The One Felt Roof Problem Most People Ignore

Felt roofing has long been a popular choice for flat roofs on garages, extensions, sheds, and other outbuildings thanks to its affordability and practicality. While many property owners keep an eye out for obvious problems like rips or punctures, there’s one issue that often gets overlooked – and it can cause serious damage over time. WDF Roofing St Neots has seen many cases in St Neots, Cambridgeshire, where this hidden problem has led to costly repairs that could have been avoided.

The Overlooked Problem: Trapped Moisture Beneath the Felt

One of the biggest but least noticed threats to felt roofs is trapped moisture underneath the surface. Even if the top layer looks intact, small gaps or weaknesses at seams, flashings, or edges can allow water to seep in. Over time, this moisture becomes trapped between the felt and the roof decking, causing:

• Timber rot – weakening the roof structure.
  
• Blistering – where bubbles form in the felt due to water vapour expansion.
  
• Mould and mildew – leading to unhealthy air quality inside the property.
  
• Loss of adhesion – making the felt lift and curl, which lets more water in.
  

Because this process happens out of sight, many homeowners only discover the problem once significant damage has occurred.

Why This Problem Often Goes Unnoticed

Felt roofs are generally low-maintenance, which can lull property owners into a false sense of security. Since the surface may look fine from a distance, people tend to skip regular inspections. Furthermore, early signs of trapped moisture are subtle and might only be spotted by a trained roofer during a close-up check.

How to Spot Early Warning Signs

While it’s easy to miss, there are some indicators that your felt roof might have trapped moisture problems:

• Small blisters or raised areas on the surface.
  
• Damp patches appearing on the ceiling below the roof.
  
• A musty smell in rooms beneath the roof.
  
• Soft spots or sponginess when walking on the roof (only to be checked by a professional).
  

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to act quickly before the problem worsens.

Preventing Trapped Moisture in Felt Roofs

Preventative measures are the most cost-effective way to protect a felt roof from this hidden issue:

• Schedule regular roof inspections, particularly after heavy storms.
  
• Ensure drainage systems are clear to prevent standing water.
  
• Repair small cracks or lifted edges before water can enter.
  
• Have the roof professionally resealed when necessary.
  

Conclusion

The one felt roof problem most people ignore – trapped moisture beneath the surface – can cause significant damage if left untreated. Regular checks by an experienced roofer can help detect and address this issue before it becomes a major expense. WDF Roofing St Neots offers professional inspections and repairs for property owners in St Neots, Cambridgeshire, ensuring your felt roof remains watertight and reliable for years to come.

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