Roof was leaking. But should I now get it re-felted?

The_Wall

We had a leak in the roof caused by the skylight, the loft was converted by the previous owners, which I've fixed. Well I think I have, but then it hasn't rained as heavily as it did last Thursday.

Anyway whilst trying to find the leak I noticed just how bad the roofing felt was. It has rotted where the leak was, and has holes in numerous areas. I believe it is the original felt, so it is over 45 years old.

What I'm wondering now is whether it is worth getting the roof re-felted, since in theory the felt should have kept the water from getting into the roof space.

I realise that this will not be cheap, but then water can cause a lot of damage.

Am I being a bit OTT, or would it be a good idea?

Thanks

AdrianW2

I believe the OP is referring to pitched roof underfelt rather than a flat roof covering.

The_Wall

AdrianW2 you are correct. I am referring to the felt under the tiles on a pitched roof.

Presumably though even that has a life span. Hence my question.

ormus

youre really looking at the secondary problem.
the water getting in is caused by faulty slates/tiles. or maybe the flashing around the skylight.
the felt is just an extra barrier.

steveroofer

The under-felt is secondary to the roof covering, your problem is probably the flashings to the skylight, don’t let anybody talk you into a new roof because of the condition of the felt, what you should be looking at is the condition of the tiles or slates, if they are still strong not braking like digestive biscuits then you probably have another 10 or 20 years service from this roof. If you are thinking of selling the property in the near future then the surveyors report won’t be kind.

The_Wall

Thanks ormus and steveroofer.

It was the flashing, well I hope it was since that was the thing I repaired. Should the roof still leak then I'll get someone to take a look.

But good to know that the felt shouldn't be an issue.