Roof Replacement vs. Roof Restoration: What’s More Cost-Effective for Aging Roofs?
Roof Replacement vs. Roof Restoration: What’s More Cost-Effective for Aging Roofs?


When it comes to roof repair or replacement, homeowners often ask whether roofing felt can be replaced from inside the home. Roofing felt plays a crucial role in protecting the roof deck and enhancing the durability of the entire roofing system. However, replacing it isn’t as straightforward as it may seem.
This article explores whether roofing felt can be replaced from the inside, the key signs of damage, and the best approach to replacing it effectively.
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What is roofing felt?
Roofing felt, also known as underlayment, is a protective layer installed between the roof deck and the shingles. It acts as a moisture barrier, preventing leaks and water damage. Made from either organic materials or fibreglass, roofing felt strengthens the roofing system and enhances its weather resistance.
Signs You Need to Replace Roofing Felt
A number of indicators show that your roofing felt needs replacement.
Leaks
The presence of ceiling or wall leaks serves as evidence that roofing felt cannot effectively shield your roof anymore.
Sagging Roof
Water trapped underneath roofing material can make the roof sag thus affecting the roofing felt’s ability to defend the deck.
Damaged or Missing Shingles
The harm from seasonal moisture increases because shingles that are broken or missing allow moisture to penetrate the roofing felt.
Mold or Mildew Growth
Mold or mildew appearance on either your attic or ceilings notifies you that moisture has penetrated through your roofing felt.
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Why Can't Roofing Felt Be Replaced from the Inside?
Location of the Felt Layer
The location of roofing felt beneath the shingles above the roof deck makes this material inaccessible to inside home maintenance. The roof needs external access to execute any maintenance job on its surfaces.
Need for Shingle Removal
The protection of the roof materials requires complete shingles or tile removal before felt repair. Before replacing roofing felt, it is fundamental to obtain direct access so that necessary inspections can detect any wear signs, leak points, and other damage. The process of removing shingles or tiles is only feasible from outside the house structure.
Structural Integrity
When replacement of roofing felt takes place without correct external roof access, it might damage the building structure. Improper weight distribution and handling techniques during felt replacement may damage the roof deck, which increases future maintenance expenses.
The Process of Replacing Roofing Felt
The replacement procedure of roofing felt requires external work because access is only possible from outside the house. The following points show how external replacement takes place.
Inspection and Preparation
Roof work must start after performing an examination of the roof structure for damages. All shingles that show cracks or loose attachment require removal before the next steps. After the inspection, the roofer will verify whether any damage exists in the roof decking because decay would require repairs to proceed with new felt installation.
Removal of Old Felt
The work continues with removing all existing roofing felt because it has damage. Special care must be used to remove the roof decking by peeling off its surface. The full removal of installed felt requires occasionally extracting old nails and staples.
Installation of New Roofing Felt
The removal process of old felt must finish before starting to install new roofing felt. The horizontal laying of felt occurs before its fastening to the roof decking. Each layer of new roofing felt should overlap the next due to stapling or nailing to create protection against water entry.
Reinstallation of Shingles
Roles for new roofing felt become ready for addition with shingle replacement on top. Careful editing must happen to avoid water penetration through roof gaps.
Conclusion
Roofing felt replacement should be executed only through exterior roof access despite any initial temporary interest in performing it from within. Roof professionals remove shingles before placing freshly installed felt right onto the deck supports. A professional roofing contractor should handle any doubts about roof maintenance or perform assessments to determine felt replacement needs.
You can contact Action Roofing whenever you need assistance with roofing felt replacement. Call our team today to schedule your no-cost assessment.
FAQ's
Is small roofing felt repair possible instead of performing a total replacement?
The practice is acceptable when the damage remains minimal. Minor problems can be fixed through patching, but owners should replace the entire system to achieve lasting durability.
What Is The Expected Service Life Span Of Roofing Felt?
