Worried about roof moisture?

curiousconcern

Hi, I'm new to the forum :-)

I recently bought a house and today went up in the loft for the first time. I noticed that the felt "underlay" (not sure if that's what it's called) looks to be very wet. I can't reach it to feel so I don't know if it is wet, but it looks pretty soggy from the picture I took.

I'm just wondering if this is normal or if you guys think I should contact a roofer to take a look at it?

This is the picture: i.imgur.com/OzpRPUr.jpg

FreeBear

i.imgur.com/OzpRPUr.jpg

In this weather, I would expect quite a bit of condensation inside a roof - Nothing to worry about.

However, if that is a water pipe, you really need to get some insulation wrapped round it.

tony6403

Condensation on the underside of roofing felt is fairly common.
Moisture is probably being carried by the warm air from below and forming on the cold surface above.
The first place I would investigate would be the loft hatch. Make sure it is well sealed.

J_B

'Man in the pub' suggested putting something like a roofing lath every 3m between the joints in the roofing felt just to let the area breathe a little.

No doubt the more professional folks can comment?

curiousconcern

Thanks guys! It's good to know that this is somewhat normal.

On another note, I showed the picture to a friend, and he said it looks like there is white mould on the timber? Do you guys agree, and if so is white mould an issue in loft space?

docmatt

Don’t worry about it too much for now. Perhaps when the weather gets better install a couple of roof/tile vents.

Towels on rads, using dryer with a poor extract, showers, baths etc all contribute to this moisture.

Even after a bath/shower just put the window open a tad.

tony6403

curiousconcern wrote: »

On another note, I showed the picture to a friend, and he said it looks like there is white mould on the timber? Do you guys agree, and if so is white mould an issue in loft space?

Probably sulphates carried in the moisture.
Try brushing some off.
As said above by JB it is a good idea to allow ventilation between the overlap in the felt. ( something I have actually done to good effect)