Felt roofs are a common and cost-effective choice for many properties in Atherstone and across Warwickshire, particularly for extensions, garages, and outbuildings. While they’re generally reliable, felt roofs can develop issues over time—especially when they’re not maintained properly or repaired with care.
At Atherstone Roofing Repairs, we regularly attend call-outs where previous repair attempts have failed, often due to avoidable mistakes. In this blog, we highlight five of the most common felt roof repair errors made by homeowners and explain how professional attention can save time, money, and stress.
1. Attempting DIY Repairs Without Proper Knowledge
One of the biggest mistakes is trying to fix a felt roof without the right training or tools. Although online tutorials make it seem straightforward, felt roofing involves specific materials and techniques.
- Incorrectly applied patches can allow water to seep underneath
- Using household adhesives instead of roofing-grade materials weakens the repair
- DIY repairs often overlook underlying structural issues
What looks like a surface crack may be the symptom of something more serious. At Atherstone Roofing Repairs, we carry out thorough assessments to ensure the cause—not just the symptom—is addressed properly.
2. Ignoring Early Warning Signs
Homeowners often overlook the small signs of wear on a felt roof until water damage becomes visible indoors. Common indicators that repairs are needed include:
- Blistering or bubbling in the felt
- Cracks or splits, especially around edges and joins
- Loose or curling corners
- Discoloured patches after rain
Delaying action at this stage often leads to more expensive repairs. Regular inspections help catch minor issues before they escalate.
3. Using the Wrong Materials
Not all felt products are the same. Using low-grade felt or incompatible adhesives can result in short-lived repairs that fail under the next spell of bad weather.
- Poor quality felt lacks UV resistance and flexibility
- Inadequate bonding agents won’t create a watertight seal
- Non-breathable materials may trap moisture beneath the surface
At Atherstone Roofing Repairs, we use industry-approved felt systems designed for the UK climate and ensure proper application for long-term results.
4. Neglecting Drainage and Overlaps
Felt roofs must be laid in a way that encourages effective drainage. Poor overlap placement or failure to slope the surface correctly can result in water pooling—one of the leading causes of felt roof deterioration.
- Incorrect layering direction allows wind-driven rain to penetrate
- Flat areas with no fall hold water and speed up wear
- Blocked outlets and poorly finished flashing compromise performance
We ensure that all felt repairs are completed with correct layering, overlaps, and water flow in mind.
5. Skipping Professional Inspection
Even if a repair appears successful, the condition of the substrate, insulation, and decking beneath the felt might still be at risk. Many homeowners don’t check these elements, which can hide water damage or rot.
- Damp decking weakens the structure over time
- Hidden mould can cause health concerns
- Insufficient insulation increases energy costs
A professional inspection from Atherstone Roofing Repairs includes checks for these hidden issues and provides the appropriate remedial action where needed.
Conclusion
Felt roof repairs may seem manageable at first glance, but getting them wrong can lead to more serious—and expensive—problems down the line. Avoiding common mistakes like using the wrong materials, neglecting drainage, or ignoring early signs of wear can extend the life of your felt roof and protect your property.
If you’re based in Atherstone or anywhere in Warwickshire and need reliable felt roof repairs, contact Atherstone Roofing Repairs. Our experienced team ensures your roof is repaired professionally, with lasting protection and peace of mind.
Call us on: 01827 949 598
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