DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

Posted: **Thu Jun 16, 2011 8:51 pm**

Hoping to get some advice on the images in this album -

http://s1128.photobucket.com/albums/m498/joe9002/

They are of a loft in a house that we are considering buying. I am concerned that the plastic coating is an attempt to hold back a leaking roof. There are also damp patches on the roof. I don't want to believe there are problems - the house is great - but am I kidding myself, or just paranoid?

Thanks

Posted: **Sat Jun 18, 2011 5:33 pm**

Joe900,
The roof does not have any felt under the tiles and provided the tiles are sound this does not present a problem. The plastic may be in place because a lot of dirt is blown into loft areas with this type of roof. Snow can also be blown in under the tiles.
Damp or condensation - probably neither.
end

Posted: **Sun Jun 19, 2011 7:11 pm**

thanks for that information - I am reassured to hear it. I suppose it was the water marks that got me worried.

Posted: **Tue Jun 21, 2011 8:21 pm**

Joe, concentrate on the wood that you can see, is there any sign of damp?
Go outside with some binoculars and study as much of the roof as you can, look for missing tiles, missing flashing, if any.
Then go back inside and look at those parts of the roof.
Buy a damp meter and use it to check any suspect places.