Roof Felt and Batten Replacement in Chippenham
BC Roofing & Building replaces roof felt, underlay and treated timber battens across Chippenham and the surrounding Wiltshire area. From tired old felt and rotten battens found during a repair, to a full strip, re-felt and re-batten as part of a re-roof — we sort the hidden layers of your roof properly so the tiles above have something sound to sit on.
- Treated roofing battens
- Roof felt and underlay work
- Full re-roof support
- Local Chippenham roofing service
- Serving Chippenham & nearby Wiltshire
What is roof felt and batten replacement?
Roof felt and batten replacement means lifting the roof covering so old felt, underlay or timber battens can be renewed. Treated battens support the tiles or slates, while the felt or breathable membrane provides a secondary weather layer beneath the roof covering.
Who replaces roof felt and battens in Chippenham?
BC Roofing & Building provides roof felt and batten replacement in Chippenham and nearby Wiltshire areas — covering old bitumen felt, damaged battens, breathable membrane, leaks traced beneath the tiles and full re-roof work. Call +44 7570 016 676 for advice or a quote.
Roof Felt and Batten Replacement in Chippenham
The layers beneath your tiles do the quiet work of keeping your home dry — when they fail, they need renewing properly.
Most homeowners never see the felt and battens on their own roof — they sit hidden beneath the tiles or slates and only get exposed when work is being done. BC Roofing & Building helps homeowners across Chippenham and the wider Wiltshire area with roof felt, underlay and treated batten replacement, whether that's tied into a roof repair, a strip and re-tile of one slope, or a full re-roof.
We come across old bitumen felt that's gone brittle, torn membrane between the rafters, battens that have softened around the nail fixings, and leaks that keep coming back because the layer beneath the tiles has quietly failed. Replacing the felt and battens properly — with treated timber and a modern breathable membrane — gives the new (or refitted) tiles something sound to sit on for the next stretch of the roof's life.
Every job starts with a proper look at the roof, and where possible, at the underside from the loft. We'll explain what we see, what needs doing and what doesn't, then send a clear written quote. For related work, see our roof repairs in Chippenham or roof tiling and slating in Chippenham page.
What Are Roof Battens?
The timber lengths that quietly hold your entire roof covering in place.
Roof battens are lengths of treated timber fixed horizontally across the rafters, running along the slope of the roof. Each tile or slate hangs from a batten by a nib or nail, and the spacing between battens is set so the courses overlap and shed water properly.
Without battens, there's nothing for the tiles to grip. If a batten softens with age, splits or rots, the fixings can pull out and the tile above it starts to work loose — often the first hidden cause behind slipped tiles and mystery leaks.
Tile Support and Fixing
We use graded, pressure-treated tile battens on tiling and re-roof work. The right batten section and the right nail matters — undersized or untreated timber is a common cause of premature failure on cheaper roofing jobs.
What Does Roof Felt or Underlay Do?
Your secondary defence against rain that gets past the tiles.
Roof felt — or on modern roofs, a breathable membrane — sits directly on top of the rafters and beneath the battens. Its job is to catch anything the tiles miss: wind-driven rain, blown snow, dust and any small drips from a slipped tile — and guide that water down and out into the gutter.
Old Roof Felt
Traditional bitumen felt hardens and cracks with age. Once it's brittle it stops flexing with the roof and lets water past the laps. On older Chippenham properties we often find felt that looks intact from a distance but crumbles when touched.
Breathable Membrane
Newer breathable membranes are lighter, tougher and let moisture escape the roof space more easily than old bitumen felt. They're the standard choice on modern re-roofs and new build-ups.
Why Treated Roof Battens Matter
Battens sit in the damp, ventilated void beneath your tiles for decades — the timber has to be up to it.
Treated Roof Battens
- Pressure-treated to help resist rot and insect damage
- Graded to the correct section for the tile type and spacing
- Fixed with the right nails at the right centres
- Standard on our tiling, strip-and-retile and re-roof work
What happens if battens are damaged?
