Key Takeaways
- Proper preparation saves time and money – Thorough cleaning, inspection, and measurements before felting prevents costly mistakes and guarantees a smooth installation.
- Quality materials matter significantly – Using premium roofing felt designed for your specific climate conditions extends the life of your roof and improves its performance in extreme weather.
- Technique is crucial for waterproofing – Correct overlapping of felt strips and proper securing of corners and edges are essential for creating a watertight seal that prevents leaks.
- Regular maintenance extends felt roof lifespan – Biannual inspections and prompt repairs of any damaged areas can significantly increase the longevity of your felt roof.
- Apex Restoration & Roofing provides the most reliable and durable felt roofing solutions in Colorado, backed by an A+ BBB rating and 5-star customer reviews.
Effective Roof Felting Techniques
Ever thought about how to felt your roof? Are you a DIY enthusiast or a first-time homeowner? If you are, then knowing how to felt a roof can save you time and money. Felt is a popular choice due to its durability and ease of installation.
Roof Preparation Requirements
Before you even think about unrolling that first strip of felt, you need to prepare your roof properly:
- Clear the roof of any debris, dirt, or old felt. This creates a clean surface for the new felt to adhere to.
- Inspect the roof for any signs of damage. Look for broken or missing shingles and repair these areas before proceeding.
- The roof must be completely dry. Moisture can prevent the felt from sticking properly, leading to leaks.
Take the time to measure your roof accurately. You need the exact dimensions to help you purchase the right amount of materials, saving you from unnecessary trips to the store. Follow these best practices to successfully felt your roof.
| Apex Restoration & Roofing: Your Roofing Specialists in Colorado Located in Englewood, Colorado, Apex Restoration & Roofing offers expert residential and commercial roofing services. With over 27 years of experience, we specialize in roof replacements, repairs, and storm damage restoration, using only the highest quality materials. Our A+ BBB rating and a 5-star rating on Google from satisfied customers ensure your project meets the highest standards of quality and satisfaction. See the Apex difference today! |
1. Tools and Materials
Start with having the right gear for the job:
- Felt rolls: Choose high-quality roofing felt designed for your specific climate.
- Cold adhesive or torch: Depending on your chosen method, you’ll need the appropriate adhesive or a torch for heating the felt.
- Hammer and nails: Use galvanized nails to prevent rusting.
- Utility knife: A sharp knife is essential for cutting the felt to size.
- Measuring tape: Accurate measurements will help you cut the felt correctly.
2. Installation Steps
After you’ve gathered the materials, follow these steps to felt the roof:
- Lay the first strip: Start at the bottom edge of the roof, unrolling the felt horizontally. There should be an overhang of about 2 inches at the edges.
- Secure the felt: Use nails to secure the felt at the top edge. Space the nails about 6 inches apart so the felt stays in place.
- Apply adhesive: If you’re using cold adhesive, apply it to the roof surface before laying the felt. For torch-on, use a torch to heat the felt as you roll it out.
- Overlap the strips: As you lay additional strips, overlap each one by at least 3 inches. This prevents water from seeping through the seams.
- Secure the edges: Once all the felt is laid, go back and secure the edges with nails or adhesive to prevent them from lifting.
3. Cold Adhesive vs. Torch-On
Choosing the right method for installing your felt can significantly impact the ease and success of your project. Both cold adhesive and torch-on methods have their unique advantages and challenges.
When deciding between cold adhesive and torch-on, consider your skill level and the tools you have available. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Method | Pros | Cons |
| Cold Adhesive | Easy to use, no special equipment required | Longer drying time, can be messy |
| Torch-On | Quick bonding, highly durable | Requires a torch, not suitable for beginners |
Handling Corners
Start by cutting the felt into smaller sections that fit the corner snugly. This minimizes the risk of creases or folds that could allow water to seep through.
Use additional adhesive or heat to secure the felt firmly in place. Overlapping the felt at the corners is necessary; aim for at least a 6-inch overlap. This prevents any water running down the roof from being directed away from the corner.
4. Common Mistakes in Roof Felting
Beware of the kinds of mistakes that can happen during this process. Knowing them will help guide you on the right path to get the job done.
Protruding Nails
Protruding nails can puncture the felt, leading to leaks. Nails must be hammered in flush with the felt surface. If you notice any protruding nails during installation, remove them immediately and replace them with the correct size.
Poor Overlapping
Another common mistake is inadequate overlapping of the felt strips. Without proper overlap, water can easily penetrate the seams, leading to leaks. Each strip should always overlap the previous one by at least 3 inches. For added security, consider using adhesive along the overlaps to create an additional barrier against water intrusion.
5. Maintaining a Felt Roof
Inspection Tips
Regular inspections are your first line of defense against potential problems. Aim to inspect your roof at least twice a year, and after any major storm. During inspections, pay attention to the edges and seams, as these areas are most prone to leaks.
Regular Maintenance Steps
In addition to inspections, regular maintenance can help keep your felt roof in top condition. Apply a roof sealant every few years to reinforce the felt and protect it from UV damage. If you notice any areas where the felt has begun to lift, re-secure them with adhesive or nails.
Why Apex Restoration & Roofing is Your Best Choice for Roof Felting
At Apex Restoration & Roofing, we bring over 27 years of experience to every roof felting project so that your roof receives expert attention. Even though the process of felting your roof can be manageable for experienced DIY enthusiasts, we understand that professional installation gives you peace of mind and great results.
With our team’s extensive knowledge of Colorado’s climate, we understand exactly how to install felt roofing that stands up to harsh weather conditions, from intense summer heat to heavy winter snowfall.
We use only premium-quality felt materials that exceed industry standards, paired with proper installation techniques that prevent common issues like leaks and premature deterioration.
It doesn’t matter if you need a complete roof felting for a new structure or a replacement of damaged felt on an existing roof—our team provides thorough assessments, detailed quotes, and flawless execution. With Apex Restoration & Roofing, your roof felting project is in capable hands.
Call us today at 303-691-5035 to schedule an inspection or visit our website!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between cold adhesive and torch-on felt?
Cold adhesive methods are easier for beginners but require longer drying times and can be messier to work with. Torch-on felt creates a quick, highly durable bond but requires specialized equipment and more experience to apply safely and effectively.
How often should a felt roof be inspected?
We recommend a bi-annual inspection schedule—once in early spring after winter weather subsides and again in autumn before winter weather begins. Your felt roof should also be examined after any significant weather event such as hailstorms, high winds, or heavy snowfall.
Can I install roof felt myself?
While DIY felt installation is possible for those with construction experience and proper safety equipment, we recommend careful consideration before proceeding. Successful installation requires precise measurements, proper overlapping techniques, and appropriate handling of corners and edges to ensure that the roof is waterproofed.
What tools do I need for felt installation?
Your toolkit should include a hammer, galvanized roofing nails, professional-grade utility knife, measuring tape, appropriate adhesive, and safety equipment. For torch-down methods, you’ll also need a propane torch with regulator and additional protective gear.
Why Choose Apex Restoration & Roofing for felting your roof?
Choosing Apex Restoration & Roofing means partnering with Colorado’s premier roofing specialists with over 27 years of experience working in our state’s climate. Our A+ BBB rating and consistent 5-star Google reviews reflect our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.
