Fitting the roof felt (breathable roof membrane)

Day 21: Front Fascia and Felt Roof Added

Another excited day which saw the felt roof mostly completed and the last of the fascia board added.

The window man came and measured up the French doors – we are now have French doors at 170cm wide and 2 side panels at 65.5cm each, with 40cm windows at the top.

Interesting Fact: A felt roof will keep out most of the weather, the tiles are almost just for show and to reduce wear and tear on the felt.

he roof felt we have used in probably not the best quality. I realised later that there are several grades of roof felt, some last much longer than others. The key to all roof felt is that it is breathable and waterproof. In fact, this is not strictly felt, but breathable roof membrane – a new type of product. I think my builders used either Monarperm or YBS Insulation (this one is available from Screwfix, where they tended to shop).

If a roof tile is damaged, or blown off in high wind, the felt should still provide a waterproof barrier to drain rain away. The roof felt should run all the way to the centre of the gutter.

The felt / membrane is fitted to the roof rafters with strips of wood / batons that are nailed in. My roof required two widths overlapped. Note that the top one also goes up and eventually under the flat roof section.

Tomorrow will see the tiling start and then the ceiling insulation boards go up. The roof windows are also on their way and will probably go in tomorrow. Then it is just the plumbing, electrics and plastering. Almost finished!