Roofing felt of high quality will survive outside conditions and maintenance procedures while delivering a lifespan of 20-30 years. Scheduled roof checks function as an effective method to increase the overall lifespan.
What Should I Expect If I Choose Not To Replace The Damaged Roofing Felt?
Any failure to repair damaged roofing felt results in future costs that grow higher because it allows water damage and mold growth while weakening the roof structure.
Does roofing felt need to be used on every roof?
The addition of roofing felt to your roof structure acts as a protective barrier against moisture, which enhances both its durability and extends its functional life.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Roofing Felt?
The replacement cost depends on the dimensions of the roof together with both the chosen materials and labor expenses. You need to contact Action Roofing so they can perform a free inspection for getting an accurate quote.
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Hi Peter just wanted to say thank you for such an expert and quickly completed renovation. Our roof has never looked better. Much appreciated you trying to work around the other tradesmen to make it stay great. Hoping that you have a fabulous Christmas and 2021 is wonderful for you

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EXCELLENT Based on 44 reviews Gregory Vella2025-03-31Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I use action roofing on a rental property of mine ,changing full roof from tiles to colour bond PETER went above and beyond organised. Everything for me. And worked well between real estate and tenants truly appreciate his And team effort efforts. very professional …. Anthony Ciccarelli2025-03-28Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great job done by the boys restoring my roof. Looks brand new. Highly recommend Action Roofing. Bob Hudson2025-03-11Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Action Roofing was recommended by a local carpenter. Michael said I would be really happy with them - and I was. Michael knew one of the owners for many years. All the dealings I had with Paul and Peter (the owners) and subsequently Ben and Kyle, who did the actual roofing repairs, were excellent. There were plenty of photos provided (I asked for them) and Ben explained what they did, and also educated me on what makes a good job and why. More research on my part confirmed that Ben and earlier Paul, were not talking "through their hat". The repairs/maintenance were not cheap but the care Ben and Kyle showed in their work was obvious. I wanted a good job with no shortcuts. Earlier at the time Paul assessed my roof, after questioning, Paul indicated that if I wanted shortcuts, then I would have to get another roofer. Overall, very happy customer. TallBoyGareth2025-02-26Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. These guys fixed two of our roofs over two months, They genuinely did a great job hence why we hired them again for the second job. Would definitely work with them again if needed. ere Social2025-02-21Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Peter is one of the rare tradies that is honest and accurate about what needs fixing on a job and hence doesn’t charge an arm and a leg. EMMANUEL Real Estate SMA2025-02-21Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We use Peter for all of our roofing jobs and I would’t risk giving a job to anyone else. He is quick to pin point the issue and his pricing is fair. I once had an owners insurance builders return 5 times to a property without fixing the issue. I asked the owner if we could send Peter which I did and the job was completed first go. Elle2025-02-20Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We couldn't be happier with Action Roofing for the exceptional work Peter and his team did on both our residential and commercial properties. The whole process from start to finish was efficient, well organized and the results amazing! We strongly recommend Action Roofing to anyone needing a roof repair, big or small. We're very pleased with the service and the professionalism we received from Peter and his team and will not hesitate to use their services again in future. Thanks Peter! Cynthia Tay2025-02-17Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Action Roofing has fixed problems in our roof several times over the years. They have always correctly identified the problem and repaired it so there were no further issues. Communication has always been efficient and courteous. Thank you. Dennis2025-02-16Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am the Maintenance manager at a Retirement and aged care village on the Northern Beaches (Allambie Heights) and we have had the pleasure of having Action Roofing do considerable repairs, alterations and maintenance on our many 1970 era, eves and gutters. The service was excellent, the staff very skilled ,polite efficient and clean and tidy. The Owner Peter Portelli was so very competent in all aspects. Technically the best I've been associated with. He was in high demand especially during weather incidents and even then never failed to turn up for appoints , quotes or actual work to be done. When Peter gave his assurances on a job I knew it would be done to the highest standard. I cannot but give him references of the highest quality Regards Dennis Caldwell