Bituminous Felt Roofing
Bituminous felt is one of the two named specialisms of K Pendlebury & Sons. We install torch applied and self-adhesive reinforced bitumen membrane systems on commercial and industrial flat roofs across the North West, as accredited contractors for Bauder, Garland, Icopal, IKO and other market leaders.
What a felt roof actually is
A modern bituminous felt roof is a reinforced bitumen membrane system, built up in layers and bonded together to form a continuous waterproof covering. The bitumen is polymer modified for better weathering and flexibility, and the membrane is reinforced with polyester for tensile strength, so today's felt systems are a different product from the short-lived felt roofs of decades ago. Installed to specification, the leading systems carry long manufacturer guarantees.
Felt has stayed the workhorse of commercial flat roofing because it is robust, repairable and proven. It tolerates foot traffic from maintenance access, it can be detailed around rooflights, plant and upstands, and localised damage can be repaired without replacing the roof.
Torch applied or self-adhesive
Torch applied felt is bonded by heating the underside of the membrane with a gas torch, which melts the bitumen and welds the layers together. It is the standard method where hot works can be managed safely.
Self-adhesive felt bonds without an open flame, so it is the right choice where hot works need to be limited, for example on timber decks or occupied buildings with strict fire precautions. We install both methods, and the free survey determines which one the building needs, because the deck type and the use of the building drive the decision.
The systems we install
Our case studies show the range of felt systems we install to manufacturer specification: Bauder K4E at St. Anne's Primary School in Sale, Bauder K5K at Alice Ingham Primary School in Rochdale, IKO Goldseal Guardian at Christ Church Primary School in Chadderton, IKO Ultra Prevent at St. Augustine Catholic Church, and Garland StressPly systems at Brine Leas Academy and Bishop Bridgeman CofE Primary. We also install BMI Icopal systems, including the pollution-reducing Noxite membrane used at Chorlton Health Centre.
Why building owners choose felt
- ✓Proven, robust waterproofing for commercial flat roofs
- ✓Polymer modified bitumen for improved weathering
- ✓Polyester reinforcement for greater tensile strength
- ✓Torch applied or flame-free self-adhesive installation
- ✓Repairable locally without replacing the whole roof
- ✓Manufacturer guarantees through accredited installation
Frequently asked questions
How long does a bituminous felt roof last?+
Lifespan depends on the system specified, the quality of installation and how the roof is maintained. The leading manufacturer systems we install carry long manufacturer guarantees when installed to specification by an accredited contractor, and we will confirm the guarantee for the specific system proposed for your roof.
Is torch-on felt safe on my building?+
Torch applied installation is safe when hot works are properly managed, and we control them under our health and safety procedures. Where a building or deck makes open flame unsuitable, we install self-adhesive felt instead, which bonds without a torch.
Can felt be laid over my existing roof?+
Sometimes. An overlay avoids the cost and disruption of a full strip, but only if the existing build-up is dry and sound. Our free survey establishes whether your roof can be overlaid or should be stripped.
Which felt manufacturers do you work with?+
We are accredited contractors for Bauder, Garland, Icopal and IKO among others, and we install their systems to specification so the finished roof qualifies for the manufacturer guarantee.
See this work in our case studies
Accredited by the bodies that matter in commercial roofing
How can we help you with your new project?
Surveys, budgets and reports are free of charge for all clients, new and existing. Tell us about your roof and we will advise on the right system.