Eaves repair with new membrane and battens

The bottom of a roof is often the first part to fail. Old felt at the eaves perishes where it runs into the gutter, and the battens above it rot. On this repair the lower courses were stripped so new breathable membrane and treated battens could go in.

Why the eaves fail first

The felt at the eaves carries every drop of water that gets under the tiles down into the gutter. Where it sags, tears or perishes, water drips onto the wall plate and into the top of the cavity, which can show up as damp at the top of bedroom walls.

Blocked gutters make it worse. The photo shows the gutter full of moss and debris, which lets water back up under the bottom course.

When a repair is enough

If the rest of the roof is sound, an eaves repair like this can add years to the roof without a full re-roof. The tiles come off, the membrane and battens are renewed, and the same tiles go back on.

If the felt is perished all the way up the roof, a full strip and re-felt is usually better value than repeated repairs.