How to Easily Install Roofing Felt on Your Roof

Key Highlights

• Putting on roofing felt is a good way to keep your shed or garage safe from bad weather.
• This guide will help you with each step, from measuring your roof to sealing the edges and seams of the felt.
• We will also talk about common mistakes to avoid and share tips to make your roofing felt last longer.
• Whether you are experienced or just starting out, our advice will help you get a professional look.
• So, get your tools and let’s begin!

Introduction

Roof felt is a key part of a strong roof. It works as a waterproof layer to stop leaks and damage. If you plan to fix a shed roof or cover a new roof, knowing how to install roof felt correctly is very important. This easy guide will help you learn what you need and give you the confidence to do this project yourself. You will find simple steps and important tools like a utility knife and felt adhesive.

Understanding Roofing Felt

Roofing felt, which is also called felt paper or tar paper, is a layer that protects your roof. It is put under roofing materials like roof tiles or tiles. This felt is usually made from paper soaked in asphalt or fibreglass. It helps keep water out and protects your roof deck from moisture, wind, and other outside elements. Installing this layer is important because it helps your roof last longer and stops expensive repairs.

When you install roofing felt correctly, it gives you several advantages. These include better insulation, increased water resistance, and more strength. It serves as an extra line of defence against water leaks if the main roofing material gets damaged. This helps stop leaks from reaching the roof deck and causing harm to the structure.

The Importance of Roofing Felt for Your Home

Roofing felt is more than just a waterproofing membrane. It plays a key role in keeping your roof strong and lasting longer. It acts like a cushion between the rough roof deck and the roof material. This reduces wear on tiles or tiles. Also, it helps to even out any bumps on the roof deck for a smooth surface before adding the final layer.

When you repair a roof, it’s very important to replace any damaged roofing felt. If you skip this step, you might face leaks, mould growth, and costly damage later on.

Replacing roofing felt may seem small, but its role in your roof’s effectiveness and lifespan is big. Taking time to install this layer correctly is a smart move for the future of your home.

Types of Roofing Felt Available in the UK

Choosing the right type of roofing felt depends on the roof’s design and the project’s specific requirements. Here in the UK, we have various options available, each with pros and cons:

While shed felt is suitable for most DIY roofing projects, consulting a professional for larger roofs or complex designs, like a pitched roof, is advisable. They can recommend the most suitable felt type and ensure proper installation.

Preparing for Roofing Felt Installation

Before you start your roofing felt installation, it’s important to get ready to make sure everything goes well and is safe. This means you should gather all the tools and materials you need and pay attention to safety.

If you spend some time preparing your workspace and yourself, the installation will go easier and faster. Keep in mind that when you work up high, you should always be careful and stay alert.

Tools and Materials You Will Need

Having the right tools and materials ready makes installing much easier and more fun. Here’s a list you should gather before starting:

Tools:

• A tape measure to get the exact size of your roof surface
• A claw hammer to take out old nails and to put in new felt with felt nails
• A craft knife or utility knife for cutting the roofing felt neatly
• A straight edge or a piece of wood to help make straight cuts

Materials:

• Roofing felt rolls in the amount you need
• Felt adhesive to keep layers and edges in place
• Felt nails or roofing nails
• Galvanised clout nails to hold the drip edge, if you need one

Make sure your tools are working well. Also, check that you have enough felt, adhesive, and nails to finish the job without stopping.

Safety Equipment and Precautions

When you are working on a roof, safety must come first. Before you begin, make sure you have the right safety gear:

• Sturdy ladder: Place it on a strong and flat ground. Secure it if you can.
• Non-slip footwear: This helps you keep a good grip and balance while you work.
• Work gloves: Wear these to keep your hands safe from sharp edges and splinters.
• Safety glasses: These protect your eyes from any flying debris.

Also, keep your work area clear of clutter and items that could cause trips. Avoid working when it is wet or windy because that can lead to accidents. If you are unsure about any part of the job, talk to a professional roofer for help.

The Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Roofing Fet

Now that you have your tools ready and safety steps set, we can start the installation. Follow these simple steps to install the roof felt successfully and ensure it lasts a long time.

Make sure to measure, cut, and lay the felt accurately. Take your time with each step. Check your work twice, and feel free to go back to these instructions whenever you need.

Step 1: Measuring Your Roof

Accurate measurements are very important for installing roofing felt correctly. Start by using your tape measure to check the length of the roof from the edges to the top. Also, measure the width from one side to the other. Write down these measurements.

Then, figure out the total area of the roof surface. If your roof is a simple rectangle, just multiply the length by the width. If your roof has a more complicated shape, break it down into smaller parts. Measure each part and find its area. After that, add all the areas together.

Once you have the total roof area, remember to include an extra 10%. This helps for overlaps and any mistakes you might make while cutting. This way, you will buy enough roofing felt to cover the whole roof without running out.

Step 2: Cutting Roofing Felt to Size

• Lay the roofing felt on a clean, flat surface with the underside up.
• Use the measurements you took before. Mark the desired length on the felt using a marker pen and a straight edge.
• Make sure to include the needed overlaps, usually about 50mm for sides and 100mm for ends.
• With a utility knife, cut the felt along the marked lines using the straight edge as a guide.
• Make sure the cuts are clean and straight to help with waterproofing and give a nice finish.
• Do this measuring and cutting for each part of your roof. Label each piece so you don’t mix them up later.
• After you have cut all the needed pieces, safely throw away any leftover felt.

