Can I put two layers of roofing felt?

On low-sloping roofs with a pitch of 3-in-12 or less, I use two layers of felt. In some regions, however, felt underlayment isn't required by the local building code, so some builders might not install it. If your roof isn't leaking, I would not recommend any changes.

latimes.com - Layer of Felt Can Give Roof Longer Life - Los Angeles Times

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QUESTION: While cleaning out the gutters around my house last weekend, I happened to take a peek under the first course of shingles. I noticed that there wasn’t any roofing felt underneath. The previous homeowners had new plywood sheathing and asphalt shingles installed about 10 years ago. What purpose does the felt serve? Will the roof be harmed without the felt underneath the shingles?

Shannon Hinton of Cedarcrest Roofing in Kansas City, Mo., explains.

ANSWER: Asphalt-saturated felt “underlayment,” as it is called, has two purposes: It acts as a vapor barrier to protect the underside of the shingles from moisture and, if carefully applied, provides a second waterproof barrier for the plywood sheathing on the roof. Not having felt underlayment could shorten the life of the roof slightly, depending on shingle quality and the severity of the weather in your area. I typically install 15-pound felt under standard three-tab asphalt shingles and 30-pound felt under architectural shingles. On low-sloping roofs with a pitch of 3-in-12 or less, I use two layers of felt. In some regions, however, felt underlayment isn’t required by the local building code, so some builders might not install it. If your roof isn’t leaking, I would not recommend any changes. But, when it comes time to re-roof, it makes sense to have a felt underlayment installed.

Bathroom Repainting Can Cover Old Tile

Q: We want to change some of the colors in our bathroom. A salesman at my paint store said it’s impossible to paint over smooth surfaces like ceramic tile and plastic laminate. Is this true?

Henry Spies of Spies Home Inspection Services in Champaign, Ill., replies:

A: Painting ceramic tile or plastic laminate isn’t easy to do, but it definitely is possible. For areas like ceramic-tile wainscot that aren’t subjected to much water, you’ll have to remove the surface gloss. To do this, scuff-sand with 120-grit sandpaper; an orbital sander speeds this process. Be sure to get down into the joints slightly to remove any silicone grout sealer, because the paint won’t stick to it. Then coat the roughed-up surface with a primer, such as Zinsser Bullseye 1-2-3, to provide a good base for the paint. Wait for the primer to dry and then cover it with a high-quality latex gloss or semigloss enamel paint. Figure on five days for the paint and primer to cure fully and form a scuff-resistant bond. Latex enamel is not suitable for tub or shower surrounds, which get wet. One option is to install a multi-piece plastic tub-surround over the existing ceramic wall. Another is to paint it with a marine epoxy primer and finish coat. Although manufacturers won’t warrant marine paint for bathroom use, it works. Use the same sanding procedure you used on the bathroom walls.

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Can I build an annex without planning permission?

An annexe provides more living space in a home and usually includes an extra bedroom. It can be an extension or a separate building. Planning permission is required for the following: an annexe that will be in a separate building.

hastings.gov.uk - Do I need planning permission for an annexe to my house/flat?

The use of a house or a building within the garden of a house as an annexe does not need planning permission, provided that the additional living accommodation is connected to the main house. An example would be that the annexe is occupied by members of the family. An annexe cannot be used to create a new dwelling, independent of the main house. So you cannot rent out or sell the annexe without obtaining planning permission first. If you want to build an extension or outbuilding in your garden to accommodate an annexe, then these structures may need planning permission. You may wish to use our self-certification forms to find out if the building you wish to erect needs planning permission. If you live in a flat, planning permission will be required for any new building within your garden. Please also check conditions attached to previous planning consents relating to the house in question, to make sure there is no restrictive condition that would prevent you from carrying out your proposed works. If you already know planning permission is required and would like an opinion as whether it would be granted you can use our pre-application service. The fees for this can be found here, and the pre-application form found here.

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