Roof without felt - couple of questions

stiofan85

Hi folks,

Just bought a 1950s end of terrace and the roof has no felt. I know this is how they were built then and I'm not concerned but think it needs some tlc to remedy some problems and would appreciate some direction.

I was up in the attic this morning during the rain and could see some bits of moisture on the underside of some tiles. It wasn't being driven in, or dripping but it was visible and wet to touch in a good few places. These weren't cracked tiles from what I could tell - it seemed to be coming from the joint between the tiles. Is this to be expected? In the attached photo, you can see white staining, which I'm assuming is from water ingress over the years but not of concern?



The attic is really breezy and dry, but there have obviously been leaks in the past based on damaged to the ceilings and staining on some of the timbers. You can see the worst case of discoloured timber in the pic below. You can see light coming in beside the truss, so I know this staining is from a cracked tile. Once I replace the tile, my goal was to treat the timber with some hardener and brace with a new piece of timber to the same dimensions, to as long as I can fit along the beam. Is there anything to be aware of there?



I'm planning on disposing of the old insulation and re-laying new stuff to above the joists. Since this would make the attic much colder, would it make sense to use a few roof vents (like this) in place of the cracked tiles, or would there be sufficient ventilation up there already? It is very draughty! I don't believe there are any vents in the eaves, I think the current ventilation just comes from between the tiles. Is this correct? There are no facia boards, just concrete.

It's also really dusty. More than I've ever seen in my parents' attic. I'm guessing this is due to how draughty the place is and it's easier to blow dust around the place? Plan is to just remove the old insulation, give the place a good clean and lay new.



Any advice is much appreciated!

BryanF

Have you checked the chimney flues?

stiofan85

BryanF wrote: »

Have you checked the chimney flues?

What would I be checking for?

Calahonda52

stiofan85 wrote: »

What would I be checking for?

Crack letting smoke and stuff in.
You also need to look at the chimney flashing.
Unless the old insulation is very compressed I would not remove it, no need just raise the ceiling joists and dd in more to give you may 400mm of insulation in total.
Lots on this site how to do it, and not!

stiofan85

Calahonda52 wrote: »

Crack letting smoke and stuff in.
You also need to look at the chimney flashing.
Unless the old insulation is very compressed I would not remove it, no need just raise the ceiling joists and dd in more to give you may 400mm of insulation in total.
Lots on this site how to do it, and not!

Ah I get you. Fire is gas and not used. Putting in a wood burning stove.

Will check flashing when I'm checking roof tiles. I fear it may be leaking due to some bad colouring on the wood next to the chimney. Will get a pro if it needs doing.

I think I'm going to get rid of the existing insulation due to the dust. It's really badly coated in it. I'm asthmatic and want to use the attic for storage (on joist stilts + plywood). I'd rather have it clean so I'm not in a heap every time I've to get up there! Also, some of it is quite perished and it's not expensive so happy enough to redo it.

Calahonda52

if you cover the old with say cellulose insulation then happy days, the dust will be covered.
IMO, those stilts are crap, raise the joist timbers 50 mm at a time. along the existing ceiling joists, plenty written here about it.

Keep well and good luck.