DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

I'm in the process of purchasing a new house, and took a few photos of the roof rafters/felt. Access is difficult so I couldn't really get up close, but it looks to me like roofing felt has been tacked on between the rafters with battens from the inside, rather than being laid above the rafters. It's a Victorian terrace house - no obvious signs of damp or ingress, but I'm concerned this could be hiding something else? Perhaps this is the only felt on the roof, but I've never seen it tacked on like this before.
Any experienced advice would be appreciated on this.

[img] http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/8350/img0473.jpg [/img]

[img] http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/7329/img0472.jpg [/img]

It could be something as simple as draught proofing. When buying a house it's best to remember "Buyer beware" If in doubt get it checked out by someone qualified.

"but it looks to me like roofing felt has been tacked on between the rafters with battens from the inside, rather than being laid above the rafters."

You are probably correct. My house is 30s and there is no felt twixt wood and tile so the chances of a Victorian one having some are - well you guess.


"but I'm concerned this could be hiding something else?"

Why?


"but I've never seen it tacked on like this before."

All tiled roofs leak like sieves - I mean dirt not water. I'll bet you this weeks lottery numbers that its been put up to keep the dirt and some of the drafts out so that the roofspace can be used for storage.

Let your surveyor have a look when he does his report for you. Otherwise I wouldn't worry about it.

Cheers


Any experienced advice would be appreciated on this.

[img] http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/8350/img0473.jpg [/img]

[img] http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/7329/img0472.jpg [/img][/quote]

Thanks guys, that's reassured me a bit - I did suspect it might be to prevent debris or draughts, but was just hoping it wasn't a crappy fix to cover perished felt.
I'll take a better look with a ladder and torch to be sure, but thanks for your input folks.

For up to 5 FREE quotes from trusted, vetted and insured tradesmen in your area visit the DIY Doctor Find a Tradesman page: https://www.diydoctor.org.uk/find_tradesmen/