Maintaining your felt roof is beneficial to extending its lifespan and ensures your property is protected against potential leaks. There are also regular checks you can carry out and report to your contractor if you are unsure or concerned. While maintenance of your felt roof is encouraged, and spot repairs can be easily carried out, should you be unsure if your felt roof needs to be replaced, make sure to contact your roofing contractor.

In London, roofing contractors advise that felt is particularly well suited for use on garages, blocks of flats, rear extensions and commercial buildings. Previously, felt material was considered to be poor quality, however, advances in technology have resulted in superior quality products with an average lifespan of over 20 years.

We take a look at some of the ways in which you can maintain and carry out regular checks to ensure your felt roof stays in the best possible condition.

Leaves and General Debris

Regularly check that gutters and rainwater outlets are free-flowing and clear of any debris. This will prevent water from gathering on the felt. Only carry out checks at height with the correct equipment, with supervision and if you are competent to do so.

Surfaces and Detailing

Check that overlaps between roof materials are tight and sealed, in addition to ensuring upstands are securely fixed to the wall with no damage, cracks or splits in the mortar or sealant. Keep an eye out for blisters occurring on the surface of the felt material. Blister sizes should be regularly checked and if they expand, reported to your roofing contractor.

Condensation

Although not something you will see ON your felt roof, internal condensation can be a result of insufficient insulation. It can also indicate a lack of sufficient ventilation. Internal condensation can cause rotting of timber supports and eventual structural collapse. If you suspect that your property is suffering from internal condensation, be sure to contact your roofing contractor.

Reporting to Contractor

The above checks should be carried out annually but only if you are confident to do so. Should you be unsure or not able to carry out the checks yourself, we would advise you to have your roofing contractor perform an annual roofing health check.

Although homeowners are slightly restricted on the repairs and maintenance they can perform, familiarising yourself with a “healthy roof” will help you identify when your roof may need professional work carried out by roof contractors.

Looking for London roof specialists? If you require any further information on roof repairs or maintenance, contact the Able Roofing team on 020 8291 3388.