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Flat roof systems

Torch-on felt roofing in Shipley

Torch-on felt in Shipley is a layered roof: an underlay, sometimes an intermediate sheet, and a mineral-faced cap sheet, each heat-bonded to the one below. It is generally the most economical of the main systems and suits garages, extensions and larger roofs on blocks and shops alike.

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

Shipley at a glance

Postcode districts
BD18
Population
about 28,544 (GeoNames)
Council area
City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council
Building approval
City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council building control, or a registered building control approver
Nearest main town
Bradford, about 3 miles
Guide price region
Yorkshire and the Humber (−5% on West Midlands rates)

Why choose torch-on felt roofing in Shipley?

Torch-on felt is widely specified for blocks of flats and HMOs, in Shipley as elsewhere, because the system is well understood, widely repairable and governed by a British Standard code of practice. Three-layer builds with insulation are common on larger, multi-occupied roofs.

In and around Shipley, flat roofs are typically found on newer estates where the first extension roofs are now being replaced, and on 1930s semis with flat-roofed garages and kitchen extensions. England averages roughly 870 mm of rain a year; the Pennine side of Yorkshire is wetter and windier than the east, so we specify for the site rather than the county.

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

Guide price in Shipley: £1,450–£2,500 for a typical 18 m² garage roof in torch-on felt, including VAT at Yorkshire and the Humber rates. The fixed price comes after a free survey for new and replacement roofs.

JobGuide price inc VAT
Single garage (18 m²), torch-on felt£1,450–£2,500
Extension (20 m²), felt, new deck + insulation£2,550–£4,450
Block of flats (150 m²), felt + insulation + scaffold£14,750–£25,850
Single garage (18 m²), EPDM rubber£1,500–£2,650
Extension (20 m²), EPDM, new deck + insulation£2,650–£4,650

Does replacing a felt roof mean upgrading the insulation?

Usually, yes, when the roof is over a heated space and more than half of it is being re-covered. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland that is renovation of a thermal element, which should be brought towards the renovation U-value where feasible; a Scottish project goes through the council's building standards service, which confirms whether a warrant applies.

A felt replacement is a good point to switch to a warm roof, with insulation laid above the deck under the new membranes. On larger roofs, tapered insulation can also correct poor falls that have caused ponding, which a patch repair cannot fix. Raising the roof level affects upstands and door thresholds, so we check heights at survey. Any approval is arranged by us as part of the job, and the building regulations page sets out the rules by nation.

What's included?

  • Mineral-finished cap sheet, upstands, outlets and edge trims
  • Deck inspection with replacement of damaged boards
  • Hot-works checks and fire watch on every torch-on job
  • Strip-off of the existing roof covering and removal of waste

Building regulations in England

Replacing more than half of a flat roof over a heated room usually counts as renovating a thermal element, so the roof is insulated to around 0.16 W/m²K where that's technically and economically feasible, and the work is notified to building control: the council or a registered building control approver, unless a registered competent person self-certifies it. A roof on a new extension is built to 0.15 W/m²K. Patch repairs, and most unheated detached garages, don't trigger the upgrade. Structural changes, or a new covering that adds 15% or more to the roof's weight, also need approval. More on the rules.

Which nearby areas do we also cover?

Torch-on felt roofing in Shipley: questions

Do you cover Shipley?

Yes. Shipley is part of our West Yorkshire coverage, including postcode districts BD18. 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 Shipley?

Where the work needs approval it goes to City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council building control, or a registered building control approver. 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 Shipley?

£1,450–£2,500 for a typical 18 m² garage roof in torch-on felt, at Yorkshire and the Humber 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.

Can torch-on felt go over an existing felt roof?

Sometimes, if the old roof is dry, well bonded and the deck is sound. Often stripping is better, because overlaying can trap moisture and hide rot; our guide to overlay or strip explains how we decide.

Other flat roof work in Shipley

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

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

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