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Flat roof systems

Torch-on felt roofing in Holywood

Replacing an old felt roof in Holywood? Modern torch-on systems are far tougher than the felt many people remember. We strip the existing covering, repair the deck, add warm-roof insulation where needed and lay new membranes with staggered laps. Guide prices are online, and the fixed price comes after our free survey.

Roofer torching a slate-grey mineral cap sheet on a commercial flat roof behind edge protectionComputer-generated example image

Holywood at a glance

Postcode districts
BT18
Population
about 13,109 (GeoNames)
Council area
Ards and North Down Borough Council
Building approval
Ards and North Down Borough Council building control
Nearest main town
Belfast, about 5 miles
Guide price region
Northern Ireland (−12% on West Midlands rates)

Why choose torch-on felt roofing in Holywood?

On larger roofs in Holywood with poor falls, torch-on felt pairs well with tapered insulation, which builds the fall into the insulation boards. That deals with ponding properly while adding insulation, rather than patching the low spots and waiting for the next leak.

In and around Holywood, flat roofs are typically found on terraced streets with flat-roofed rear kitchens and bathrooms, and on 1930s semis with flat-roofed garages and kitchen extensions. Northern Ireland averages roughly 1,150 mm of rain a year, spread over many wet days, so a roof that sheds water quickly to clear outlets lasts far longer than one that holds puddles.

How much does a torch-on felt roof cost in Holywood?

For Holywood we use Northern Ireland rates: £1,350–£2,300 is the guide for a typical 18 m² garage roof in torch-on felt, VAT included. The fixed price comes after a free survey for new and replacement roofs.

JobGuide price inc VAT
Single garage (18 m²), torch-on felt£1,350–£2,300
Extension (20 m²), felt, new deck + insulation£2,400–£4,100
Block of flats (150 m²), felt + insulation + scaffold£13,700–£23,950
Single garage (18 m²), EPDM rubber£1,400–£2,450
Extension (20 m²), EPDM, new deck + insulation£2,450–£4,300

Should I choose torch-on felt or a different flat roof system?

Choose torch-on felt when you want a proven, layered system at a sensible price, particularly on larger roofs, blocks of flats and commercial buildings where several layers give useful redundancy. It is a weaker choice where hot works are hard to manage safely.

For: generally lower cost per square metre; two or three layers, so a single defect in one layer need not cause a leak; tough mineral finish; long track record and a British Standard code of practice; repairs can be made with compatible materials.

Against: needs a naked flame unless a cold-applied or self-adhesive alternative is used; shorter typical life than EPDM or GRP; the finish is functional rather than decorative; more laps to detail than a single sheet.

On small domestic roofs near timber, EPDM avoids the torch entirely. GRP gives a harder, neater surface. For an overlay, a liquid-applied system is often simpler. Large commercial roofs may suit single-ply, and older buildings may suit mastic asphalt. See our comparison guide.

What's included?

  • Vapour control layer and warm-roof insulation where needed
  • Hot-works checks and fire watch on every torch-on job
  • Strip-off of the existing roof covering and removal of waste
  • Deck inspection with replacement of damaged boards

Building control in Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, Technical Booklet F1 sets roof insulation at 0.18 W/m²K when a roof over a heated room is renovated or newly built, where that's feasible. The district council's building control should be contacted before work starts, and we prepare the details it asks for. More on the rules.

Which nearby areas do we also cover?

Torch-on felt roofing in Holywood: questions

Do you cover Holywood?

Yes. Holywood is part of our County Down coverage, including postcode districts BT18. Surveys and roofs are carried out by vetted roofing teams working under S&K Property Investments and Improvement Ltd.

Who checks building regulations for a flat roof in Holywood?

Where the work needs approval it goes to Ards and North Down Borough Council building control. We tell you at the survey whether your job needs it and deal with the paperwork as part of the quote.

How much does a torch-on felt roof cost in Holywood?

£1,350–£2,300 for a typical 18 m² garage roof in torch-on felt, at Northern Ireland guide rates including VAT. The fixed price comes after a free survey for new and replacement roofs.

How long does it take to lay a torch-on felt roof?

A garage roof typically takes one to two days and an insulated extension two to three. Larger roofs and blocks are phased over longer, with each area made weathertight before the team leaves.

Why does my felt roof have blisters?

Blisters usually form when moisture or air trapped beneath the felt expands in the sun. A few small, intact blisters may be monitored, but widespread or split blisters point to a repair or replacement.

Other flat roof work in Holywood

Torch-on felt roofing in Holywood: get a fixed price

Free survey and a written fixed quote for replacement and new roofs. No obligation.

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