Felt Roofing Companies Near Me

Felt Roofing Companies Near Me: Your Guide to Finding the Best

Finding reliable and trustworthy felt roofing companies nearby can feel like a daunting task. With so many options available, it’s crucial to make an informed decision to ensure the longevity and performance of your roof. This comprehensive guide is designed to help you navigate the process, providing valuable insights and tips for choosing the right felt roofing contractor for your specific needs.

Understanding Felt Roofing: A Brief Overview

Felt roofing, also known as asphalt roofing or bitumen roofing, is a popular and cost-effective choice for flat or low-sloped roofs. It consists of layers of felt material, typically saturated with bitumen, applied to the roof surface. These layers are then bonded together, often with heat or adhesive, to create a waterproof barrier.

Felt roofing offers several advantages, including its affordability, ease of installation, and resistance to water damage. It’s also relatively lightweight, which can be beneficial for structures with weight restrictions. However, felt roofing also has some limitations, such as its susceptibility to damage from extreme temperatures and its shorter lifespan compared to some other roofing materials.

Types of Felt Roofing

There are several types of felt roofing available, each with its own characteristics and applications. Some of the most common types include:

Traditional Felt Roofing: This type of felt roofing consists of layers of bitumen-saturated felt, typically applied with hot bitumen or adhesive. It’s a traditional and relatively inexpensive option.
Modified Bitumen Roofing: Modified bitumen roofing incorporates polymers, such as APP (Atactic Polypropylene) or SBS (Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene), to enhance the flexibility and durability of the felt. This type of roofing is more resistant to temperature changes and UV degradation than traditional felt roofing.
Self-Adhesive Felt Roofing: Self-adhesive felt roofing features a peel-and-stick backing, making it easier and faster to install than traditional felt roofing. This type of roofing is often used for smaller projects or DIY applications.

Why Choose Felt Roofing? The Benefits

Despite its limitations, felt roofing remains a popular choice for many homeowners and businesses. Here are some of the key benefits of felt roofing:

Cost-Effectiveness: Felt roofing is one of the most affordable roofing options available, making it a budget-friendly choice for many property owners.
Ease of Installation: Compared to some other roofing materials, felt roofing is relatively easy to install, which can help to reduce labor costs.
Water Resistance: When properly installed and maintained, felt roofing provides excellent water resistance, protecting your property from leaks and water damage.
Lightweight: Felt roofing is relatively lightweight, which can be beneficial for structures with weight restrictions.
Versatility: Felt roofing can be used on a variety of roof types, including flat roofs, low-sloped roofs, and even curved roofs.

Finding Reputable Felt Roofing Companies Near You: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you have a better understanding of felt roofing, let’s explore how to find reputable felt roofing companies near you. Follow these steps to ensure you choose the right contractor for your project:

1. Start with Online Research

The internet is a valuable resource for finding local businesses, including felt roofing companies. Start by searching online using keywords such as “felt roofing companies near me,” “felt roof repair [your city],” or “flat roofing contractors [your area].”

Pay attention to the search results and identify companies that appear to be reputable and experienced. Visit their websites to learn more about their services, experience, and customer reviews.

2. Check Online Reviews and Ratings

Online reviews and ratings can provide valuable insights into the quality of a company’s work and customer service. Look for reviews on reputable platforms such as:

Google Reviews: Google Reviews are a widely used and trusted source of information about local businesses.
Yelp: Yelp is another popular platform for finding and reviewing local businesses.
Better Business Bureau (BBB): The BBB provides ratings and reviews for businesses, as well as information about their complaint history.
Angie’s List (now Angi): Angi is a subscription-based service that provides reviews and ratings for home service providers.

Read the reviews carefully and pay attention to both positive and negative feedback. Look for patterns in the reviews that indicate a company’s strengths and weaknesses.

3. Ask for Recommendations from Friends, Family, and Neighbors

Word-of-mouth referrals are often the most reliable way to find reputable contractors. Ask your friends, family, and neighbors if they have any recommendations for felt roofing companies in your area. If they’ve had a positive experience with a particular company, it’s a good sign that you will too.

4. Verify Licensing and Insurance

Before hiring a felt roofing company, it’s essential to verify that they are properly licensed and insured. A licensed contractor has met the requirements set by your state or local government to perform roofing work. Insurance protects you from liability in case of accidents or damage during the project.

