Here at JMS Roofing we offer a range of roofing services. These services include creating felt roofs. As a result, we get a lot of questions about different types of felt roofs. So here is everything you need to know in our guide to felt roofing 101.
First of all, what is felt?
Felt is a waterproof material designed to keep out the rain. It is created with a mat of fibres that are then coated on each side with a bituminous coating. This is then finished off with a light sand, which stops the material from sticking to itself.
Felt is available in different lengths from 8 metres, up to 20 metres, but it is always about 1 metre wide.
Are there different types of felt?
There are many different types of felt that are used for a range of different purposes and applications. They mainly differ in terms of the fibre mat and the finish.
Modern roofing felt uses a glass fibre mat, or for high performance felt, a polyester mat. The surface is then finished off with sand or slate granules. This finish is available in a range of colours, but only on a high performance felt.
What is a built up felt roof?
A built up felt roof is a method of creating a weather proof surface, normally for flat roofs. It takes more than one layer of the roofing felt, and each layer is bonded to the next. This creates a fully water tight and durable roof through built up layers of felt.
On top of the felt, a layer of chippings will be used to protect the surface from the sun. However, a mineral cap sheet can be better and more effective at this.
What are the advantages of high performance felt?
If you are thinking about using high performance felt, you are making the right decision. While a normal, well built, felt roof will last 15 years, a high performance felt roof can last up to 30 years. This definitely makes it worth the extra cost.
If you have any more queries or need some advice, or if you are looking for a built up felt roof to be installed, contact us today at JMS roofing,