Roof Concerns about buying a property

Allan Stewart · 7 Aug 2020

Hi folks,

we are looking to buy a ex LA 2 or 3 bedroom semi detached house. Most that we are looking at were built around the 1960s.

Most of the roofs are concrete tiles, some are clay tiles.

Should I be worried about having to replace some tiles in the near future, given their perceived life span?

With clay tiles I note it says minimum 50 years life.

In addition, what would be an approximate cost to replace a concrete tile roof on a 3 bedroom semi, around 85sqm? I realise clay tiles are more expensive.

Thank you and please let me know if I am being paranoid lol

Cheers

Nige F · 7 Aug 2020

You're being paranoid - L.A. houses of that time are pretty good spec, moreso if older. My bungalow roof is 1960's Marley tiles - no problems. Not LA though

23vc · 7 Aug 2020

85sqm sounds a lot for that type of house
No reason for concern unless something visibly wrong. Massive amount of houses around today with 60s conc tiles still going strong

catlad · 7 Aug 2020

I repair plenty that are that old and I wonder why more are not leaking, They are generally at the end of there life span at that age.

alan333 · 8 Aug 2020

I agree with catlad. Concrete tiles have a lifespan of about 50 years. Sure there are plenty around of that age or older, and they'll probably be fine for a while yet as long as you don't touch them. However, as an example, my parents' new bungalow was done in Marleys in 1977 and still looks fine and doesn't leak, but a couple of years ago I went up to re-bed a few ridge tiles and broke a few tiles just walking carefully along them - they're turning brittle and crumbly.
(I've worked in roofing on and off since the 1980's so I've seen my share of various roofs, and I know how to walk about them so as to not to cause damage).

^woody^ · 8 Aug 2020

Look at the rest of the street, see how many roofs have been replaced. That's your guide

Notch7 · 8 Aug 2020

but steer clear of finlock gutters.

phatboy · 8 Aug 2020

The issue we had with a late 50's bungalow was the battens were not tanalised, and there were regularly slipped tiles, or a couple of times the whole bottom row was in the gutter.

Also just had to look at the felt and it would tear.

We had a leak 2 winters ago, 2 leaks last winter, and replaced the roof a few weeks back. Upon stripping, it turned out all the hips were loose, and a lot of the tile batten was dust..... friction was holding the lot together!

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Roof Concerns about buying a property

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