A1 Roofing Reading: Your Guide to Felt and Battening a Roof in Reading

If you're looking to get your roof felted and battened, you've come to the right place. We are A1 Roofing Reading, a roofing company based in Reading, Berkshire, serving the South East of England. In this guide, we'll teach you everything you need to know about roofing felt, battens, underlays, and how to get your roof properly installed.

Getting Started: Understanding Felt and Battens

The first thing you need to know is what felt and battens are. Felt is a material that is commonly used in roofing to protect the roof deck from moisture. It comes in a roll and is applied to the roof deck using hot bitumen or a torch. Battens, on the other hand, are strips of wood that are nailed to the rafters of the roof. They are used to support the tiles or slates that cover the roof.

Types of Felt

There are many different types of roofing felt available, depending on your needs and budget. The two most common types are traditional bitumen felt and underlay felt. Traditional bitumen felt is the more durable and long-lasting option, but it is also more expensive. Underlay felt is a cheaper alternative that is often used for temporary roofing or for sheds and other outbuildings.

Types of Battens

There are two main types of battens: timber battens and tile battens. Timber battens are used for roofs that are covered in traditional tiles or slates. Tile battens, on the other hand, are specifically designed for use with concrete or clay tiles. They have a wider surface area than timber battens, which helps to support the weight of the tiles.

Cost of Felt and Battens

The cost of felt and battens will depend on a variety of factors, including the size of your roof, the type of felt and battens you choose, and the supplier you use. As a general guide, you can expect to pay around 30 - 40 per roll of felt (which covers approximately 10 square metres), and around 0.75 - 1 per metre for timber battens.

Labour and Materials

When you hire A1 Roofing Reading to felt and batten your roof, the cost will include both the materials and the labour. For a standard roof, you can expect the job to take around 1-2 days, depending on the size of the roof and the complexity of the job.

Underlays and Red Felt

Underlays and red felt are used in conjunction with traditional bitumen felt to provide an extra layer of protection for the roof deck. Underlays are typically used underneath the bitumen felt and are designed to protect against condensation. Red felt is used on top of the traditional bitumen felt and is designed to provide extra UV protection.

Traditional Bitumen Felt

Traditional bitumen felt is the most commonly used type of roofing felt. It is durable, long-lasting, and provides excellent protection against moisture. It comes in a variety of thicknesses, ranging from 2mm to 5mm. Thicker felt is more expensive but provides greater protection against water.

Tile Manufacturer and Available Tiles

If you're replacing your roof tiles, it's important to choose a reputable tile manufacturer. There are many manufacturers to choose from, but some of the most popular include Marley, Redland, and Sandtoft. You should also consider the style and colour of the tiles, as this can have a significant impact on the overall appearance of your home.

Battens and Rafters

When installing battens, it is important to ensure that they are fitted at the correct spacing. For timber battens, the spacing should be around 25mm. For tile battens, the spacing should be around 60mm. The spacing is important because it helps to ensure that the tiles are properly supported and that water can run off the roof without pooling.

Timber Battens and Tiles

If you're using timber battens, it's important to choose the right type of wood. Softwoods such as spruce and pine are commonly used, as they are lightweight and easy to work with. Hardwoods are also an option, but they are more expensive. When it comes to tiles, there are many different types to choose from, including clay, concrete, and slate.

Battens May Need to be Replaced

When installing a new roof, it's important to ensure that the battens are in good condition. If the battens are rotten or damaged, they may need to be replaced before the new roof can be installed. The cost of replacing battens will depend on the size of the roof and the type of battens used.

Felt and Battens: Getting It Right

Felt and battens are an important part of any roofing job, and it's essential to get them right. If you're not confident in your ability to install felt and battens, it's best to hire a professional roofing company like A1 Roofing Reading. We have the experience and expertise to ensure that your roof is properly installed and provides long-lasting protection for your home.

Research and Reading

Whether you're looking to install a new roof or replace an existing one, it's important to do your research. Take the time to read up on the different types of felt and battens available, and don't be afraid to ask questions. By taking the time to research your options, you'll be better equipped to make an informed decision about what's right for your home.

Contact A1 Roofing Reading

At A1 Roofing Reading, we are committed to providing high-quality roofing services to homes and businesses in Reading and the surrounding areas. If you're looking to get your roof felted and battened, don't hesitate to get in touch with us today. You can reach us by phone on 0118 449 2361 or by email at [email protected]. You can also visit our website for more information at a1-roofing-reading.co.uk.