Seeking advice from loft/roof gurus

FuzzyGirly

Hello,

Before I get someone to look at my issue, I was hoping some experts forumites can advise. I have these issues in my loft and not sure where/if I can do anything before getting a handyman/expert in to check:

1) Gap in loft

2) White mould but no obvious tears in waterproof membrane 

3) Sticky residue coming out of loft timber

Any advice on what I can do/who to call (roofer/handyman/etc) is much appreciated. Thank you.

FreeBear

You appear to have loft insulation stuffed right into the eaves - This could well compromise ventilation. You can get eaves vents that sit right under the edge to allow for better ventilation.

The light brown stuff oozing out is nothing to worry about. It is just natural pine pitch. If left alone, in a few thousand years, it will convert in to amber.

FuzzyGirly

@FreeBear I would love to have my own home grown amber someday. Thanks for your comment

Boohoo

In the 1st photo it looks like I large hole in in roof.

Have you had any work done on the roof or guttering near to where the hole is?

Can you get a photo of the roof where the hole is to get a better idea of your issue please.

Looking at the photos your house doesn't look that old.

WIAWSNB

FuzzyGirly said:

1) Gap in loft. Hard to tell if that is simply the wider glow of daylight coming through a gap in the tiles, or if the hole is actually that large? What's on the outside? If that is genuinely a 'hole' in the roof, then that slate/tile will need replacing. 

As said before, that lagging looks worringly stuffed into the eaves, and should really be kept a good few inches clear from there so that air can come through from the soffits, cross the loft space, and exit t'tother side to keep it dry. 

2) White mould but no obvious tears in waterproof membrane. This does look like water stains to me. If so, it could be coming through there, or from further above and just ending up showing at that point. Does it feel bone dry? Keep an eye on it, and check it after heavy winds and rainfall. It could possibly even be caused by condensation forming on the felt and droplets just coming toegther at that point, but I have to say it does look more 'localised' than that. Give it a wipe clean, and see if it returns. 

Bits in bold above.

FuzzyGirly

@WIAWSNB Thank you for your detailed reply.

1) Gap in loft: I went to check when it's not too sunny outside and yes it's not a huge gap but still lets light through at the tightest corner where the slope of the roof and timber fascia meets I believe. I couldn't see anything unusual on the outside and all tiles seems to be in place so any suggestions on how I 'plug the gap' or should I get a professional as well?

2) Can I ask about the damage being localised, as yes when it rains heavily that black mouldy spot on the wood gets damp/wet and it has been occurring maybe the past 1-2 years. Does that mean it needs a professional to come and remedy? I'm trying to avoid being asked to changed the whole roof/waterproof membrane unnecessarily



@Boohoo that's the best photo I can get, it seems like the waterproof membrane may have 'shifted' but is that normal? From the outside I can't see anything unusual 

WIAWSNB

If that slit of light is occuring where the sloping roof meets the fascia/bargeboard, then it might not be a particular problem. The roof will tend to overhang the fascia, so rain should completely overshoot that gap. Until a roofer has a look, just consider it additional useful ventilation
The damp patch is, however, a known problem, so it's worth getting a roofer out. The underfelt layer isn't amiss here - it's just a secondary protective layer. If there's a leak, and there clearly is, then it's to do with the outer roof covering - tiles or slates - or more likely with the ridge tiles at the very top, or flashings around chimneys and stuff.
Can you get good pics of the roof from the outside?