Chris Baker on a pitched roof with fresh battens and breathable underlay installed

High-performance torch-on felt roofing in Sittingbourne built to stay watertight

Based in Bapchild, I install tough, multi-layer bituminous flat roofs across Sittingbourne and surrounding Swale communities. Whether you need to replace perished felt over an extension or re-deck a leaking garage, I inspect the timber substrate myself and lay heavy-duty, polyester-reinforced cap sheets with no subcontractors. Call 01795 904566 to arrange a thorough on-site inspection.

Approved & Accredited By

High-Performance Torch-On Felt Roofing in Sittingbourne

I have been installing and repairing high-performance torch-on felt roofs across Sittingbourne and North Kent for over thirty years. At C.L. Baker, we specialise in multi-layer bituminous systems that provide a robust, watertight seal for residential extensions, garages, and commercial units. Unlike cheaper single-layer alternatives, our systems use a three-stage application: a vapour control layer, a reinforced performance layer, and a heavy-duty polyester mineral cap sheet. This ensures your roof can withstand the coastal winds of the Swale estuary and the temperature fluctuations of the Kent climate. I personally survey every job in the Sittingbourne and Swale area, ensuring the decking is sound and the insulation meets current Building Regulations Part L requirements. We do not use subcontractors; when you hire me, you get my direct expertise on your roof. Whether you need a full flat roof replacement in Bapchild or a leak repair in Sheerness, I provide a clear, technical assessment and a durable finish.

Deal directly with your roofer from survey to sign-off

With over thirty years of trade experience across Sittingbourne, Chris Baker personally inspects your property, quotes the job, and completes the work with no salesmen or subcontractors.

What is included

  • Complete strip of degraded felt down to original structural deck
  • Decking inspection with replacement of water-damaged timber and firrings
  • Heavy-duty SBS-modified reinforced elastomeric underlay installation
  • High-performance polyester mineral cap sheet torch-fused for UV resilience
  • Code 4 milled lead flashings cut and chased into adjoining brickwork
  • Formed timber drip batten trims and dedicated fall lines to eliminate ponding
  • Thermal insulation upgrades meeting current Part L Building Regulations
  • Personal survey, continuous site management, and sign-off by Chris Baker

Signs your flat roof needs torch-on felt renewal

  • Persistent ponding water that fails to drain away, putting prolonged stress on aging seams
  • Visible blistering, cracking, or torn laps across the bituminous felt surface
  • Damp patches, peeling plaster, or spreading brown water stains on ceilings beneath your flat roof
  • Separating perimeter edge trims or failing lead upstands where the flat roof meets the main brickwork
  • A soft or spongy deck underfoot, indicating hidden water ingress and rotted timber boarding beneath the membrane

Torch On Felt Roofing in Sittingbourne: our recent work

Every photo is one of our own jobs.

C.L. Baker roofing vans parked outside a domestic property with roofers working on scaffoldingSeamless grey GRP fibreglass flat roof installation on a residential garage in KentC.L. Baker Kent branded roofing van parked on a residential road in SittingbourneChris Baker on a pitched roof with fresh battens and breathable underlay installedC.L. Baker roofing vans parked outside a domestic property with roofers working on scaffolding

How it works

  1. 01

    Deck Inspection & Survey

    Chris Baker inspects your flat roof timber decking, drainage falls, and perimeter abutments across Sittingbourne to identify exact points of failure.

  2. 02

    Strip-Back & Preparation

    We strip away perished felt, repair sound structural boards, and lay a high-performance reinforced underlay base system.

  3. 03

    Torch-On Cap Application

    We heat-fuse heavy-duty polyester-reinforced mineral cap sheets with fully bonded laps for long-term protection against standing water.

  4. 04

    Edge Trims & Final Sign-Off

    We dress perimeter lead flashings and drip trims, clear all project debris, and personally inspect every seal before signing off the job.

With over thirty years on Sittingbourne roofs, I personally install durable, multi-layer torch-on systems to give your flat roof a tough, watertight finish built to withstand the Kent weather.

Torch On Felt Roofing in Sittingbourne: your questions answered

Do I need Building Regulations approval for a new flat roof in Sittingbourne?

Yes, if I’m replacing a significant part of the roof (usually over 25%), we have to follow Part L regulations. This means we often need to add or upgrade the insulation. As a local roofer who has worked across Sittingbourne for decades, I’m familiar with the standards required by STG Building Control and can talk you through exactly what your specific project needs to stay compliant.

