A1 Roofing Taunton

As a homeowner in Somerset, ensuring your roof is properly felted and battened is crucial to protect your property from the elements. At A1 Roofing Taunton, we have years of experience in providing top-notch roofing services to residents in Taunton and surrounding areas. In this article, we will guide you through the process of felting and battening a roof, highlighting the key details to consider.

Before starting the felting and battening process, it's essential to prepare the roof surface. This involves removing any existing roofing materials, such as pantiles or plain tiles, and inspecting the roof deck for any damage or rot. If you're building a new roof, ensure the roof deck is securely fixed to the rafters.

Felt and batten is a traditional roofing method that involves laying a layer of roofing felt over the roof deck, followed by a series of battens. The battens provide a nailing surface for the roofing tiles, while the felt helps to prevent water ingress.

When it comes to choosing the right materials for your felt and batten roof, there are several options to consider. For the felt, you can choose from a range of materials, including bituminous felt or modern alternatives such as EPDM rubber. For the battens, you can use traditional timber or more modern materials such as plastic or metal.

To lay the felt, start by rolling it out over the roof deck, ensuring it's securely fixed to the rafters. Use a staple gun or nails to secure the felt, working from the bottom of the roof up. Ensure the felt is tightly fitted, with no wrinkles or creases.

Once the felt is in place, you can start installing the battens. These should be spaced at regular intervals, typically 300-400mm apart. Use a spirit level to ensure the battens are straight and level, and secure them to the roof deck using nails or screws.

With the felt and battens in place, you can start adding the roofing tiles. These can be pantiles, plain tiles, or any other type of tile you prefer. Ensure the tiles are securely fixed to the battens, using a combination of nails and mortar.

If you're building a cabin or log home, you'll need to consider the unique roofing requirements of these types of structures. This may involve using specialized roofing materials, such as clay tiles or metal roofing, and ensuring the roof is designed to withstand the weight of snow and other loads.