Mineral felt roofing

Mineral-felt Roofing: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners

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Mineral-felt roofing, often just called ‘mineral felt’, is a popular choice for many homeowners. This guide will help you understand its performance, common defects, and much more, ensuring you make the most informed decision for your roofing needs.

Mineral-felt roofing, often just called ‘mineral felt’, is a popular choice for many homeowners. This guide will help you understand its performance, common defects, and much more, ensuring you make the most informed decision for your roofing needs.

Performance Characteristics of Mineral Felt Roofing

Mineral felt is known for its versatility and robustness. Some key characteristics include:

  1. Weather Resistance: Mineral felt offers a good defence against rain, sun, and even snow, ensuring your home stays protected year-round.
  2. Durability: With its strong, fibrous structure, it can endure a lot of wear and tear.
  3. Flexibility: Unlike some rigid roofing materials, mineral felt can adjust to temperature changes, reducing the risk of cracking.

Common Defects in Mineral Felt Roofing

While mineral felt is durable, it’s not immune to issues:

  1. Blistering: Over time, small bubbles or blisters can form, often due to trapped moisture.
  2. Cracking: Extended exposure to UV rays can lead to the felt becoming brittle and eventually cracking.
  3. Sagging: Poor installation or water accumulation can lead to sections of the roofing sagging.

Life Expectancy and Insurance Implications

Typically, a well-maintained mineral-felt roof can last anywhere from 15 to 30 years. However, this lifespan can vary based on factors like climate, installation quality, and maintenance frequency.

From an insurance perspective, maintaining your roof can potentially lead to reductions in premiums. On the flip side, neglecting regular maintenance might result in claims being denied due to ‘wear and tear’ or ‘lack of maintenance’.

Regular Inspection and Maintenance Tips

For the longest lifespan and best performance, routine checks by a professional roofer are essential:

  1. Regular Inspections: Schedule bi-annual inspections to catch issues early. This is especially important after harsh weather conditions.
  2. Clean Debris: Ensure the surface remains free from leaves, branches, and other debris that can trap moisture.
  3. Repair Promptly: Address defects like blisters or cracks immediately to prevent them from worsening.

Understanding the Installation Process

Installing a mineral-felt roof involves several steps:

  1. Preparation: Remove old roofing material and ensure the roof deck is clean and smooth.
  2. Underlay Installation: A base layer, or underlay, is rolled out and secured.
  3. Mineral Felt Application: The mineral felt is then rolled out, ensuring no air bubbles are trapped. Edges are sealed to make it watertight.
  4. Final Touches: Overlaps are sealed with bitumen, and the surface is finished with a mineral granule layer for extra protection.

Available Systems on the Market

There’s a range of mineral felt products to choose from:

  1. Torch-On Felt: This involves using a torch to bond layers. It’s robust and has a good lifespan.
  2. Self-Adhesive Felt: As the name suggests, this felt comes with a sticky underside, removing the need for a torch.
  3. Pour and Roll Felt: This system uses hot bitumen to bond the felt layers.

Mineral-felt roofing is a reliable choice for many homeowners. With a clear understanding of its performance, potential defects, and maintenance needs, you can ensure that your roof stands the test of time. Remember, regular inspections and prompt repairs are key. Choose the mineral felt system that best fits your needs, and you’ll have a sturdy roof protecting your home for years to come.

With Flettons, safeguarding your property investments becomes hassle-free. Our seasoned team ensures your prospective home is examined thoroughly so future surprises are off the table. Keen on a building survey report that prioritizes your safety? Secure an instant quote via our online calculator or reach out to us directly at 0203 691 0451. Your home’s health is just a call away!

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