Under Floor Adventures - Black Sheeting & Floor Construction

[Gizzydash]

Hi All,

In the middle of some renovations and turning my attention to under floor insulation for a suspended timber floor. Getting new radiators installed and lifted a few previously hacked up floorboards to make way for plumber accessing pipes and also to explore what's ahead of me for the under floor insulation.
Couple of queries I'm hoping someone can help with. Firstly there appears to have been some sort of black sheeting under the floor (suspect it's all over the area I haven't lifted yet). Looks maybe 1 or 2mm thick, black, at this stage quite hard - almost looks like a thin sheet of hardened tar or something. Assuming it was a DPM put down when the house was built (60s), but anyone know any better and assume it's safe to remove/touch/knock out of the way?
Also had quick question on the floor construction - looks like the floor is sitting on it's own small wall, resting on a timber batten, what looks like separate to the inner leaf wall. Can't see any DPM on the batten resting on the wall but the wood looks fine, no rot or anything is apparent. Pics below - assuming this is was all standard for the time and nothing to be concerned about?

Thanks in advance

 

[Scarlet Pimpernel]

It looks like roofing felt. I've never seen roofing felt used under floorboards before. I assume to keep out draughts. I can't see any other purpose for it.

 

[Gizzydash]

Is it safe to remove or if its roofing felt is asbestos a possibility?

 

[Mr Chibs]

I'd agree looking at your pic, roofing felt. I'd remove it, and have before (in a roof) and it was identical to this.

If you can slide DPC under anywhere that wood touches the mortar all the better, that said yours looks dry.

Wear a mask, if you are concerned it may contain asbestos.

 

[Gizzydash]

Roofing felt wasn't something I'd thought about under the floor I'm sure there was some logic to it by whoever put it down. Will lift the rest of the floor and see how far it extends!