If you notice large tears and cracks, bubbling and blistering, ponding or organic growth on your flat felt roof, it may be time for it to be replaced. Although these roofs are relatively easy to install, in most cases, professional roofers in Grimsby will be required. We can install your new roof to the highest possible standards. 

Contact Raven Roofing and Repairs

Raven Roofing are on hand to assist, whether you’re looking for a flat felt roof replacement or you require repairs carried out to your existing felt roof. We’re one of the first-choice firms for roofing in Louth and Grimsby, building up a fantastic reputation throughout the region. To discuss your roofing needs with our team, call us on 01472 565 084 (Grimsby) or 01507 640 072 (Louth). You can also send us a message via the contact form on our website and we’ll get back to you right away.

Customer Reviews
Raven Roofing & Repairs Ltd
Excellent
4.3
Based on 43 reviews
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Julie Reed
A very efficient job replacing problematic concrete guttering. The skip and scaffolding gone within 24 hours of completion. Would definitely recommend this company. Steve L
Maggie N
Very good quality work from Raven Roofing done on our guttering and tiles.I appreciated being told exactly what had been done and how.The work was carried out quickly and for a very reasonable price.
alice judge
Great service from Raven Roofing and Repairs, came out to assess, and quickly fitted us in for necessary repairs, would definitely recommend.
Tessa Heelas
Prompt reply to email. Arranged to assess within 1 week. Did the job promptly as arranged. Good price
Shawn Bosworth
Chris and his apprentice were brilliant! Came out in the miserable rain and made my roof water tight again. I had several quotes from other roofers, cowboys trying to milk my desperation for silly money. Chris was honest, fair and reasonably priced. Highly recommended, thanks!
mark appleby
Extremely Happy with Job!Chris, Quickly assessed the roof and gave options on what could be done.Once Date Agreed, delivered on time with a very professional looking job. Job was in Feb and Chris and Team went out of their way to get the job done even though weather was bad at end of week. They left Work area very clean. Highly reccomend them!
Bev Barley
Thanks for doing a first class job would highly recommend Chris for a job well done
Robert Meadows
Mike Downs
Fantastic, would recommend to anyone who needs roof work. Polite, helpful and super fast. Thanks so much.
Lisa McMahon
Had a leak from my roof. Chris came out the same day althoughthe weather wasn't good. He surveyed the roof and found the problem immediately (a tile had slipped), took photo's before and after replacing the slipped tile. I asked how much I owed him - he said there was NO charge as it was a quick repair. What a lovely, kind, genuine guy! Would highly recommended him and his company.
Roland Packer
We recently had the roof on our extension replaced by raven roofing. Chris and his young helper couldn't have been more helpful. Work done to a very high standard. Quote honoured to the penny. Genuinely nice people and a real pleasure to do business with. Will definitely call them for the services they offer, when needed.
Michelle Packer
Can’t recommend this company enough. Did a great job on our roof , very friendly team , punctual, good quality work and good value for money . Many thanks
Carol Howden
Very friendly team and carried out a great job. Arrived and just got on with the job. Looks great
andrew engeham
Competitive price and excellent workmanship.Highly recommended.
Keith Brown
Great company great service
John Hornsby
Came on time very Satisfied with wat was done. Will be using them again if needed
Omer Khalifa
renegade jokerrr
Fantastic service! Nice and friendly guys! Very quick work! Great customer service! If I need any repairs in the future i will use Raven again.
Margaret Dabb
After being let down by another firm i rang Chris in desperation. Within an hour he arrived, looked at work, discussed, priced and booked a date. Arrived on time, everything ran like clockwork even in the awful heat they had to work through. Very well organised, very tidy, would have no hesitation in recommending his work. Many thanks
Zoe Gibbons
Can’t recommend Chris and his team more, they were all friendly, polite and efficient and left my patio tidier than it was before! Nothing was too much trouble and good quality work and price. I’d definitely recommend Raven Roofing to all my friends and family.
Alan Grosschmidt
Would Recommend Raven Roofing.We had new gutters and facias fitted all round the house.We were really pleased with the completed job.I did point out a minor oversight, which Chris promptly dealt with.The quote for the job was very competitive and I doubt you could get it done cheaper.So deserves 5 Stars.
Andrea Goforth
Was very happy with the prompt, professional, and friendly service provided by this company . They were so quick to help me out and repair a badly storm damaged roof. It is such a joy to have a service provider come when they say they will! Reasonable price and good quality workmanship too . Thank you, Raven Roofing .
Mandy
We had the tiles down the gulley re-bedded.Very professional and cleaned up afterwards. Really friendly and very kind guy and we will definitely be using Raven Roofing again in the new year to do our guttering! Thanks Chris 👍🏻
Mike Prior
they repaired a dislodged tile free of charge. Just asked To be remembered for other works and telling my friends
Sally Melton
Had a skylight fitted. Excellent service, fitted my job in even though extremely busy. Was absolutely delighted the attention to detail was perfect. Made sure everything was tidied up and taken away. Thank you again. Would highly recommend.
Ali Wickham
Peter Hogarth
These guys did a great job repointing my roof gulleys
Pamela Blow
Samantha Blow
Excellent service, I would highly recommend :)
Derek Coates
Chris promptly repaired the front guttering which is now ok.
Lee Popham
Rang raven to come and fix my roof after last months storm, came next day and repaired, very happy with service and price, will definitely use again.
Mark Barnard
Very good reliable service all work guaranteed
kevin langley
When we needed urgent roof repairs, Raven Roofing & Repairs came to the rescue. Great quality work undertaken by true professionals.
Steve Nowell
I recently had repairs done to my roof. The response and service were excellent, nothing was too much trouble and the work carried out effectively and efficiently
Kelly Brewer
Excellent service, recently had repairs carried out on my house roof, Chris was really friendly, work carried out to a great standard at a great price 🙂
AerinB
We have used Raven Roofing several times for small repairs as we didn't want to go to the expense of a new roof, but recent torrential rain forced us to accept we needed a new roof. We were dreading the bill but Raven Roofing were very reasonable (not sure if I'm allowed to say how much).The scaffolding arrived and was put up promptly, Raven Roofing arriving a couple of days later to start work, the only delays were due to bad weather and Raven Roofing contacted us to let us know about any delays which we really liked, usually builders don't bother. Raven roofing were polite, friendly and courteous at all times.Out roof was completely stripped and replaced in a week, all rubbish was removed and the gardens left looking tidy.The roof itself looks fantastic...we are very very pleased and highly recommend Raven Roofing.
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