More banging noises in the roof!

[simonpearce]

In my loft I can see what looks like plaster or cement in between the timber strips. About two or three times a month, a piece seems to fall away and drop on the loft floor. This makes quite a loud bang and scares the living daylights out of us!! I have (and no-one I know) has ever heard of this cement/plaster and the bits that have fallen away show the underside of the tiles! Any ideas what I could/should do?

[Maud]

It is called "torching" and means (a) there is no felt under your roof covering and (b) that your roof leaked at some time. You can pull off the loose bits and then employ a plasterer to re-torch, or take off the roof covering and install new felt and battens. There is no other way, and if you leave it without attention one day you will find rainwater coming through the ceiling.

[Mike Hodo]

I also have this problem and would like to repair it myself.  Does anyone know what type or mix of cement should ne used?