Ask the roofing company for proof of their license and insurance. You can also check with your state’s licensing board to verify their credentials.

5. Request Multiple Quotes

Don’t settle for the first quote you receive. Request quotes from at least three different felt roofing companies. This will give you a better understanding of the average cost of the project and allow you to compare prices and services.

When requesting quotes, be sure to provide each company with the same information about your project, including the size of your roof, the type of felt roofing you’re interested in, and any specific requirements you have.

6. Evaluate the Quotes Carefully

Once you’ve received the quotes, evaluate them carefully. Don’t just focus on the price. Consider the following factors:

Materials: What type of felt roofing material will be used? Is it a high-quality material from a reputable manufacturer?
Labor: How much labor is included in the quote? Is the labor cost reasonable for the scope of the project?
Warranty: What type of warranty is offered on the materials and labor? A good warranty can protect you from unexpected costs in the future.
Payment Terms: What are the payment terms? Are you required to pay a large deposit upfront?

7. Ask Questions and Clarify Any Concerns

Before making a final decision, be sure to ask the roofing companies any questions you have. Clarify any concerns you have about the quote, the materials, or the installation process. A reputable roofing company will be happy to answer your questions and address your concerns.

8. Check References

Ask the roofing companies for references from past clients. Contact these references and ask them about their experience with the company. Did the company complete the project on time and within budget? Were they satisfied with the quality of the work? Would they recommend the company to others?

9. Get a Written Contract

Once you’ve chosen a felt roofing company, be sure to get a written contract that outlines the scope of the work, the materials to be used, the price, the payment terms, and the warranty. Read the contract carefully before signing it to ensure that you understand all of the terms and conditions.

10. Trust Your Gut

Ultimately, the decision of which felt roofing company to hire is up to you. Trust your gut and choose a company that you feel comfortable working with. If you have any doubts or reservations about a particular company, it’s best to move on and find another option.

Common Felt Roofing Problems and Repairs

Even with proper installation and maintenance, felt roofing can experience problems over time. Here are some common felt roofing problems and how they can be repaired:

1. Leaks

Leaks are the most common problem with felt roofing. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, damage from weather, and improper installation. Leaks can lead to water damage to your property, so it’s important to address them promptly.

Repairing a felt roof leak typically involves patching the damaged area with new felt material. The damaged area is cleaned and prepared, and then new felt is applied with hot bitumen or adhesive. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace a larger section of the roof.

2. Blisters

Blisters are raised areas on the surface of the felt roofing. They are caused by moisture trapped beneath the felt. Blisters can weaken the roof and make it more susceptible to leaks.

Small blisters can sometimes be left alone, as they may eventually flatten out on their own. Larger blisters should be cut open, the moisture removed, and then the area patched with new felt.

3. Cracks and Tears

Cracks and tears in the felt roofing can be caused by age, exposure to sunlight, and physical damage. Cracks and tears can allow water to penetrate the roof and cause leaks.

Small cracks and tears can be repaired with roofing sealant or patching. Larger cracks and tears may require more extensive repairs, such as replacing a section of the felt roofing.

4. Ponding Water

Ponding water is water that accumulates on the surface of the roof after rain. Ponding water can put extra weight on the roof and can also damage the felt roofing material over time.

To prevent ponding water, the roof should be properly sloped to allow water to drain off. If ponding water is a problem, it may be necessary to install additional drains or to re-slope the roof.

5. Alligatoring

Alligatoring is a pattern of cracking on the surface of the felt roofing that resembles alligator skin. It is caused by the drying out and shrinking of the bitumen over time.

Alligatoring is a sign that the felt roofing is nearing the end of its lifespan. While it may not immediately cause leaks, it can make the roof more vulnerable to damage. Eventually, the alligatoring will worsen, and the roof will need to be replaced.

Maintaining Your Felt Roof: Tips for Longevity

Proper maintenance is essential for extending the lifespan of your felt roof. Here are some tips for maintaining your felt roof:

Regular Inspections: Inspect your felt roof regularly, at least twice a year, for any signs of damage, such as leaks, blisters, cracks, or tears.
Clean the Roof: Keep your roof clean by removing debris, such as leaves, branches, and dirt. Debris can trap moisture and promote the growth of mold and algae.
Trim Overhanging Trees: Trim overhanging trees to prevent branches from falling on the roof and causing damage.
Repair Damage Promptly: Address any damage to the roof promptly to prevent it from worsening. Small repairs can often be done yourself, but larger repairs should be handled by a professional roofing contractor.
Consider a Protective Coating: Applying a protective coating to your felt roof can help to extend its lifespan and protect it from damage. There are various types of coatings available, so consult with a roofing professional to determine the best option for your roof.

