What’s the lifespan of a Felt Flat Roof?
Roofing felt usually comprises of a ‘paper’ or fibre material that is coated with bitumen and a layer of gravel. Unfortunately, these traditional felt roofs can fail quite quickly.
One of the biggest reasons for this is when the gravel protecting the flat roof membrane is moved or removed altogether, either by the weather or people clearing the guttering or trying to remove moss and algae, surveyors etc. This then exposes the membrane to the elements, causing cracking and blistering. Eventually, water will seep through into the joists and building below.
When it comes to a felt flat roof’s lifespan, the majority of guarantees will only last for ten years. If well installed and maintained, roofing felt could last longer but it will require time and money to keep it in a decent state.
Therefore, it’s no surprise that his can cause issues when trying to insure your home. As a flat roof is considered to have a shorter lifespan than a tiled roof, some standard home insurance companies will exclude properties that are constructed with a flat felt roof. Other may only offer limited cover for claims such as leaks.
What should I do when it comes to replacing my felt flat roof?
Let’s face it – most people who hear the phrase ‘flat roof’ will automatically think of the times they have heard nightmare stories about leaks and lots of maintenance. In fact, there are many homeowners who have spent fifteen times more than the cost of replacing a felt flat roof to convert it into a pitched roof before looking at the alternative options available to them!
Your immediate impression of a flat roof may be the following:
- Leaks
- Brittle felt
- Moss and algae growth
- Instability
- Excessive cleaning and maintenance
It may interest you, however, to know that massive leaps in roofing technology over recent years means that if you choose the right material and a decent installer, your flat roof can have a very lengthy and healthy lifespan.
After all, the majority of these stereotypical problems are associated with the traditional felt flat roof.
There are other options
Advanced uPVC flat roofing membranes provide homeowners with the ultimate in flat roofing protections. We have sourced the leading in cutting edge flat roofing systems such as Sarnafil, Cefil and Protan membranes, which are permanently fusion welded to your property’s roofing structure. Upstands and exposed edges are then mechanically fixed and steel reinforced, creating what is, in essence, a sealed, waterproof envelope.
A PVC flat roofing membrane provides maximum protection from the weather and wind uplift. In fact, their performance have been tested and proven in all climates, hot and cold.
UPVC roofing membranes will never become brittle or crack, are resistant to damaging UV rays, moss and algae and are 100% maintenance-free.
And with High-Tech Membrane Roofing, they come with a LIFETIME GUARANTEE .
So if your felt flat roof is in need of replacement, don’t panic. A uPVC flat roofing system is more than just a cost – it is an investment that you and your home will benefit from for the rest of your life.
