Why the ‘Torch’ Matters More Than the ‘Felt’
When customers ask me about torch on roof felt, they usually want to know about the brand of the material. But if you ask me, I’ll tell you straight: even the most expensive roll of SBS bitumen is useless if the person holding the torch is in a hurry. In my 18 years on the roof, I’ve noticed that most failures happen because of ‘starved’ bonds or overheated bitumen, not because of the material itself.
Torch-on felt is a superb system for our Sussex climate, especially with the coastal winds we get in Brighton and Hove. However, it requires a level of patience that many big firms simply don’t allow their workers. I handle every project personally, ensuring that every seam is fused correctly so that your roof behaves like a single, seamless waterproof skin.
Red Flags: Is Your Current Felt Roof Failing?
If you already have a felt roof and you’re worried about it, there are a few things you can look for without even getting on a ladder. I often see roofs that are only five years old showing signs of ‘alligatoring’—that’s when the surface starts to look like cracked leather. This usually happens because the roofer overheated the felt during installation, burning off the essential oils that keep it flexible.
Other common issues include ‘bridging,’ where the felt hasn’t been tucked tightly into the corners, and poor detail work around the edges. If you notice any damp patches or peeling near the edges of your house, I offer urgent leak repairs to stop the damage before it hits your internal ceilings. Here is my honest advice: don’t wait for a drip to become a flood.
The Critical Detail: Parapets and Edging
In my experience, the most common point of failure for torch on roof felt isn’t the main flat area—it’s the walls. Many Victorian terraced houses in Brighton have parapet walls. If the felt isn’t correctly lapped and capped, water will eventually find a way behind the system. This is why I always emphasize the importance of parapet felt capping to provide total damp protection.
When I’m on-site, I take daily photo logs of these specific details. You can view these photos in your personal Client Portal, so you don’t have to take my word for it—you can see exactly how the seams have been fused and how the corners have been reinforced. Total transparency is the only way I work.
How I Do Things Differently
I know the roofing industry has a bit of a reputation for being vague with pricing. I’ve never liked that. Whether I’m working on a small porch or a large garage flat roof replacement, I believe you should know what you’re paying before I even step foot on your property.
That is why I have interactive calculators on my site. You can get an instant, realistic estimate for the standard of my flat roof replacement services in seconds. If you’re happy with that figure, I’ll visit your home, conduct a thorough survey, and give you a fixed-price quote. That price will not change, even if the job takes me longer than expected.
Planning Your Next Step
A high-quality torch-on system should easily last 25 to 30 years if installed by someone who cares about the prep work and the heat control. If you are tired of wondering if your roof is going to hold up during the next Sussex storm, reach out to me for a free roof inspection. I’ll give you a straight-up assessment of what needs doing, with no sales pressure and no corporate jargon—just honest advice from a local tradesman who’s been doing this for nearly two decades.