Ask an expert

Get free help from our community of tradespeople

Roof tiles

Posted by Tina Finch, on
Our house is 24 years old and the felt had started to break down so we had it re-felted with a breathable membrane and a vented ridge in September. The old concrete tiles ( 24 years old) were put back on with any broken ones replaced. We have now got a bad damp smell in a built in wardrobe. Had the roofer back, the new felt is fine but wood under valley is damp so we are monitoring the lead valley. However the roofer stated that the tiles have become too porous as they are wet underneath which we have also observed but membrane dry on inside and so we need it re-tiled. We are unsure if this is correct as it seems that tiles should last longer than 24 years. Does this advice seem correct£
Andrew Pae

Andrew Pae

Hi Tina, sorry to hear of your problem, problems related to valleys are sometimes tricky to detect as you can have rain water discharging down the roof from 3 different angles. When the roof was re-roofed, was the existing valley removed, I would have removed the lead, fitted new valley underlay and checked the lead is suitable for re-use, (it should be code 4), and I prefer 450mm wide to give good covering. You should be able to see from inside the roof space if the valley underlay has been replaced, if so, I would have the lead valley inspected. Concrete roof tiles usually carry a 50 year manufacturers guarantee, provided they have been fitted in accordance with their recommendations. With the leak being isolated, I think it is valley related. Hope this helps. Good Luck.
Was this helpful?
Liam Woodcock

Liam Woodcock

Sounds like there is a leak in the lead or he never replaced the timber which the lead sat on and now it's drying out
Was this helpful?
Steve Matthews

Steve Matthews

Another point. You say you had the felt replaced with a breathable membrane and ridge ventilation. Who suggested doing both of the above, was it the same roofer who is saying your tiles are wet? I can fully understand replacing felt for a breathable membrane but a BREATHABLE membrane does not need other forms of tile, ridge or eaves ventilation. It works like our skin, it allows us to perspire, ie get rid off moisture from inside to outside but won't allow moisture to go in the other direction, so the building can breath without ridge and eaves vents unlike felt which seals moisture in. With a breathable membrane it's quite possible to have moisture on the underside of your tiles, it could simply be condensation as the membrane is working and allowing the humidity from your house through the membrane, but being concrete tiles, it needs time to air dry through the tile joints. But that's not an issue, it's working correctly.
Was this helpful?
Steve Matthews

Steve Matthews

The tiles being to porous on a pitched roof doesn't really make sense to me. Clay tiles are offensive used and are more porous than concrete. I know we live in a wet climate, but on the days it's not raining the air will dry out the tiles suitably and if there is a breather membrane or felt correctly fitted under the tiles no damp or moisture should get through. As you say you have the correct under eaves and ridge ventilation now, that will/should control Any humidity from the underneath. I would ask a reputable general builder to look, or ideally a building surveyor before you start ripping the tiles off.
Was this helpful?
james cross

james cross

Hi tiles can become porous I ve seen it a lot but if the roof has been felted already just re tiling is easy and a lot cheaper , I would get the roofer to lift a section of tiles on roof about where the damp smell is and see if the batterns are getting wet aswell this will tell you if tiles are leaking
Was this helpful?

What would you like to do now?

Find more questions Create my Job

Homeowner stories

Homeowner stories - Nick

Nick shares his story of finding local tradespeople in his new area.

app-icon

Get our app for homeowners

  • Send messages and get notifications from tradespeople
  • Add photos to get more accurate quotes
  • View tradespeople’s profiles