Best felt roof maintenance tips

Felt roofs remain a cost-effective solution for many properties, and modern products are more durable than their predecessors. However, like any flat roofing, regular maintenance will prolong its lifespan and prevent damage. It’s important to spot common felt roof issues as early as possible and stop them from worsening.

Here are 5 felt roof maintenance tips to keep it in top condition.

Schedule regular felt roof inspections

Regularly inspecting your felt flat roof will identify issues early so you can resolve them before they escalate into something requiring costly repairs. Book a professional inspection at least once or twice a year, preferably before rainy seasons or following harsh weather conditions. Your roofer will check your felt roof’s condition, checking for signs of wear, water infiltration, storm damaged roofing and deterioration of the felt, including its seams, edges and flashings.

Look for common issues with felt roofs

It’s important to spot issues associated with felt roofs to remain proactive in your roof maintenance. A typical red flag is pooling water, which can indicate poor drainage or structural issues which might cause leaks and felt degradation. Other signs to check for include blistering or bubbling of the felt surface, which may be caused by trapped moisture or poor installation. Cracks, tears or lifting of the felt should set alarm bells ringing that it’s time to ring a roofing contractor before the underlying roof structure becomes damaged.

Remove debris from your flat roof

Debris accumulation on a flat roof can prevent proper rainwater drainage and contribute to water pooling, leading to premature deterioration of the roof material. If safe to do so, remove leaves, branches and other debris from the roof to promote proper water flow while reducing the extra weight on your roof. Pay particular attention to areas around drains, gutters and roof edges where debris likes to gather.

Prune overhanging trees near your roof

Overhanging trees can threaten felt roofs, especially during storms or high winds when limbs may break off and hit your roofing, which can puncture or tear the material, leading to property leaks. Branches rubbing against the felt can also cause abrasions and damage. You should regularly prune overhanging trees away from your roof, especially branches hanging directly above or coming into contact with the roof surface.

Don’t forget about your gutters

Gutter maintenance is essential for felt roof longevity. Clogged or damaged gutters and downpipes can cause rain to overflow onto the roof, causing water pooling and internal roof leaks. Gutter inspections and clearances of matter like leaves and twigs ensure they remain debris-free and in good working condition. You should also look for signs of material corrosion or gutter damage, as your roofer can repair or replace damaged sections as required.

Do you need a felt roof inspected? Call Collier Roofing

At Collier Roofing, we’re flat roofing experts offering roof maintenance services in Croydon, Godstone and beyond. To arrange a felt roof inspection and free quote, contact us now.