Our roofing team recently completed a roof replacement project in Maidstone, Kent, where the existing felt and battens had deteriorated over time. The homeowner wanted to retain the original roof tiles to maintain the property's character while improving the roof's structure, ventilation, and weatherproofing.
During our inspection, we found that the old underlay had perished and many battens were beginning to rot, compromising the roof's ability to keep out water. Although the tiles themselves were in good condition, a full re-felt and re-batten was essential to restore the roof's strength and performance.
Scope of Works
1. Careful Tile Removal: We began by carefully removing all the existing roof tiles, setting them aside to be reused later. This ensured that the property would retain its original look while avoiding unnecessary material waste.
2. Old Felt & Battens Removed: The old, damaged felt and battens were stripped away, exposing the rafters beneath. Any weakened sections were repaired before we proceeded with the new installation.
3. Installation of Breathable Felt & Treated Battens: We installed a breathable membrane, providing modern waterproofing and ventilation to help prevent condensation buildup. New treated timber battens were then securely fixed in place, forming a strong base for the tiles.
4. Re-Laying the Original Tiles: Once the underlay and battens were in place, we re-laid the original roof tiles, replacing any that were cracked or damaged with perfect matches to ensure a seamless finish.
5. Final Inspection: The roof was fully inspected upon completion to ensure watertightness, correct alignment, and a clean finish that enhances protection and appearance.
Project Outcome
The result is a restored and fully weatherproof roof that combines traditional style with modern performance. The re-felt and re-batten process has extended the roof's lifespan, improved ventilation, and provided reliable protection against the elements - all while keeping the same tile design that complements the home's character.
