Bowing roof.

[J_N30]

I'm looking at a flat (1800's house) which is in auction on Thursday so I don't have time to get a survey done.

Would anyone be able to advise me on this pic. Sorry re quality it's an iPhone job, i can get another on SLR if required.




It looks like the roof is bowing slightly and wondering how much of a problem this is. The flat is second floor, basically a loft conversion so plastered directly under the tiles. There's no signs of water damage.

Any advise would be really appreciated.

Many thanks in advance.

 

[joe-90]

You need to view into the loft space to see what's happening. That picture is too dark too.

 

[J_N30]

There is no loft space unfortunately.

 

[joe-90]

It's hard to see by the piccie, but it probably had a leaky roof at one time and the rafters warped and twisted. They are probably stable, but it will effect the price. What's the guide price?

 

[catlad]

Looks serious to me probably got something to do with the loft conversion.

 

[RogerBoyle]

It could be any number of problems.

The rafters are undersized
The rafters are spaced to far apart
the rafters may have been sitting on Purlins which may have been removed or altered.
The Rafters may have got wet and have now dried out and twisted
The walls may be bowing and the rafters are moving.
The wall plate may be rotten and the rafters have dropped .
etc. etc.

Getting up and lifting some tiles is the only way to be sure what the problem is

 

[catlad]

Slates

 

[J_N30]

Cheers guys. You've all basically confirmed my gut feeling to walk away from this one. Don't fancy having to pay for a new roof on my first buy to let!

If id had spotted it in time id of got a survey done, or at least asked a roofer to pop round and take a look but seams time isn't on my side it's best left alone.

Thanks again.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Or there could be nothing wrong whatosever, just a bowing roof as millions of old houses have, yet have stood for centuries.

 

[catlad]

Thats not a roof sagging naturally in my experience.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Don't fancy having to pay for a new roof on my first buy to let!

I would say no matter what the condition of the roof an 1800 house will always be a poor choice for a Buy to Let.

 

[Nige F]

I would say ANY flat / leasehold property is a big NO for B.T.L there is already one level of crook involved with these