COST GUIDES
Replacing roof felt under tiles: Cost breakdown 2026
Updated 04/26
Is your roof leaking or showing signs of wear? Damaged or ageing felt under your tiles could be the culprit.
Here, you'll find the average cost of replacing roof felt under tiles in the UK – whether it's a small patch repair or an entire underlay replacement.
Fast Facts
Roofing felt has a lifespan of around 30 years, depending on the material used and the quality of the installation
Repatching is possible when damage is restricted to a small area and is relatively inexpensive at around £200
Prices for replacing felt for a full roof range from around £2,000 to £7,300
Replacing roof felting isn't a DIY job. You'll need the expertise of a professional roofer
How much does replacing roof felt under tiles cost in 2026?
Our roofing felt costings in the table are based on a three-bedroom, semi-detached house.
| Item | Average UK cost |
|---|---|
| Labour (1 week, 2 people) | £2,400 |
| Roofing felt/breather membrane | £345 |
| Scaffolding | £2,000 |
| Roof battens | £1,100 |
| Roof tiles | £6,210 |
| Ridge tiles | £590 |
| Lead flashing | £250 |
| Fixings | £20 |
| Last updated: June 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | |
Roof felt repair cost UK
The average roofing felt prices start from around £200 for a small patch repair on a residential property.
Full roof felt replacement cost UK
If the underlay is considerably old and brittle, you might need the entire roof to be refelted.
Prices for replacing felt for a full roof range from around £2,000 through to £7,300.
Often, removing and reusing existing tiles is more labour-intensive than replacing them. If your home needs a full roof felt replacement, it can sometimes be more cost-effective to install new tiles at the same time.
Roofing felt replacement cost per m2 in the UK
A roofer will normally base your roof felt replacement quote on labour time, plus materials.
However, it's also useful to get a steer on a roofing felt replacement cost per m2.
The average cost of re-felting a roof per m2 in the UK is around £50. However, the exact price you'll pay will depend on the type of roof that needs refelting, the roof size, and the roof condition.
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Roof felt replacement cost calculator
To get an estimate for your roof felt replacement based on your size needs, give our interactive cost calculator a try.
Job Estimate Calculator
What affects the cost of replacing roof felt?
When you're calculating your roof underlay replacement cost, there are several factors you'll need to take into account:
Roof size and pitch
Ease of access (tricky access can add to labour time)
Type of roofing felt used (rubberised asphalt is pricier)
Whether tiles can be reused
Whether battens (which sit on top of felt and support the tiles) can be reused
Scaffolding or skip hire requirements
Some roofers will wrap these costs into your final quote, but not always. That's why it's important to clarify exactly what's included.
Hidden costs for roofing felt replacement to watch out for
Other cost factors that might arise include:
Hidden damage – If there’s underlying damage to the roof structure or underlay, extra repairs may be needed, increasing costs
Insulation – Upgrading to warm loft insulation at rafter level may be worth considering during the work, especially for loft conversions
Modern roofs use breathable felt that lets moisture escape, but homes built in the 60s and 70s often have non-breathable felt. This can trap moisture, leading to rot in rafters and joists over time.
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Signs your roof felt needs replacing
Most homeowners won't even be aware of roofing felt – until a leak from the roof crops up. This can be a sign that the roofing felt has been damaged or decayed in certain areas.
Other tell-tale signs that your roofing felt needs replacing include:
Long, small cracks are starting to form
Damp patches or leaks in the loft
Sagging or torn felt
Daylight visible through the roof
Musty smells or mould
If you notice any of these signs, you'll want it looked at by a checked roofer.
Did you know that a drone roof survey using thermal imaging cameras can detect damage to the roofing felt or underlayment beneath tiles? This means you'll get a clearer picture of the level of damage without the costs of scaffolding.
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What does roof felt replacement involve?
The first thing to know about roof felt replacement is that, in most cases, tiles will need to be removed to access the underlay properly.
A typical roof felt replacement involves:
Removing tiles and battens to expose the felt
Checking the rafters and timbers for any signs of damage or rot
Installing new felt or membrane to improve ventilation and protection
Fitting new battens (if needed) to support the tiles
Reinstalling or replacing tiles
Finishing and clean-up to remove any waste
Final check to make sure it’s watertight
Roof felt repair from the inside is only a possibility if the damage is very minor. In most situations, a full replacement is needed for a long-lasting result.
Cost of professional roof felt replacement vs DIY
Felting a small flat roof can be a DIY job with the right skills and equipment. But for any work at height, you'll need a professional roofer. DIY roof work is risky because of:
Falls from height
Unstable tiles and surfaces
Poor installation leading to leaks
Risk of structural damage
Potential to void your home insurance
For peace of mind and a long-lasting result, hiring an experienced roofer is the safer and more cost-effective option.
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Felt roof replacement cost checklist
FAQS about felt roof replacement costs
Roofing felt, also known as roofing underlay acts as a protective barrier. It helps to keep flat and pitched roofs watertight and has a lifespan of around 30 years depending on the material used.
Roofing felt typically comprises a base (made from wood, cellulose, fibreglass or polyester) coated with a layer of asphalt to repel water while promoting breathability. This final top layer protects the roof from the impact of exposure to extreme cold or bright sunlight.
While it is possible to replace small patches, replacing the felt entirely will prolong the life of your roof and prevent further damage to your property.
For an average home, replacing roof felt usually takes 2 to 5 days, depending on weather conditions and roof complexity.
No, it’s not recommended to put new felt over old felt. Old felt should be removed so the roof structure can be checked, and the new membrane can be installed properly for a watertight finish.
Roofing felt is laid directly over the rafters (or decking on flat roofs), with battens fixed on top to hold the tiles in place.
On pitched roofs, felt is usually fixed with nails or staples and secured by battens. On flat roofs, adhesive or heat (torch-on systems) may be used depending on the material.
Traditional felt typically lasts 20–30 years, while modern breathable membranes can last 30–50 years or more when properly installed.
Modern roofing underlay (breathable membrane) is generally better than traditional felt. It allows moisture to escape, improves ventilation, and usually lasts longer.
No, layering new felt over old can trap moisture and lead to rot. A full replacement is the best way to ensure long-term performance.
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