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Roof repairs & insulation

  • 02-04-2013 10:36am
    #1
    mapera
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 119 ✭✭


    Hi There,
    I live in a 3 bed semi-d, built around the 1930s. When I go up into the attic I can see the slate tiles. I can see there used to be some sort of a pewter/cement type substance underneath this which has for the most part fallen away (so the attic floor is now covered in this dusty sandy covering).

    We plan to at some stage convert the attic, but in the meantime I want to instulate between the rafters. I imagine though some repair work will need to be done before we do that... anyone know what that old sandy/dusty substance is, and what repair work should be done before insulating?

    Thanks


Comments

  • #2
    sky6
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,445 ✭✭✭sky6


    I think you should get an Architectural Engineer to have a look at it for you as it could be a serious problem.
    Alternatively if you're planning on renovating the Attic then this Summer might be a good time to do it and solve all your problems at once.


  • #3
    OBrother
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 27 ✭OBrother


    This material is most likely a lime plaster known as parging, it helped to prevent wind and wind driven rain entering the attic space. It was used before bitumen type felts were invented. IMO it soaked up damp and created rot in the top of rafters, and it is better that it has fallen away. This type of material was normally applied under slates rather than tiles, you will need to keep a good eye on the roof condition to protect the timbers, as they have no secondary line of protection, e.g. quickly repair slipped or broken slates.

    Fitting insulation between these rafters would need careful specification of ventilation between it and the underside of the roof covering. with ventilation fitted in the soffits and possibly at the ridge. As stated you should have it looked at by someone with experience in this area.


  • #4
    mapera
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 119 ✭✭mapera


    CHeers guys, that sounds about right Obrother.
    Will get someone to have a look at it, cheers,
    A


  • #5
    BryanF
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators Posts: 10,146 Mod ✭✭✭✭BryanF


    mapera wrote: »
    CHeers guys, that sounds about right Obrother.
    Will get someone to have a look at it, cheers,
    A

    Comeback and tell us how you propose to deal with this. IMO wait until your converting the attic, take of the slates , treat the timbers and start from scratch with breathable felt, good depth of insulation etc.


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