Step 3: Laying the First Layer of Felt

Start by placing the first layer of felt along the bottom edge of the roof. Make sure there is an overhang of about 50 mm over the eaves. If you are working on a shed roof, start with the side that has less exposure to wind-driven rain. Use felt nails or roofing tacks to hold the felt temporarily in place at the top edge. Space the nails about every 200 mm.

Next, unroll the next piece of felt, line it up with the first layer, and allow a 50mm overlap. Smooth out any wrinkles or air bubbles while you work from the centre to the edges. Use more felt nails to secure this overlapping section.

Keep adding the first layer of felt over the entire roof surface. Make sure the overlaps are consistent, and secure each section with felt nails. It’s important for the felt to lie as flat as possible to stop water from pooling on the roof surface.

Step 4: Applying Subsequent Layers

Once you finish the first layer, start adding the second layer of felt. Begin at the bottom edge of the roof. This time, make sure the joints of the first layer overlap by at least 100 mm. This helps create a waterproof seal. Put a line of felt adhesive along the overlapping part. Then press the second layer tightly against the first.

Use felt nails to hold the second layer in place. Space these nails closer than the nails in the first layer — about every 100 mm. Make sure the nails go through the felt and into the roof deck securely.

Do the same for any extra layers you need, based on the type of felt and what the manufacturer says. Stagger the overlaps of each layer. This will make your roof stronger and better at handling weather.

Step 5: Securing the Edges and Seams

Properly sealing the edges and seams of your roofing felt is very important to stop water from getting in. Use a good amount of felt adhesive on all the edges and seams. Make sure it’s a smooth and even layer. Then, press the felt onto the adhesive, taking care to remove any wrinkles or air bubbles.

If you are putting in a drip edge, which is metal flashing at the edges, attach it over the felt with galvanised clout nails. The drip edge helps move water away from the fascia boards and stops it from going under the roofing felt.

At the roof peak, overlap the felt from one side over the other by at least 100 mm. Put some felt adhesive on the overlapping area and secure it with clout nails along the top edge. This will create a tight seal at the highest part of the roof.

Tips for a Successful Roofing Felt Installation

To make sure your roofing felt lasts a long time, keep these tips in mind. First, check the weather forecast. Choose a calm day with mild temperatures. This makes working easier. Putting down felt in cold weather can make it break easily.

Next, focus on your measurements and cuts. Be careful when you measure, cut, and overlap the felt. Use a sharp utility knife to get clean cuts. Apply steady pressure when you smooth out the felt. This prevents wrinkles and air bubbles. Remember, a good roofing felt installation depends on careful work and being ready for any problems.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

• One common mistake is not removing the old felt before putting down new material. If you overlap new felt over old layers, it can hurt the waterproofing membrane and cause an uneven surface.
• Another mistake is not sealing properly around roof spots like vent pipes or chimneys. Use special flashing materials and sealants to make a watertight barrier around these areas. This will help stop leaks from happening.
• Lastly, make sure to have enough overhang at the gable end and eaves of your roof. This overhang helps direct water away from the building’s structure. It also protects the fascia boards and walls from damage. Remember, fixing these mistakes will help your roofing felt installation be more durable and effective.

Maximising the Lifespan of Your Roofing Feel

Once you install your roofing felt, there are steps you can take to make it last longer. Check your roof regularly for signs of damage. Look for tears, holes, or edges that are lifting. Fix these issues quickly to stop them from getting worse and damaging the waterproofing membrane.

Also, keep your gutters and downspouts clean. Make sure water can flow away from your roof without any issues. If gutters are clogged, water can back up under the roof tiles and harm the felt underneath.

By doing these simple things, you can extend the life of your roofing felt. This will protect your roof decking and help you avoid expensive repairs later on.

Conclusion

Installing roofing felt is an important part of keeping your home safe from weather. By using a step-by-step method, you can measure, cut, and layer it correctly. This helps your roof last longer. Always remember to stay safe and use the right tools for the job. Try to avoid common mistakes and check your roofing felt often to make it last as long as possible. With careful planning and detail, you can do this project confidently and protect your home well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Install Roofing Fet Myself?

Yes, putting down roof felt is something you can do yourself. It’s easy, especially for simple roofs like a shed roof. If you have the right tools, like a utility knife, and understand the steps, you can do this job well. You won’t even need a paintbrush!

How Long Does Roofing Feel Last?

The length of time roofing felt lasts depends on what type and quality you pick. Shed felt usually lasts about 5 to 10 years. However, better-quality felt can last over 20 years. Keep this in mind when you plan your next roof repair or if you are building a new shed.

Do I Need Special Tools to Install Roofing Felt?

You don’t need special tools to put down roofing felt. You can use basic tools instead. A tape measure, craft knife, utility knife, claw hammer, and straight edge usually work just fine.

What’s the Best Time of Year to Install Roofing Felt in the UK?

The best time to put on roofing felt in the UK is in the warm and dry months, like spring or summer. This timing gives the best weather for working on a pitched roof. It also helps the adhesive to set properly.