Rotten, split or under-sized battens don't hold tile fixings properly. Tiles start to rock, slip in wind and can eventually come away — leaving the underlay exposed and letting water into the roof space. It's one of the most common reasons a "small tile repair" turns into a bigger job.
Guidance only — we'll always confirm the right batten specification for your particular roof at the quote stage.
When Should Felt and Battens Be Replaced?
The situations where lifting the tiles and renewing the layers beneath is the right call.
During a full re-roof
Any full re-roof includes new membrane and treated battens as standard — it makes no sense to lay new tiles on tired old layers.
When old felt is brittle or torn
If the felt visible in the loft has hardened, cracked or split, it's stopped doing its job as a secondary weather layer.
When tiles are being stripped back
Once the tiles are off in an area, it's the right moment to check the layers beneath and renew what's needed.
When battens are rotten or weakened
Softened, crumbling or split battens can't hold tile fixings reliably — they need replacing before re-tiling.
When leaks are traced beneath the tiles
If water is getting past the tiles into the underlay, replacing the local felt and battens usually solves it for good.
When old roofing work was poor quality
Undersized or untreated battens, badly lapped felt and missing counter-battens are common issues on cheaper past jobs.
Why old felt should not be ignored
Brittle felt won't necessarily leak on a still, dry day — but the moment you get a spell of driving rain from the wrong direction, water can track past the tiles, through the failed underlay and onto the ceilings below. Renewing the layer during planned work is far cheaper than dealing with the damp damage afterwards.
Felt, Battens, Membrane and Roof Tiles Explained
Roof Build-Up: Tiles, Battens and Underlay — how the layers sit on a typical pitched roof.
Concrete or slate roof tiles
The visible outer covering that sheds rain, snow and debris away from the roof.
Treated roof battens
Horizontal timber lengths fixed across the rafters that support and space the tiles or slates.
Breathable membrane or roof felt
A secondary weather layer that catches any water that gets past the tiles and helps direct it to the gutter.
Rafters / roof structure
The timber framework that carries the whole roof — battens and membrane are fixed to this.
Loft space
The area beneath the rafters where signs of a failing membrane or leaking tiles usually show up first.
Simplified diagram for illustration. Real roofs vary — insulation, counter-battens and detail layers differ depending on the age and build-up of your property.
Not sure what's under your tiles?
Book a felt and batten inspection and get honest advice on whether repair or replacement is the right call.
Signs Your Roof Battens or Felt May Be Failing
Most felt and batten problems show up first in the loft, or as tile behaviour that doesn't quite look right.
Water Marks in the Loft
Damp patches or staining on the loft timbers often mean the underlay above is torn, brittle or has failed at a lap.
Old Brittle Felt
Traditional bitumen felt hardens with age and cracks. Once it goes brittle it stops shedding wind-driven rain properly.
Torn or Sagging Underlay
Underlay that has torn between the rafters or is sagging heavily can trap water instead of guiding it to the gutter.
Missing Tiles Exposing Underlay
A gap in the tiles above leaves the felt or membrane exposed to UV and weather, shortening its life quickly.
Recurring Roof Leaks
If the same area keeps leaking after repairs, the underlay or battens beneath the tiles are usually the real cause.
Loose or Uneven Tiles
Tiles that rock, lift or sit unevenly may be sitting on rotten or split battens that no longer hold the nails properly.
Damp Patches After Heavy Rain
Wet spots appearing only after storms often point to wind-driven rain getting past a failed underlay layer.
Rotten Timber Battens
Softened, crumbling or discoloured battens visible during repairs are a clear sign it's time to replace before re-tiling.
Roof Being Stripped for Repairs
Once the tiles are off, it usually makes sense to renew felt and battens in the same visit rather than covering old work.
