Lee FlecknellEmergency roof repairs, rental property · August 2026
Highly recommend this company carried out some emergency roof repairs on one of my properties would use again.
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Torch-on felt roofing
Torch-on felt roofing, built up in layers to last
Torch-on felt roofing is the most economical way to give a garage, extension or dormer a new flat roof, and modern built-up felts last far longer than the old roofs they replace. Best Top Roofing lays a torch-on system in layers on a sound deck, finished with a mineral cap sheet and new trims, across Hertfordshire and Northamptonshire.
The felt roofs that gave the material a bad name were a single layer of cheap felt nailed to a board and left for 30 years. A modern torch-on roof is a different product: polyester-reinforced, polymer-modified bitumen membranes, laid as a base layer and a cap sheet, each one heated with a torch so it bonds fully to the layer below. The result is a tough, fully bonded roof with a mineral surface that protects it from the sun.
We start the same way as every flat roof: strip the old covering, check and replace the deck, and correct the fall so water drains to the gutter. The base layer goes down first, then the cap sheet with its laps staggered, dressed up any walls as an upstand and finished with new drip trims at the edges. Where a roof abuts brickwork, a lead or felt flashing covers the top of the upstand.
The garage in the before and after slider on our work page was re-roofed in felt. It went from a moss-covered roof that was letting water in to a clean new roof with fresh trims.
When you call, you speak to the familyBest Top Roofing is family-run. The family that answers the phone and gives you the quote is the family that turns up and does the job.
What is included
- Old felt, gravel or asphalt stripped
- Rotten or soft decking replaced
- Base layer torched on and fully bonded
- Mineral-finished cap sheet with staggered laps
- Upstands and flashings at walls
- New drip trims and gutter outlets
- Old materials removed and site cleared
Signs you need this
- Moss, grass or plants growing on the roof
- The felt surface cracked, crazed or split
- Blisters or bubbles in the felt
- Water dripping inside the garage or shed
- Old nails lifting through the felt
How it works
Look and measure
We check the deck, the fall and the edges and measure the roof.
Fixed written price
Felt system, decking and trims itemised in writing.
Strip and re-deck
Old roof removed, deck repaired or replaced.
Base, cap and trims
Two-layer system torched on, trims fitted, site cleared.
Felt is still the right answer for plenty of roofs, especially garages and outbuildings, as long as it goes on a sound deck in proper layers.
Felt flat roofs: your questions answered
How long does a torch-on felt roof last?
A modern two-layer torch-on system on a sound deck lasts many years, far longer than old single-layer felt. EPDM and GRP last longer again, and cost more.
Is torch-on felt safe on a house extension?
Yes, when laid by roofers trained to use the torch safely around timber and fascias. We use safe-edge practices and never torch directly onto combustible details.
Is felt cheaper than EPDM or GRP?
Usually, yes. It is the most economical of the three, which is why it remains popular for garages and outbuildings. Our flat roof cost guide compares prices.
Can you felt a shed or summer house?
Yes. Sheds, summer houses and outbuildings with flat or shallow roofs are quick jobs in felt.
Do I need a new deck?
Only if the existing deck is soft, rotten or delaminated. We check it when the old felt comes off and price any decking before replacing it.
Related services
Reviews
What customers say on Google
Dannie SmithQuoted the next day · June 2026
Thomas came and gave me a quote next day, very professional and clean work was carried out. I will be using best top roofing for all my projects going forward and would highly recommend them.
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R Vidya RLeaking felt roof repaired · September 2026
thanks to Thomas for fixing our roof. It was pleasure working with you. I feel confident that the water leak is accessed from all points and all problem addressed
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Lee SextonNew flat roof · April 2026
I needed a new flat roofing doing and this amazing company did it exactly how I wanted it. Highly recommended. Friendly and polite. Would use and again and tell all my friends and family.
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Mahmoud Al SuwwanRoof problem fixed · August 2026
We had a problem in our roof we called this company and they solved the problem so happy and satisfied. I really highly recommend if anyone needs roofing work done if I ever need a roofer again hopefully we don't if I ever did I will always use this company again, thank you so much, guys.
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Lisa DunneBlocked gutters cleared · April 2026
Cleaned out our gutters as were blocked and overflowing. Very happy with the job done. Thank you very much!
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Ligita KaledaiteChosen over other quotes · July 2026
Very friendly. Had couple of Quotes from other companys And this was the best company for it.
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Sally MaskellRoofing work by Thomas · June 2026
Very impressed with the work that Thomas has done. Definitely recommend.
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Scarlet BullRoofing work · August 2026
Professional, good quality work! Recommended.
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Checkatrade customerBalcony roof installation · August 2026
Fantastic, professional and polite throughout the job.
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10 year
re-roof
guarantee
Our guarantee
re-roof
guarantee
Every new re-roof guaranteed for 10 years, in writing
When we replace your roof, our workmanship is guaranteed for 10 years from the day we finish, and the membrane, tiles and slates carry their manufacturers' guarantees on top. Repairs and flat roofs are guaranteed too, with the terms for your job written on your quote. We are fully insured.
Covered
- Our workmanship on every new re-roof for 10 years
- Lead, flashings, ridges and verges we fit
- Flat roofs laid to the system's specification
- Repairs, with the terms written on the quote
On top
- Tile and slate manufacturer guarantees
- Membrane and flat roof system guarantees
- Photos of the finished job
- The same family to call if anything is wrong
Not covered
- Storm or accidental damage after completion
- Work altered or added by someone else
- Parts of the roof we did not work on
- Gutters left to block and overflow
The guarantee for your job is written on your quote before you agree to anything. Read the full guarantee.
Talk to us about felt flat roofs
Ring or send the form. We come out, look at the roof, show you what is needed and give you a fixed written price. No pressure and no hidden extras.