Understanding the Problem with Felt Roofs
Felt roofs are a popular and reliable choice for garages, sheds, and extensions across the UK, providing an affordable yet weather-resistant surface. However, over time, even well-installed felt roofs can develop problems such as tears, blisters, or cracks — especially when exposed to years of harsh British weather. At Brierley Hill Roofing Repairs, we frequently help homeowners in Brierley Hill, West Midlands, restore the performance of their felt roofs quickly and effectively.
Why Tears and Blisters Occur
Before jumping into repairs, it’s important to understand why these issues happen in the first place. Felt roofing is designed to expand and contract with changes in temperature. Over time, this movement, combined with UV exposure and moisture infiltration, can weaken the material.
Common Causes Include:
- Poor ventilation: Trapped moisture beneath the felt causes blisters.
- Ageing material: The bitumen dries out and becomes brittle, leading to splits.
- Ponding water: Flat roofs that don’t drain properly put extra pressure on the surface.
- Impact damage: Foot traffic, falling debris, or tools can puncture the felt.
- Improper installation: Poor sealing or overlaps may allow water to seep in.
Identifying the Early Signs
Spotting damage early makes all the difference in preventing further deterioration. Regular inspections — especially after winter — can help you catch small problems before they become leaks.
Look Out For:
- Raised or soft patches (a sign of trapped air or moisture).
- Tears or cracks near joints or roof edges.
- Pools of standing water.
- Discolouration or damp patches inside the structure.
If you notice any of these, it’s time to call in the professionals at Brierley Hill Roofing Repairs for a prompt assessment.
How Torn Felt Roofs Are Repaired
Quick repair work is essential to stop water ingress and protect the layers beneath. The repair method depends on the size and severity of the damage.
Small Tears or Splits
For small tears, the repair process usually involves:
- Cleaning the area thoroughly to remove debris and loose felt.
- Cutting away damaged sections to expose a clean, dry surface.
- Applying a roofing adhesive to seal the gap.
- Adding a patch of new felt or bitumen over the tear.
- Heating and bonding the patch to create a watertight seal.
Large Blisters or Bubbles
Blisters are often caused by trapped air or moisture beneath the felt. To fix them:
- The blister is carefully slit open to release the air or water.
- The surface is dried completely before any sealing is done.
- A bitumen-based adhesive is applied to the area.
- The felt is pressed back down and patched with new material for reinforcement.
These repairs restore flexibility and protection to the roof without the need for a full replacement — provided the underlying layers are still sound.
Preventing Future Problems
Repairing torn or blistered felt is one thing, but preventing it from happening again is just as important. Ongoing maintenance and timely inspections are key.
Simple Steps to Extend Roof Life:
- Keep the surface free from debris, moss, and standing water.
- Ensure gutters and outlets are clear for proper drainage.
- Avoid walking on the roof unless absolutely necessary.
- Schedule annual roof inspections with experienced professionals such as Brierley Hill Roofing Repairs.
Regular upkeep not only reduces the likelihood of new blisters or splits forming but also helps extend the overall lifespan of your roof.
Why Quick Repairs Matter
Delaying felt roof repairs can allow water to penetrate the layers below, leading to structural damage, insulation issues, and potential rot. Quick intervention ensures that minor faults don’t escalate into major, costly problems.
At Brierley Hill Roofing Repairs, we specialise in assessing and restoring felt roofs of all sizes throughout Brierley Hill, West Midlands. Our expertise ensures that your roof remains weatherproof, durable, and capable of handling years of changing conditions.
Conclusion
Felt roofs are dependable, but when tears or blisters appear, acting fast is crucial to preserve their integrity. With professional attention and the right materials, these issues can be repaired quickly and effectively.
For dependable and efficient roof repairs in Brierley Hill, Brierley Hill Roofing Repairs offers the skill and experience needed to restore your felt roof to its best condition — protecting your property from the unpredictable British weather.
Call us on: 01384 437 690
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