Felt Roofing in Ripon, North Yorkshire

You might remember the old felt roofs that would crack and bubble after just a few summers. Thankfully, the technology has moved on. We use a high-performance torch-on felt system that involves melting a bitumen-rich backing directly onto the roof substrate. This creates a bond so strong it's essentially part of the building. It’s a popular choice across Ripon because it’s quick to install but lasts for decades when done right.

Why choose felt over other materials? It’s exceptionally versatile. Whether you have a complex roof with plenty of upstands and vents or a simple rectangular garage, felt can be cut and moulded to create a seamless, watertight finish. It’s also thick enough to handle the expansion and contraction that happens with our changing British temperatures. We see a lot of older properties in the Ripon conservation areas where felt is the preferred choice because it maintains a traditional look while offering modern protection.

We don’t believe in cutting corners, which is why we almost always recommend a robust three-layer system for our Ripon clients. It’s like putting three waterproof coats on your house. We start with a high-quality vapour control layer to stop internal moisture from causing rot. Next comes a reinforced felt underlay, and finally, the heavy-duty mineral cap sheet. This top layer is finished with small mineral granules that protect the bitumen from UV rays and provide a neat, professional look.

Think about the last time you checked your flat roof. Are the edges starting to lift? Is the surface looking 'alligatored' or cracked? These are signs that the bitumen has dried out. By installing a full three-layer system, we ensure that even if the top layer is eventually compromised, you have two more lines of defence underneath. It's that extra bit of peace of mind that lets you sleep through a North Yorkshire storm without worrying about water ingress.

Have you ever looked out of an upstairs window after a downpour and seen a giant puddle sitting in the middle of your extension roof? That’s what we call 'ponding' or 'pooling.' It's one of the biggest enemies of a flat roof. While felt is waterproof, no roof is designed to hold standing water for weeks on end. It adds weight and eventually finds its way through even the tiniest imperfection.

When we take on a felt roofing project in Ripon, we don’t just slap new felt over the old. We check the decking and substrate underneath. If the roof has sagged over time, we can often install 'tapered insulation' or adjust the firrings to create a slight fall. This ensures the water actually runs off into your gutters where it belongs. It’s these small details—ensuring the upstands are high enough and the flashings are tight—that separate a DIY job from a professional installation that lasts 20 years or more.

Choosing a roofer can feel like a bit of a gamble, but we try to make it as simple as possible for our local community. Renovation Roofing Ltd is a fully registered company, and we carry £5 million in public liability insurance. This means you’re completely protected while we’re working on your property. We know the Ripon area well—from the tight streets in the town centre to the larger commercial units on the outskirts—and we understand the local building regulations, especially Part L requirements regarding roof insulation.

We’re proud of our reputation for being tidy, punctual, and transparent with our pricing. You won’t find any hidden costs in our quotes; we tell you exactly what needs doing and why. Whether you need a quick repair to a leaking seam or a full re-roof for a new build extension, we handle every job with the same level of care. Don't wait for the next big downpour to test your roof’s limits. Give us a call today on 01943 667028 and we’ll pop over for a chat and a free survey to see how we can help.