Lockdown DIY: How to Install Roofing Felt
Here at Greengate's, your local builder's merchant, we offer a wide range of roofing materials including timber, battens, gutter accessories, chimney pots, corrugated sheets, dry ridge systems and an extensive selection of slates and tiles. Included in this range of flat roofing felt, one of our consistent bestsellers.
Flat roofing felt is a versatile material and is primarily used on structures like extensions, garages and garden sheds. It provides a strong, lasting and cost-effective barrier against the elements and installing it is easy even if you're not that experienced when it comes to DIY. This edition of our blog gives you a simple step-by-step guide on how to install roofing felt and achieve professional results.
- Just the same as with any construction or renovation project, it's essential to prepare properly. If you fail to prepare then you should prepare to fail! First, make sure that the surface you're going to lay the felt on is sound and suitable. The felt should be laid on chipboard that rests atop treated timber joints or else on moisture-tolerant timber. If the roof is new, make sure it is dry and clean and that there are no obstructions such as protruding nail heads. If you're replacing an existing felt roof, make sure you have removed all of the old felt, nails and adhesive and that you have cleaned the surface thoroughly.
- The first layer is the foundation and so its especially important to get it right. Start at the lowest edge of the roof and roll out your felt at right angles to the direction of the full. Cut the felt to the correct size and begin nailing it into place, starting from the centre of the sheet. We recommend using galvanised clout nails: these are available from Greengate's in a range of different pack sizes. Note that this first layer does not require adhesive: using only nails allows the felt to move with the timber's natural movement, which is caused by changes in temperature and moisture content.
- Now add a second layer in the same way but using adhesive, making sure that the joints are in different places from those of the first layer. Use adhesive according to the manufacturer's instructions. We recommend using Cromar Roofing Felt Adhesive, which is available to purchase from the Greengate's website.
- When the adhesive has completely dried, you can add a third and final top layer in the same way as the previous layer.
For more information on the different types of roofing felt, please browse our website. Greengate's: your local builders merchant.