Felt flat roof window upstand replacement

Any help would be appreciated. I am replacing my small flat roof window on a felt roof but will also need to replace the upstand which is very old. The new upstand is a little smaller than the previous one.
What would be the best way to remove the old upstand as the flashing pieces extend around 180mm onto the deck, should each entire flashing piece be removed from the deck? I can cut around the base of the upstand to remove that easy enough, the felt pieces on the deck seem well stuck down. Thank you

Asked by Gary on 4th May 2026
Expert Trade Answers
"Thank you for your message—happy to help.

In this situation, the best approach would be to remove the existing flashing pieces in full rather than cutting tightly around the base of the old upstand. Although it may seem easier to leave the sections that extend approximately 180mm onto the deck, doing so can compromise the integrity of the new installation.
We would recommend carefully lifting the existing felt back beyond the current flashing area—ideally allowing at least 300–450mm of working space around the opening. This will give you enough room to install new felt and dress it correctly into the new, smaller upstand.

If the existing felt is particularly well adhered, gentle heat can be used to soften the bitumen and assist with removal, taking care not to damage the deck beneath. Once removed, inspect the deck for any signs of deterioration and carry out repairs if required before installing the new upstand and waterproofing system.

Taking the time to fully remove and renew this section will ensure a far more durable and watertight result.
Kind regards sonny ecolegacy"
Answered on 4th May 2026 - Member since Mar 2026 - report
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