When to Replace Your Felt Roof

Even with proper maintenance, felt roofing will eventually need to be replaced. The lifespan of a felt roof typically ranges from 10 to 20 years, depending on the type of felt, the quality of installation, and the climate.

Here are some signs that it’s time to replace your felt roof:

Age: If your felt roof is more than 20 years old, it’s likely nearing the end of its lifespan.
Extensive Damage: If your roof has extensive damage, such as widespread leaks, blisters, cracks, or tears, it may be more cost-effective to replace the roof than to repair it.
Alligatoring: Significant alligatoring indicates that the bitumen is drying out and the roof is nearing the end of its lifespan.
Sagging: A sagging roof indicates structural damage and should be addressed immediately.

If you’re unsure whether your felt roof needs to be replaced, consult with a professional roofing contractor. They can inspect your roof and provide you with an honest assessment of its condition.

Cost Considerations: Felt Roofing Installation and Repair

The cost of felt roofing installation and repair can vary depending on several factors, including:

Size of the Roof: The larger the roof, the more materials and labor will be required, which will increase the cost.
Type of Felt Roofing: Modified bitumen roofing and self-adhesive felt roofing typically cost more than traditional felt roofing.
Complexity of the Roof: A roof with many angles, chimneys, and other features will be more complex to install or repair, which will increase the cost.
Accessibility: If the roof is difficult to access, it will take longer to install or repair, which will increase the labor costs.
Location: Labor costs and material costs can vary depending on your location.

To get an accurate estimate of the cost of your felt roofing project, it’s best to request quotes from multiple roofing companies. Be sure to provide each company with the same information about your project so that you can compare the quotes accurately.

DIY vs. Professional Installation: Which is Right for You?

While it’s possible to install felt roofing yourself, it’s generally recommended to hire a professional roofing contractor. Felt roofing installation requires specialized skills and knowledge, and improper installation can lead to leaks and other problems.

However, if you have experience with roofing and are comfortable working at heights, you may be able to handle smaller felt roofing projects yourself, such as repairing a small leak or replacing a section of felt. But for larger or more complex projects, it’s always best to hire a professional.

Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether to DIY or hire a professional:

Your Experience: Do you have experience with roofing? Are you comfortable working at heights?
The Scope of the Project: Is it a small repair or a large installation?
Your Budget: Can you afford to hire a professional roofing contractor?
Your Time: Do you have the time to complete the project yourself?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Felt Roofing

Here are some frequently asked questions about felt roofing:

Q: How long does felt roofing last?

A: The lifespan of felt roofing typically ranges from 10 to 20 years, depending on the type of felt, the quality of installation, and the climate.

Q: Is felt roofing waterproof?

A: When properly installed and maintained, felt roofing provides excellent water resistance.

Q: What are the advantages of felt roofing?

A: Felt roofing is affordable, easy to install, water-resistant, lightweight, and versatile.

Q: What are the disadvantages of felt roofing?

A: Felt roofing has a shorter lifespan than some other roofing materials and is susceptible to damage from extreme temperatures.

Q: How much does felt roofing cost?

A: The cost of felt roofing installation and repair can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the roof, the type of felt roofing, the complexity of the roof, and the location.

Q: Can I install felt roofing myself?

A: While it’s possible to install felt roofing yourself, it’s generally recommended to hire a professional roofing contractor.

Q: How do I find a reputable felt roofing company near me?

A: Use the tips outlined in this guide, including online research, checking online reviews, asking for recommendations, verifying licensing and insurance, requesting multiple quotes, and checking references.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Felt Roofing Needs

Choosing the right felt roofing company is a crucial decision that can impact the longevity and performance of your roof. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can find a reputable and experienced contractor who can provide you with high-quality felt roofing services at a fair price.

Remember to do your research, ask questions, and trust your gut. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can ensure that your felt roofing project is a success.