How long will a high-performance felt roof last compared to the old style?

The old "pour and roll" felt roofs often struggled after ten years. The modern high-performance bituminous systems I install are designed to last 20 to 25 years or more if they are looked after. Because they use a polyester-reinforced base, they don't get brittle in the sun or crack during a cold Kent winter.

Is torch-on felt suitable for commercial roofing in Sittingbourne?

I handle plenty of commercial felt roofing projects, especially on units around the Eurolink or smaller business premises in the town centre. It’s a cost-effective and very durable solution for larger spans where you need a reliable, watertight seal without the high cost of some other systems.

Can you fix a leak in my flat roof or does the whole thing need replacing?

It depends on what I find during the inspection. If it’s a small bit of damage to the edge or a failed flashing, a repair might be all you need. However, if the felt is cracking all over or the boards underneath are soft, a repair is usually just throwing good money after bad. I’ll always give you an honest appraisal of the roof’s condition.

Torch On Felt Roofing in Sittingbourne and across

Related services

Guides

Why Choose High-Performance Torch-On Felt for Your Home?

Modern SBS-modified bitumen is a significant upgrade from the old-fashioned pour-and-roll methods. The systems I install are engineered for longevity and resilience. By using high-performance polyester-reinforced felt, I create a flexible, durable surface that moves with your building as temperatures change throughout the seasons. This prevents the cracking and bubbling often found on older, cheaper felt roofs. A proper installation includes careful detailing of all upstands and flashings, ensuring water is directed away from vulnerable joints and into the guttering. For residential garages or kitchen extensions across Sittingbourne and the wider Medway towns, this approach offers a dependable, long-term solution that stays watertight for years to come.

Carolyn

Google review · 5.0 ★

The work was carried out efficiently and well and I am very pleased with the result.

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Emma Woodcock

Google review · 5.0 ★

The work force went above and beyond to do the job, Very polite, great communication and happy with the work completed. Would definitely recommend these men"

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chloe

Google review · 5.0 ★

Roof repair on my tiled roof. Good communication and a fair price! Would highly recommend 5🌟

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kristie baker

Google review · 5.0 ★

Great service, would recommend.

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david checksfield

Google review · 5.0 ★

Re: refelt garage roof ,Chris was very helpful, and his lads worked very hard on a very hot day, clean and tidy,great finish highly recommend

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Our guarantee

The 3-Layer Installation Process: Ensuring a Watertight Seal

Every flat roof replacement starts with a thorough inspection of the roof deck, typically OSB3 or exterior-grade plywood. I ensure the structural integrity of the timber is sound before any new material is laid. The first layer is a vapour control layer, which prevents moisture from the building interior from reaching the insulation. We then install a reinforced underlay, followed by a high-grade mineral surface cap sheet. Each layer is bonded using torch-on technology to create a seamless, monolithic membrane. My focus is on achieving perfect seals at every edge trim and drip-edge. I pay close attention to the flame application, ensuring the bitumen is properly melted to create a watertight bond without compromising the material’s structural properties.

Covered

  • Workmanship on full strip and retile projects and new tiled roofs
  • Milled lead flashings, dry valleys, ridges, and verges we install
  • Seamless GRP fibreglass and high-performance flat roof systems
  • Targeted roof repairs as agreed on your written quotation

On top

  • Tile, slate, and membrane manufacturer product warranties
  • Clear photographic evidence of battening, felting, and finished work
  • Direct contact with Chris Baker throughout—no sales reps or subcontractors
  • Guidance on Building Regulations Part L requirements for re-roofs

Not covered

  • Extreme storm damage, gale uplift, or tree strikes occurring after completion
  • Adjoining roof pitches, shared walls, or areas outside our agreed scope
  • Subsequent foot traffic or modifications carried out by third-party trades
  • Water ingress caused by uncleaned, blocked, or overflowing gutters

The guarantee for your job is written on your quote before you agree to anything. Read the full guarantee.

Roof trouble in Sittingbourne? Speak directly with Chris Baker

Call 01795 904566 for straightforward advice from an experienced local roofer. I inspect every roof myself, explain the exact issue plainly, and provide a clear, no-obligation quote with zero subcontractors.