Signs Felt and Battens May Need Attention
A quick guide linking common signs to the underlying issue and a sensible next step.
| Sign | Possible issue | Recommended next step |
|---|---|---|
| Water marks in the loft | Underlay may be torn, brittle or leaking at a lap | Book a roof and loft inspection |
| Missing tiles exposing underlay | UV and rain damaging the felt beneath | Refit tiles and check the underlay condition |
| Sagging roof sections | Battens or rafters may be weak or over-loaded | Structural check before re-covering |
| Old brittle felt visible in loft | Bitumen felt has hardened and is cracking | Plan strip, re-felt and re-batten |
| Recurring leaks in the same spot | Underlay or battens have failed beneath the tiles | Lift the covering, replace felt and battens |
| Visible underlay damage from inside | Torn membrane letting water into the roof space | Repair or replace membrane section |
| Loose or uneven tiles | Battens may be rotten and no longer holding fixings | Lift tiles and renew battens as needed |
| Roof stripped during repairs | Old felt and battens exposed and often past their best | Fit new membrane and treated battens |
Guidance only — every roof is different. Book a proper inspection for advice specific to your property.
Roof Layer Issue Priority Matrix
How urgent different felt, batten and underlay problems tend to be. When in doubt, book an inspection.
| Issue | What you may notice | Risk if ignored | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|---|
Priority Old roof felt (bitumen) | Cracked, brittle sheets visible from the loft | Wind-driven rain gets past the covering | Plan re-felt during next strip or re-roof |
Priority Damaged battens | Tiles rocking, split timber under lifted tiles | Tile fixings pull out, tiles slip in wind | Renew battens as tiles are lifted |
Priority Missing tiles exposing underlay | Visible gap, felt showing through | Rapid membrane failure and leaks | Refit tiles urgently, check membrane |
Priority Recurring leaks | Same patch leaks after each storm | Hidden rot in timbers and insulation | Full inspection — usually strip and renew layers |
Priority Torn underlay | Water tracking down rafters, staining on plasterboard | Damp, mould and ceiling damage | Lift local tiles and repair or replace membrane |
Priority Sagging roof area | Dip visible in the roof line | Possible batten or rafter failure | Structural inspection before further work |
Priority Water marks in loft | Dark stains on rafters and joists | Ongoing leak that may worsen | Trace the source and repair felt/tiles |
Priority Roof being prepared for re-roof | Tiles coming off, old layers exposed | Missed opportunity if old layers reused | Fit new membrane and treated battens as standard |
Guidance only — contact us for an inspection specific to your property.
Roof Felt and Battens During a Re-Roof
On a full re-roof, replacing the membrane and battens isn't optional — it's the whole point of doing the job properly.
Re-Roof Preparation
A re-roof starts with stripping the old tiles or slates, clearing the old felt and battens and checking the rafters. Anything soft or damaged in the structure is flagged before we go any further, so you're not surprised with hidden issues halfway through.
New Membrane and Treated Battens
A new breathable membrane is laid across the rafters, lapped correctly and dressed into the gutter line. Fresh treated battens are then fixed on top at the right centres for your tile or slate. Only then does the new covering go back on.
Roof Layer Inspection
If you're not sure whether your roof needs a full re-roof or just felt and batten work in one area, we can inspect and give an honest opinion — often a targeted repair is enough for now.
Our Felt and Batten Replacement Process
Straightforward and stress-free — from first call to newly-covered roof.
Get in touch
Call +44 7570 016 676 or send a quick enquiry with a few details about the roof.
Roof & loft inspection
We check the tiles from outside and, where possible, the underlay and battens from the loft.
Clear written quote
A straightforward quote covering felt, battens and any tile work needed — no hidden extras.
Layers replaced properly
New breathable membrane and treated battens fitted, tiles refitted and the site left tidy.
Local Felt and Batten Replacement Across Wiltshire
Based in Chippenham and working across the town, surrounding villages and nearby parts of Bristol, Avon and Gloucestershire.
