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Damp Proofing

Damp along back of house

Anonymous user 12/03/2024 - 10.10 AM

We have a 4 bedroom house that is quite long in length and we had solar panels fitted about 7 years ago. The company no longer exists but we have started getting damp spots in each of the rooms running along the inside of the roof where the solar panels was fitted to. I have been in the loft to try and find where the damp/water is coming in and as the house is long in length the room it first started in which is the worst and where I wanted to check I am unable to get to that part of the loft but I have seen above one of the other rooms that is starting to suffer with it the white material (forgive me for incorrect names/terms) is black soaked so I am assuming it runs along the whole length. I need to know who I need to look at the problem and potentially sort and if it’s going to be a pricey job. I am expecting it to be quite expensive I’m just unsure where to start? **UPDATE** The solar panels was installed by a private company I paid for and not part of the government backed scheme which might be why they no longer exist! There is no black material just white that has turned black which is in one spot running lengthways not stained in different places. My other problem i forgot to mention was when they built my house they realised there wasn’t enough space inside for a large kitchen and main bedroom but they had already bricked the side of the house up so essentially it’s like an extension so I can’t gain access to the loft above the main bedroom. I have had 2 roofing companies out who won’t even look at it never mind touch it as they won’t mess with the solar panels I have another company coming out today and another tomorrow. I will keep this updated as all your help is greatly appreciated.

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6 Answers

Frontline Building Maintenance

Rating: 5 out of 5
Paisley
Hi Kelz7683 The place to start is with another solar panel company who will need to remove the panels over the worst area. Once these are removed you will require a roofing company with a good reputation to look at that area of the roof. It could be the roof tiles/slates are cracked or broken. It is important that the solar company deals with the panels and the roofing company deals with the roof. Don't be tempted to save money and let one or other of these companies do the others job. Also important to get receipts no cash work. I obviously have no idea what is expensive to you but I would suggest that removing and refitting solar panels and fitting a few tiles isn't going to be as expensive as you think. Hope that helps kind regards Gordon
Answered12 March 2024
5

Creative Construction and Design (CCD )

Rating: 4.7 out of 5
Norwich
My personal opinion would be to slide the front tile s back depending on what colour the felt is .if the felt is black you may find it as deteriorated over the time As it tends to crack and the birds do the rest if the showing of the damp is showing from the outer walls Regards Chris
Answered12 March 2024
2

ADR Property Maintenance

Rating: 5 out of 5
Boston
its most likely a problem with the roofing felt , either incorrectly fitted or damaged by the company installing the panels, most likely require a re-felt
Answered12 March 2024
1

Damp proof services ( DPS )

Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Crook
Sounds like the roof has been disturbed during the solar panel installation allowing rain ingress,I would suggest a reputable roofing contractor who will make your roof weatherproof again rather than condem your existing panels and try to sell you new ones
Answered12 March 2024
1

Quality Treat

No reviews yet

Halifax
If the solar panels work but the company is no longer operating I wouldn't get another company in they will condemn the work of the other company for their own gains. As suggested by others the tiles have likely been distributed. I am no expert in solar panel installation but I'm assuming they identify the roof timbers and then get a fix from them if I'm correct I'd get a roofer in ASAP as if the leek is because of damaging tiles because they missed their mark they could be unsafe. I'm also assuming the technicians werent roofers or joiners as a lot of government backed schemes are rushed through without necessary testing or training.
Answered12 March 2024
1

Anonymous user

It is quite possible that by fitting the solar panels you have made the roof void colder in that area and you are getting condensation forming in areas where insulation is inadequate.
Answered12 March 2024
1