wet rafters in loft - condensation or something else?

[volks]

Went into the loft tonight during the rain to check if my previous leak was fixed (broken tile and it appears good!) However I then noticed the rafters are wet where they touch the felt. Hasn't noticed before as I was too focused on the soaking wet purlin.

See attached photos. Is this a leak or condensation? It appears on several rafters (or at least the four I checked closest to the gable end) I scratched the wood with a nail and while it feels firm, the scratch mark quickly soaks water from the surrounding wood.

The house is a bungalow, I am thinking the only ventilation into the loft is via the soffits - do I just need to ensure they're clear for better air flow, assuming it's not another leak...

 

[JohnD]

CONDENSATION IN LOFT (ANSWERS)

This seems to be the time of year for condensation in lofts, so instead of replying to lots of queries I though I would write this "one-size-fits-all" post. Please also see //www.diynot.com/wiki/Building%3ACondensation-in-Houses Condensation in lofts occurs when the amount of water...

www.diynot.com

 

[volks]

Thanks for the reply. My concern is it's not condensation as the beams are wet. The felt is damp, but there is no signs of water beading or actually condensing on the felt, just the wet rafters.

 

[JohnD]

Condensation on the felt is most during a frosty night. It dries up after sunrise.

 

[volks]

Interesting. I'll keep an eye on it, I'm skeptical as the loft at front of the house is dry and it's all connected. These photos were also taken last night during a rain shower at 11pm, when it was 8/9 degrees outside.

Could be built up condensation that's not had the time to dry, but it doesn't feel like condensation at a glance - it's still not dried out today and I've been in the loft clearing out insulation at the eaves, adding felt lap vents and with a desk fan adding extra airflow.