Beneath the tiles or slates of every pitched roof lies a hidden layer of crucial components: the roofing felt and timber battens. These elements may not be visible from the outside, but they play an essential role in keeping your roof weatherproof, structurally sound, and well-ventilated. Over time, however, roofing felt and battens can deteriorate due to age, water exposure, insect activity, or poor installation. Proper maintenance and timely replacement are key to preserving the long-term integrity of your roofing system.
Roofing felt — also known as underlay or membrane — is fitted underneath the roof covering to act as a secondary barrier against wind-driven rain and moisture. It also helps reduce draughts and contributes to the energy efficiency of your home. Traditional bitumen-based felts can become brittle over time, especially in older properties, while newer breathable membranes offer enhanced performance but still require regular inspection.
Battens are the horizontal wooden strips fixed to the rafters, onto which the roof tiles or slates are secured. These battens must be properly spaced, level, and securely fixed to ensure that the tiles remain in place — even in strong winds. Damaged, rotted, or poorly installed battens can lead to uneven tile alignment, leaks, or even tile slippage, creating significant safety and structural concerns.
Common signs that your felt or battens may need attention include:
Our felt and batten maintenance service begins with a full internal and external inspection of your roof structure. Where necessary, we lift sections of tiles to assess the condition of the underlay and battens underneath. If damage or deterioration is found, we replace only the affected areas or recommend a full felt and batten upgrade, depending on the severity and age of your roof.
We use only high-quality, BS 5534-compliant treated timber battens and modern breathable felt membranes that provide excellent moisture management and ventilation. When replacing battens, we ensure correct fixing and spacing in accordance with the roof covering used, whether that’s clay tiles, concrete tiles, or slates. For felt replacement, we install breathable underlay that reduces the risk of condensation while still blocking wind-driven rain — perfect for the UK’s damp climate.
Felt and batten maintenance is also an ideal time to upgrade other components such as eaves trays, ventilation gaps, and tile fixings. Ensuring your sub-roof structure is strong, dry, and secure will prolong the life of your tiles and reduce the chance of costly repairs in the future. We carry out this work carefully and efficiently, with full guarantees and minimal disruption to your home.
If your roof is over 20 years old or you’ve noticed signs of moisture or loose tiles, it’s time to inspect the condition of your felt and battens. Contact our experienced roofing team for a no-obligation survey and quote. We’ll help keep your roof strong from the inside out, ensuring it’s ready to face the worst of the British weather for years to come.