Roofing Query

Peartree

This new year am turning my attention to the energy efficiency of my house. I have a 1930s house which has a roof which is in very good condition. However, it is not felted on the inside (not sure if this is the correct terminology but when I go in the loft I can see the backs of the tiles). I noted, on a very cold day, that the neighbours roofs all had frost on them and mine didn't so can only assume I'm paying good money to heat the outside world.

A keen DIY colleague said you can buy sheets of material to 'felt' the inside but said be sure to get the stuff with the foil backing. However, having tackled many things in many houses, I don't think this is one I want to try, even with my (un)willing helpers.

I would welcome any advice on what I should be asking companies for when I get them in for quotes (although from experience getting anyone to turn up to give a quote would be a minor triumph). How do I know they know what they are talking about and a what might be the ball park for a reasonable quote for this type of job in a three bedroom, detatched house in the North West.

With a south facing, sun trap, plot, I'm also really keen to look at solar panels (just for water heating) in the next few years. Would it be likely that the same company could fit these onto the roof or should I just consider this completely separately?

In addition, the loft has quite a bit of degraded insulation between the rafters, so would probably get the company to remove and replace this, and also board the loft at the same time.

Appreciate there are quite a few different bits of pieces here but my main concern is that I am informed on exactly what I'm talking about when I start asking for quotes on the felting. And if anyone knows of a reasonable and reliable company in Lancashire....

Peartree

savingallthetime01

I don't know where you are from but i live in burnley and there is a company advertise in the local paper called the citizen,, who open up the hatch board and put lights up as well not sure of the number

Reluctant_spender

Have a look at your energy providers website, they may be running offers in relation to the insulation of your house, roofs, walls etc. Failing that you local council may be able to assist with a similar scheme to the one described above.

In relation to solar panels I would hold off just for the moment, there is so much mixed messages out there that it is hard to know who is telling the truth. I do not think there are huge gains to be made financially but more enviromentally.

plumb1_2

Nailing felt to the underside of the rafters, will not save any heat, many older houses dont have roofing felt, as realy its only a secondary barrier against your roof leaking.
Best to remove the old insulation and install new fibreglass 250mm or above.

Boarding out you loft will be a little difficult as you will have 250mm of insulation and your cieling joist will only be 75-100mm deep, and you will have to put new timbers in above the height of the new insulation, as it should not be compressed.

siocledpoeth

take care with solar panel companies, shop around and get plenty of quotes. we had a recent visit from an established company - simply solar - or possiby simplee solar; their price dropped thousands within minutes and they tried to make us agree and sign during their visit, seriously outstaying their welcome and laying on the pressure selling.

Peartree

Plumb1, v helpful advice. Was working on basis that I 'ought' to have felting but, apart from when I lost a tile (quickly replaced) have never had leaking problem as roof in very good repair. However, old insulation very, very degraded.

No problem forgetting about the boarding - roof space very limited anyway. Would welcome advice on exactly what I should ask company to provide. Clearly you have some experience on this and, given your location, if you know of any good companies to use (I'm in Preston) please PM me.

Many thanks.

Peartree

plumb1_2

Peartree wrote:

Plumb1, v helpful advice. Was working on basis that I 'ought' to have felting but, apart from when I lost a tile (quickly replaced) have never had leaking problem as roof in very good repair. However, old insulation very, very degraded.

No problem forgetting about the boarding - roof space very limited anyway. Would welcome advice on exactly what I should ask company to provide. Clearly you have some experience on this and, given your location, if you know of any good companies to use (I'm in Preston) please PM me.

Many thanks.

Peartree

Had my cavity walls done a few months ago, £125, i got it done through Powergen my utilitie provider, mybe worth looking whats on offer with yours ie British gas etc. or local council.
If you are on low income or claiming you could get it done for nowt as there are grants available.