As well as felt and batten replacement in Chippenham, we regularly work on roofs in Calne, Corsham, Melksham, Lacock, Trowbridge, Devizes, Bath and Swindon, plus properties over into Bristol, Avon and Gloucestershire. Being local means we can usually get out for a look quickly and give you a realistic picture in person. For related pages, see our roof tiling and slating in Chippenham or fascias, soffits and guttering in Chippenham.
- Chippenham
- Calne
- Corsham
- Melksham
- Lacock
- Trowbridge
- Devizes
- Bath
- Swindon
- Bristol
- Avon
- Gloucestershire
Not sure if we cover your area? Give us a call — we're often working just a bit further afield too.
See Our Roofing Work
A closer look at recent felt, batten, membrane and re-roof work completed across Chippenham and Wiltshire.
Why Choose BC Roofing & Building?
A straightforward local roofing company that turns up, does the job properly and treats your property with respect.
Local Chippenham roofing company
Treated tile battens as standard
Modern breathable membranes and traditional felt
Clear written quotes before work starts
Help with repairs, strip and re-tiles and full re-roofs
Straightforward advice — no sales pressure
Site left tidy at the end of every job
Real project images across the website
Roof Felt and Batten FAQs
Answers to the questions we're asked most often about roof felt, underlay and treated batten work.
What are roof battens?
Roof battens are lengths of timber fixed horizontally across the rafters. They give the roof tiles or slates something solid to hook onto and hold each row at the right spacing so the covering sheds water correctly.
Frequently asked questionWhy are roof battens treated?
Battens sit in a damp, ventilated part of the roof for decades, so they are pressure-treated with preservative to help resist rot and insect attack. We use graded, treated tile battens as standard on tiling and re-roof work.
When should roof felt and battens be replaced?
Usually when the tiles are being lifted anyway — during a re-roof, a strip and re-tile, after storm damage, or when the old felt is torn or the battens are rotten. If a roof leak is traced back to failed underlay, replacement is often the right call.
Are felt and battens replaced during a re-roof?
Yes. On any full re-roof we strip the old covering, remove the old felt and battens, then fit a new breathable membrane and fresh treated battens before the new tiles or slates go back on.
Can damaged battens cause roof leaks?
Battens themselves don't keep water out — that's the tiles and membrane — but rotten or split battens can let tiles slip or sit unevenly, which opens up gaps and leads to leaks over time.
Do roof battens sit above the roof membrane?
Yes. In a modern build-up the breathable membrane is laid over the rafters, then the treated battens are fixed on top of the membrane, and the tiles or slates hang from the battens.
Can old roof felt be replaced without a full new roof?
In many cases the felt can only be replaced by lifting the tiles above it, which effectively means a strip and re-tile of that section. Small localised repairs are sometimes possible; we'll advise honestly after a look at the roof.
Do you replace roof battens in Chippenham?
Yes. BC Roofing & Building replaces roof battens across Chippenham and the surrounding Wiltshire area, either as part of a repair, a strip and re-tile or a full re-roof.
Can you inspect roof felt and battens?
Yes. We can inspect from the loft to check the underside of the felt and the condition of the battens where visible, and from the roof to check the covering. If more is needed, we'll explain what and why before quoting.
What happens if old battens are left in place?
Rotten or weak battens can crumble around the nails, causing tiles to slip or lift in wind. Leaving them in place during a re-roof is a false economy — new tiles on old battens rarely last as they should.
Or call us on +44 7570 016 676 or 01249 533028.
Request a Roof Felt and Batten Quote
Not sure whether your roof felt, underlay or battens need replacing? Send us a few details about the issue and BC Roofing & Building will advise on the next step. If it's easier, you can call +44 7570 016 676 and talk it through, or head straight to the enquiry form below.
- Roof felt replacement
- Treated roof battens
- Underlay and membrane work
- Roof repairs
- Full re-roof support
- Local Chippenham and Wiltshire service
Get Your Free Roofing Quote
Tell us what roofing work you need and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.