If this should be in the stairs etc. forum instead, let me know...
Just moved into my first home so learning DIY (and when not to DIY) fast! Inside the loft of my c. 1970 timber framed semi the felt is nailed directly to the rafters. Although it generally looks in good condition, in two places it is torn, revealing the underside of the tiles and the battens they're nailed to. The insulation underneath the tears is dirty, with bits of grit, but it hasn't rained since I moved in so I can't tell if water gets in. There are no watermarks on the ceilings, so there's not huge water ingress.
Why would the felt be torn? Could it be deliberate (for ventilation perhaps, or some kind of repair)? Should I be worried and do something about it, and if so what? I'd like to use the loft for dry storage - there's not enough height for an easy conversion, but flooring part of it should be within my limited ability.
Thanks for any advice,
Alastair
Just moved into my first home so learning DIY (and when not to DIY) fast! Inside the loft of my c. 1970 timber framed semi the felt is nailed directly to the rafters. Although it generally looks in good condition, in two places it is torn, revealing the underside of the tiles and the battens they're nailed to. The insulation underneath the tears is dirty, with bits of grit, but it hasn't rained since I moved in so I can't tell if water gets in. There are no watermarks on the ceilings, so there's not huge water ingress.
Why would the felt be torn? Could it be deliberate (for ventilation perhaps, or some kind of repair)? Should I be worried and do something about it, and if so what? I'd like to use the loft for dry storage - there's not enough height for an easy conversion, but flooring part of it should be within my limited ability.
Thanks for any advice,
Alastair