Felt Roofing in Bristol and Bath
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Roofing Systems
Modern Felt Roofs That Last
Felt has been used on flat roofs for generations, and modern reinforced bitumen membranes are a world away from the old single-layer felt that cracked after a few winters. Today’s systems are built up in two or three layers and are tougher and longer lasting.
We install and repair felt roofing in Bristol and Bath, including torch-on and cold-applied built-up systems, on homes, garages and commercial buildings. Torch-on work involves naked flame, so it is planned with fire safety in mind, and cold-applied or self-adhesive systems are used where hot works are unsuitable.
Where Felt Roofing Works Best
Felt Roofing is a good choice for:
- Larger flat roofs on homes and garages
- Commercial and industrial flat roofs
- Repairs to existing felt roofs
- Roofs where budget is a priority
- Overlays on sound existing felt
- Buildings where a traditional finish suits
Many felt roofs we see in Bristol are 15 to 20 years old and blistering, cracking or ponding. If the deck is sound, a targeted repair can buy time. If not, we strip the roof and replace it with a modern felt system or an alternative such as EPDM or GRP. For large commercial roofs, see commercial roofing.
Expert Advice
Modern Felt Systems Explained
Modern felt roofs use reinforced bitumen membranes laid in layers. A typical system has a base layer bonded to the deck and a mineral-surfaced cap sheet that protects against UV and weather. Systems can be torch-applied, cold-applied with adhesives or self-adhesive, which means the right method can be chosen for each building.
Fire Safety With Torch-On Work
Torch-on felt involves naked flame, so it needs careful planning. Good practice includes checking for combustible materials at roof edges and in voids, keeping fire extinguishers to hand and watching the area after work finishes. Where hot works are not suitable, cold-applied or self-adhesive systems avoid the flame entirely.
Repair or Replace?
Small splits and blisters can be repaired on an otherwise sound felt roof. Widespread blistering, ponding water or a soft deck usually means the roof should be replaced.
Installation and Repair
How a built-up felt roof is installed:
- Strip the old covering and repair or replace the deck.
- Add insulation where Approved Document L requires it.
- Lay the underlayer and cap sheet, torch-on or cold-applied.
- Finish the upstands, outlets and trims, then check the falls.
Felt Roofing Across Bristol and Bath
We install and repair felt roofing on homes and commercial buildings across Bristol, Bath and the towns in between, including Bristol city centre, Clifton, Kingswood, Filton, Bath and Keynsham.
See our residential roofing and commercial roofing services, compare every option on our roofing systems page. For a leak right now, call about an emergency roof repair.
Felt Roofing Reviews From Bristol and Bath Customers
Our authenticity promise: we only publish genuine reviews from real customers, with their permission. Every review shown here will include the customer’s first name, their area, the work carried out, the date and where the review was left. We never write, buy, edit or pay for reviews.
Reviews from customers who have had felt roofing work carried out across Bristol and Bath will appear here as jobs are completed. If we have worked on your roof, we would love to hear how it went.
Felt Roofing FAQs
How long does a modern felt roof last?
Old single-layer felt often lasted 10 to 15 years. A modern multi-layer system, properly installed, lasts considerably longer.
Is torch-on felt safe?
It involves naked flame, so it must be planned carefully with fire precautions. Cold-applied systems are used where hot works are not suitable.
Can my blistered felt roof be repaired?
Small blisters and splits can be repaired if the deck is sound. Widespread blistering or ponding usually means replacement.
Why Choose Us for Felt Roofing
We use modern multi-layer felt systems, not the cheap single-layer felt that gave flat roofs a bad name.
- Honest advice on the right system
- Installed to manufacturer guidance
- Clear written quotes before work starts
- Repairs as well as new installations