A1 Roofing Northampton

As a homeowner in West Northamptonshire, ensuring your roof is properly felted and battened is crucial for its longevity and performance. At MultiTrade Roofing & Building, trading as A1 Roofing Northampton, we have years of expertise in providing top-notch roofing services to residents across Northamptonshire. In this article, we will walk you through the process of felting and battening a roof, highlighting the essential steps and materials needed.

Before we dive into the process, it's essential to understand the basic components of a pitched roof. A typical roof consists of:

• Roofing felt: A waterproof layer that prevents water from penetrating the roof.
• Battens: Wooden strips that provide a nailing surface for tiles or slates.
• Tiles or slates: The outer layer of the roof that protects the felt and battens from the elements.

Before felting and battening, ensure the roof is clear of debris and old roofing materials. Remove any existing tiles, slates, or felt, taking care not to damage the underlying structure. If you're working on a flat roof, ensure it's clear of any obstructions.

Begin by applying a layer of roofing felt to the entire roof surface, ensuring it's securely fastened to the roof deck. Use a high-quality felt that's suitable for your roof type and climate. For pitched roofs, apply the felt in a horizontal direction, starting from the bottom edge and working your way up. For flat roofs, apply the felt in a grid pattern, ensuring a 150mm overlap between sheets.

Once the felt is in place, install the battens, spacing them at 300mm centers for pitched roofs and 150mm centers for flat roofs. Use high-quality, pressure-treated timber to prevent rot and insect damage. Ensure the battens are securely fastened to the roof deck using galvanized nails.

With the battens in place, you can now install your chosen tiles or slates. Ensure they're securely fastened to the battens using the recommended fixing method. For pitched roofs, start at the bottom edge and work your way up, ensuring a 10mm gap between each tile. For flat roofs, install the tiles or slates in a grid pattern, ensuring a 10mm gap between each sheet.

When felting and battening a roof, it's essential to consider the following:

• Velux windows: Ensure any Velux windows are properly sealed and flashed to prevent water ingress.
• Slate roofs: Use a high-quality slate underlay to prevent water penetration.
• Building regulations: Ensure your roof meets the relevant building regulations and standards.
• Light: Ensure adequate light is provided to the roof area to prevent accidents.
• Miscellaneous: Consider any additional features, such as roof vents or chimneys, and ensure they're properly integrated into the roof structure.

Felting and battening a roof is a complex process that requires careful planning and attention to detail. At MultiTrade Roofing & Building, we have the expertise and experience to ensure your roof is properly felted and battened, providing a watertight seal and a durable structure that will last for years to come. If you're in need of roofing services in West Northamptonshire, contact us today on 01604 372147 to discuss your requirements.