Leaky shed roof

[Matt42]

Hi,

I re felted my shed roof but didn't use any water proof sealant glue etc, just banged in the tacks. I realise this was now an error because rain water seeps into the shed roof through the gaps in tacks. Any advice on how I can sort this?

Thanks

Matt

 

[scbk]

You don't need any sort of glue, a felt roof nailed down shouldn't leak.

Find where the leaks are and slap on some form of bitumen like everbuild Black Jack 903 http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Roo...aterseals/Trowel+Mastic+5L/d250/sd2809/p69385

 

[Matt42]

Thanks for your input. It doesn't leak per se but in heavy prolonged rainy weather you can see that the wood is damp from the inside.

 

[ntb]

When you say 'tacks' I hope you actually mean galvanised felt nails?

Damp boards means that you do have a small leak(s) and properly nailed felt doesn't leak. Either coat with bitumen as suggested or redo - but first get advice on where you are going wrong with your nailing.

 

[Matt42]

Sorry, yes I used galvanised felt nails. I said tacks as they are pretty small things. There are about 5 damp places and it looks like the water must get via the nails as it's dryer above that point. The felt overlap points downwards as well so the water can't run into that, the water must come in where the nails are?

 

[ntb]

If the nails are driven fully in, the felt seals around them. What you have to be careful about is when you poke a nail in to start it off and it falls out and rolls away. You have to get the replacement nail in the hole you just made.

Without seeing it close up, it's hard to work out what you might have got wrong. The overlap on felt should be at least 3 inches. Look for any nicks or tears, getting loose nails or other crud under the felt is a recipe for problems.

Ultimately, you either live with it or fix as has already been mentioned.