Get My Free Quote

If the damage is in one localised area and the decking beneath is dry and solid, a repair is usually the right option. If the felt is cracked across the surface, the roof has been patched multiple times without success, or the decking is water-damaged, a full re-felt gives far better long-term value. We survey every roof before advising — we never guess.

Blisters form when moisture or air becomes trapped beneath the felt layers — either during installation or as the felt deteriorates over time. Small blisters on an otherwise sound roof can sometimes be repaired. Widespread blistering across the surface usually means the roof needs re-felting. Do not ignore blisters — if they burst, water enters the roof structure directly and timber damage follows quickly.

A torch-on felt system installed with quality materials typically lasts 15 to 25 years on a garage or extension in Nottingham. The lifespan depends on installation quality, drainage fall design, material grade, and whether the roof receives basic annual maintenance. Traditional single-layer felt on a small shed may last 10 to 15 years.

Felt remains a proven, practical option for garages, outbuildings, and smaller flat roofs where budget matters. For a new house extension where longevity and minimal maintenance are the priority, EPDM rubber or GRP fibreglass may offer better long-term value. We install all three systems and give you an honest comparison at survey stage — there is no pressure to choose the most expensive option.

Clear the surface and gutters every autumn, check seams and flashings after winter frosts, and have a professional inspection every two years. Avoid pressure washing. Act on small leaks immediately rather than leaving them. A UV-resistant coating applied to a clean, sound surface can also extend the working life of an ageing felt roof by several years.

Light foot traffic on a torch-on felt roof with a solid deck is generally manageable, but felt is not designed as a regular walking surface. Avoid putting weight on areas where the deck may be soft or the felt is near end of life. If you need regular access to a flat roof — for maintenance, for example — a GRP fibreglass surface is the more appropriate system.

Poor installation is the leading cause — specifically cold joins, inadequate seam bonding, and incorrect drainage falls that allow water to sit on the surface. Using low-grade materials, skipping deck checks before re-felting, and poor edge detailing at upstands and flashings are also frequent causes of early failure. Regular maintenance significantly reduces the risk of premature failure.​

Most domestic felt roof installations on garages and extensions in Nottingham are completed within one day. Larger or more complex roofs may take two days. Disruption is minimal — we work on the roof externally and leave the site clean at the end of every day. We also schedule felt work during dry weather conditions for the best possible bond.

Like-for-like re-felting is generally permitted development and does not require planning permission. If your property is in a conservation area — such as parts of West Bridgford, The Park Estate, or Mapperley Park — or if you are changing the roof's form or height, you may need to check with Nottingham City Council Building Control. We advise you on this as part of the survey process.

Yes — a correctly installed felt roof is fully waterproof. Modern torch-on systems use multiple bonded layers of bitumen-modified membrane to create a continuous waterproof barrier. The cap sheet — the top layer — is mineral-surfaced to protect the layers beneath from UV exposure, foot traffic, and weather. A felt roof that is leaking has either failed at a seam, an edge detail, or a flashing — not across the whole surface. That is why a proper survey always identifies the root cause before any repair work begins.

If re-felting work covers 25% or more of the total roof area, you may need to notify Nottingham City Council Building Control. Like-for-like patch repairs on a small area generally do not require notification. Changing insulation specification, roof structure, or material type may also trigger a Building Regulations requirement. We guide you through this as part of our service — you do not need to handle it alone.