Roof Underlay Replacement Cost in Ireland 2026
What it costs to replace the felt under the tiles of a pitched roof in Ireland in 2026, compared with a full re-roof, with signs of failure and how the work is done.
What it costs to replace the felt under the tiles of a pitched roof in Ireland in 2026, compared with a full re-roof, with signs of failure and how the work is done.
Related: Roof re-felting and waterproofing service · Flat roof re-felting cost · Roof replacement cost in Ireland
Underlay, still called roofing felt by most people, is the sheet fixed to the rafters beneath the battens and tiles. Slates and tiles shed most of the rain, but wind drives some water under them. The underlay is the second line of defence, catching that water and sending it down to the gutter.
Older houses have black bitumen felt. After 30 to 40 years it dries out, cracks and tears at the nails, and starts to let water through. Then the signs appear: damp patches in the attic, stained ceilings below the eaves, wet insulation, and a musty smell. The tiles can look perfect while the felt beneath is finished.
These are indicative guide prices for supply and fit, including the new breathable membrane, new treated battens, flashings and waste removal, with VAT at 13.5% on top. A three-bed semi has about 70 to 90m² of roof. The prices depend on size, pitch and how many tiles or slates are broken on the way.
Indicative 2026 price range, supply and fit, in euro. VAT at 13.5% extra.
Prices are indicative and dated 2026. The section re-felt range comes from our own recent quotes and the whole-roof figures are guide prices; we confirm every price in writing after a free survey; the full re-roof figures are from our published price guide.
If the tiles or slates are sound, re-felting saves you the cost of a new covering and is the better spend. If a good share of the covering is cracked, slipped or worn, or the battens and rafters are poor, you would be paying to lift and refit a covering that is near the end of its life. In that case a full re-roof is better value, and it also brings the Lifetime Leak Guarantee. We tell you which it is at the survey, in writing, with photographs. See our guides to roof replacement costs in Ireland, roof replacement in Cork and new roof cost in Dublin.
Modern breathable membrane lets water vapour from inside the house pass out through the roof while still keeping rain out. That cuts condensation, mould on the timbers and damp insulation in the attic. It is also stronger and lasts far longer than old bitumen felt. We use breathable membrane on pitched roof re-felts as standard, fixed under new treated battens.
Every job we do carries a written guarantee, handed over before the work starts. Repair work carries a minimum of 3 years, up to 10 years on major repair work. Replacement work carries 10 years, and any gutter or roof replacement job also carries our Lifetime Leak Guarantee. Your written quote states which guarantee your job carries. We employ our roofers directly and do not subcontract, we are CIRI registered and we carry €6.5 million public liability insurance.
Not sure who to trust with your roof? Check any roofer against the CIRI register, read our customer reviews and see case studies of recent jobs.
We re-felt pitched and flat roofs with local crews in four cities. Our service page roof re-felting and waterproofing covers both.
To book a free survey, use our contact form or call the number for your city above. A qualified roofer visits, checks the roof and gives you a fixed price in writing. If a repair is the better call, we will say so.
Re-felting a three-bed semi with the tiles reused costs about €4,000 to €11,000 in 2026, and about €9,000 to €16,000 with natural slate reused, before VAT at 13.5%. Re-felting and repairing just one section of a roof is about €1,800 to €3,800.
Yes, but only by lifting the tiles or slates, laying the new felt and fixing the same covering back. Felt cannot be changed from the outside without lifting the covering.
Re-felting is usually cheaper because you reuse the covering. If a lot of the tiles or slates are cracked or worn, a full re-roof is better value.
Old bitumen felt lasts about 30 to 40 years before it dries out and tears. A modern breathable membrane is designed to last as long as the covering above it.
It is an underlay that lets water vapour from the house escape through the roof while keeping rain out. It reduces condensation and mould in the attic.
Look for damp patches or wet insulation in the attic, drips at the eaves, daylight through the felt, or brittle torn felt between the rafters. A survey confirms it.
A three-bed semi usually takes four to six days. We strip and cover in sections so the house is not left open to the weather.
Yes. The work is done from outside and the roof is covered at the end of each day.
No, replacing like for like is maintenance. Protected structures and houses in an Architectural Conservation Area should be checked with the local authority first.
No. Scaffold or an access tower, where needed, is quoted separately so you can see the cost.
Yes, VAT at 13.5% is added on top of the prices in this guide, and your written quote shows it separately.
Repair work carries a written guarantee of a minimum of 3 years, up to 10 years on major work. Replacement work carries 10 years, and any gutter or roof replacement job also carries our Lifetime Leak Guarantee. Your quote states which applies.
Yes. A qualified roofer surveys the roof for free and gives you a fixed price in writing within 48 hours.
Roof Re-felting & Waterproofing in Ireland. Free survey, written fixed-price quote, 10-year guarantee.