Roofing felt is a crucial component of any roofing system, providing a protective layer beneath the primary roofing material. It acts as a barrier against moisture and wind, helping to prevent leaks and damage to the underlying structure. In the UK, roofing felt is a widely used and trusted underlayment.
As a homeowner, you may be wondering why roofing felt is so highly regarded. Let’s have a look at its many benefits.
Benefits of Using Roofing Felt:
Moisture Protection: Roofing felt effectively prevents rainwater from penetrating the roof structure, reducing the risk of mold, rot, and structural damage. It is a secondary barrier against water ingress. This is particularly useful in the UK’s wet climate, where frequent rain can lead to leaks if roofing materials become compromised
Wind Resistance: It helps to withstand strong winds, minimising the likelihood of uplift or damage to the primary roofing material. In high-wind areas, the felt creates a sturdy base for the roof tiles or shingles. Thus, it reduces the risk of these materials being blown off during storms.
Insulation: While not a primary insulation material, roofing felt can contribute to improved energy efficiency by providing an additional layer of protection against heat loss and gain.
Cost-Effective: Roofing felt is generally more affordable than many primary roofing materials, making it a budget-friendly option. Furthermore, in comparison to other roofing underlayment materials, roofing felt is highly affordable. It provides an economical solution for both residential and commercial projects. As such, it is a popular choice for budget-conscious homeowners and contractors.
Versatility: It can be used with a variety of roofing materials, including tiles, slates, shingles, and metal sheets.
Enhanced Roof Longevity: By installing roofing felt, you protect the underlying roofing structure from water damage and deterioration. It prolongs the life of roof decking and other materials by reducing the impact of moisture.
Ease of Installation: Roofing felt is relatively easy to install, requiring minimal specialised tools or expertise. It comes in rolls, allowing for quick application. This can save both time and labour costs during the construction process.
Fire Resistance: Many roofing felt products have fire-retardant properties, making them a safer option in the event of a fire. This can be an important consideration, especially in urban areas with closely packed buildings.
Now, there are also other roofing materials to use on your building. Below is a comparison of roofing felt to other types of roofing materials.
Comparison to Other Roofing Materials:
Compared to Tiles and Slates: Roofing felt offers a more affordable and often easier-to-install underlayment than traditional tile or slate roofs.
Shingles: While shingles often come with their own underlayment, roofing felt can provide an extra layer of protection, especially in areas with extreme weather conditions.
Compared to Metal Roofing: Roofing felt can be used as a base layer for metal roofing, helping to prevent moisture from reaching the metal and causing corrosion.
Roofing Felt vs Synthetic Underlayment: Synthetic underlayments, such as polyester or polypropylene-based products, are more durable and resistant to UV damage than traditional roofing felt. However, roofing felt is often preferred for its lower cost and ease of availability. Additionally, felt is highly effective when covered by roofing tiles, as it doesn’t require long-term UV resistance.
Roofing Felt vs Rubber Roofing Membrane (EPDM): EPDM is another waterproofing material used in flat roofing applications. While EPDM is durable and flexible, making it suitable for flat roofs, roofing felt is more commonly used for pitched roofs. Felt is easier to apply to sloped surfaces, whereas EPDM tends to be more expensive and requires more specialised installation.
Breathable Membranes: Breathable membranes are increasingly used in modern roofing to allow moisture and air to escape from the roof structure. These are more suitable for energy-efficient buildings where ventilation is critical. However, roofing felt remains a cost-effective solution for many projects where ventilation isn’t the primary concern, or where additional moisture barriers are necessary.
Roofing felt is a valuable and versatile underlayment that plays a vital role in protecting roofs from the elements. Its moisture resistance, wind resistance, and affordability make it a popular choice among UK homeowners and builders. By using roofing felt, you can help ensure the longevity and durability of your roof.
Roofing felt remains a reliable, cost-effective, and easy-to-install option for UK homeowners and builders. Its affordability, waterproofing capabilities, and role as an underlayment make it a solid choice, especially for pitched roofs. While alternatives like synthetic underlayments and breathable membranes have their advantages, roofing felt continues to be widely used for its balance of performance and price.
If you’re adding an extension or a garage, felt roofing is an excellent option. It is light, easy to apply and is one of the most popular options among roofers and builders. Furthermore, it is easy to apply and it is also easy to repair should it become necessary. It is also an affordable roofing option, especially for the smaller structure. We offer a range of felt roofing options, all manufactured by respected brand names. The success of your project can depend on the quality of your roofing materials.
As the leading roofing materials merchant in the North West, We offer respected brand names for felt roofing such as Chesterfelt, Iko and BMI Ikopal. When you choose one of our options, you will gain peace of mind, knowing that your chosen product is excellent quality. On top of that, our prices are highly competitive. We understand the importance of a quality product and we only provide roofing materials that meet our exacting standards. You will find everything you need at our depots.
To find out more about our felt roofing options, contact North West Roofing Supplies today. Our experts are on hand to assist you with any of your queries regarding the best felt roofing for your project.
