Do Felt Flat Roofs Last?
There was a time when most flat roofs you saw in the local area were made of felt, whether it was a garage, extension or porch. However, many newer products are rising in popularity, often seen as higher quality flat roofing solutions. But with many high performance felt roofs still available, if you do choose this option, can you expect it to last? Here are some points to consider.
Importance of High-Quality Flat Roofs
Some homeowners are wary of flat roofs because they don’t think they’ll be able to drain water as effectively as pitched roofing can. A good roofer will ensure drainage is a vital part of the design and installation, but some older flat roofs may start to incur problems. This includes water pooling, which can lead to leaks if there’s damage such as tears in the roofing. Blistering can also start to occur, which may indicate an issue with its membrane. This stresses the point about why it’s essential to think carefully about the materials you choose for your roofing, how long they last, the type of weather your roof will be hit with and why proper installation is so crucial to longevity.
How Long Does a Felt Flat Roof Last?
The problem with felt flat roofs is often their perceived quality thanks to a shorter guarantee. Compared with modern flat roofs, which have a warranty of up to 25 years, felt is usually only covered for ten years. However, one of the main things to remember is that a guarantee isn’t necessarily an indicator of how long the roof is actually going to last. It’s more a minimum measure which manufacturers set in which they’ll replace your roof should it deteriorate badly before that point. There are still many high-quality felt roofs available, which if installed by an experienced roofer, could even last up to 15 or 20 years before you need to consider a replacement. By installing durable bitumen felt which can be heated and bonded, it can be extremely resistant to rips, movement and moisture. The felt may also encompass tiny metal fibres for greater waterproofing and strength.
Alternative Flat Roof Materials
If felt is just one of the flat roof solutions you’re considering, don’t forget to look at some of the other options available. This includes EPDM rubber roofing, which has a highly waterproof structure, eliminating issues such as moss growth. It’s also incredibly easy to install as it’s applied cold. Another alternative is GRP fibreglass, which can be strong enough to use on flat roofs which double as decking or a balcony. Some of these materials are guaranteed for over 20 years as a minimum but last for up to 40 or 50 years. Therefore, many homeowners will only need to install it once in their lifetime.
Looking for high-quality flat roofing?
Speak to the Collier Roofing team. We work across London, Surrey and surrounding areas, including Reigate, Banstead and Sutton. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quotation.