Replacing Sarking Felt

[GrayW]

Hi,

I'm looking to buy a house at the moment & the survey has come back suggesting that I'll need to replace the sarking felt in the loft, as it's not in the best condition. I've got two questions that I'm hoping someone will be able to answer:

1. Should we bother replacing it?

2. Approximately how much is it likely to cost to get someone in to replace it? I don't have the dimensions of the house, but it's a fairly typical 1950's two bed end of terrace. I'm just looking for a ballpark figure, really.

Thanks for your help!

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

If the tiles are in good condition it is a waste of money to replace the felt, many older houses do not have felt. It is only there as a back up in case a tile fails or is dislodged. Replace your felt only if/when you re-tile.

 

[SurreyRoofingEstimator]

Further to FMT's post.

The only other thing the felt does is to keep out windblown snow and the ONLY way to replace it is to strip and re-tile/slate the whole roof.

Typical surveyor's comment though, know's bugger all about roofs. Still it's better than the normal, `seek advice from a roofing specialist', we get so fed up of doing their work for them and not getting anything for it

 

[GrayW]

Many thanks for the advice, FMT & SRE. I've had a couple of quotes around the £2,500 mark & with a house to redecorate & a baby on the way it's good to know that there's no need to part with this money yet.

Cheers!

 

[Gambler]

Further to FMT's post.

The only other thing the felt does is to keep out windblown snow and the ONLY way to replace it is to strip and re-tile/slate the whole roof.

Have done a search but most threads seem to be about repairing leaks.

I am planning to board the loft in our house and have noticed some of the existing insulation is very dirty. There a few holes in the felt underneath the roof tiles which is allowing leaves and dirt to get in. Looks like it's been like that for years to be honest. No sign of any water damage though. I'd like to fix the holes before I start laying cleaning out the loft and laying new insulation/boarding.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Thanks