Attic Loft Damp Issue / Felt Wet

santiagobravo

Hi,

I know this has been covered before but id just like some pointers on this specific situation.

I partially floored my attic last summer. So far its been ok but recently i noticed that the black felt in the attic is wet and dripping in some areas. The flooring doesn't go all the way to the ends of the house so i assumed this would be sufficient for air circulation.

Now the strange issue, the felt is only wet at my around my waist height. If i touch the top third part of the felt its dry, but the bottom two thirds are wet. This is the same on both sides of the roof but on one side it is more than the other. Its already affected some of my items which I've had to throw out.

The only change i made which i think could have caused this is to put down flooring which compressed the insulation. The areas where i haven't put flooring down have the normal insulation. Its not topped up, just sitting at level with the joist beams. So I'm thinking that i created a colder attic which is causing condensation?

The hatch is sealed tight. There is an extractor fan from the bathroom but the tube goes straight out of the end of the roof. Plus we normally don't use the extractor, always just open the window. No cavity wall insulation either.

What should i do? Ive thought about doing the following:

1. Removing some floor boards at each end of the house - might allow more heat though?
2. Getting roof air vents put in at each end of the house
3. Ive read about some over air vents that go in around the gutter but note sure if this is easily installed and if its expensive

Any feedback is much appreciated

Thanks

S.

Mark_Mark

Have you got an airflow through the loft?

You've not topped up the insulation but is it clear at each end to let air in?

When you go into the loft you should be able to feel a draft on a windy day.

santiagobravo

its clear at each end but i can't recall hearing any wind. Its not windy but i will have to check this when it is.

Will air vents help with this with an over fascia vent?

fitzpm01

I'll step up and ask the stupid question- are you sure it's condensation? Is it worse on colder days or wetter ones? It's been pretty windy recently, could you just have some disturbed slates/tiles?

santiagobravo

I've had a look outside and no tiles have moved. I'm assuming that it's condensation as it's wet on both sides of the felt. Bottom half of felt

santiagobravo

Ok so I had a roofer round to check. No tile damage and under the tiles it's dry. But inside the attic the felt is still most

I already have good ventilation so he advised to put insulation on the rafters. Anyone done this before?

[Deleted User]

Hi Santiago - I haven't done this but have exactly the same problem. Roofer came yesterday and said the same - to insulate more. I am just starting to research whether there are any grants still out there for doing this. I have a whole loft area to do (poor insulation over all of it) but it was boarded - roofer suggests these need to be lifted, as the space for insulation below them is too small. I'll subscribe and see what your advised - if I find anything useful I'll add it in here! Feel free if anyone knows of these grants to let us know.

Slowly_does_it..

May I second fitzpm01 thoughts - if you get a strong wind and rain, this could blow water up underneath perfectly fitting tiles. Recommend going up into the loft during the storms that are due this weekend?

sparkieguy

Just as a side note.....DO NOT! Cover cables in insulation. .this can half the current they can carry and they can melt...if possible put the insulation under them