Concerning survey results around roof

Some on here will have a far better understanding than I ever will. Any thoughts on this?


1. A degree of deflection/misalignment was apparent to the roof slopes, with misalignment noted
around the side-facing eaves, and with “roof-spread” related movement considered a
contributory factor.
Internal inspection noted remedial works including additional structural timbers, and whilst
movement is largely historic in nature, the need for further remedial works around the timber
roof structure is to be anticipated around the time of future tiling replacement, with associated
cost implications.


2. A degree of deflection and distortion was evident to the roof structure, and with an additional
purlin noted to the rear slope, essentially doubling-up the element extending between the
central truss and the corner/hip.
Inspection also noted vertical struts installed to the under-side of the purlins to the side-facing
elements. Such vertical struts were however noted as apparently supported by timber ceiling joists only, with the location of the struts apparently not lining through with walls below; and as a consequence, movement/deflection has occurred, including gaps to the junctions. Knowledge of properties of similar age/type in the general location would indicate that ceiling joists are likely spanning at right angles to the line of the rafters to the side of the property; and which as a consequence are not connected to or providing restraint to the rafters. Such forms
of construction can be prone to exacerbate instances of roof spread; occurring when horizontal
and vertical forces move the rafters outward; and with misalignment around external fascias apparent, notably around the side of the property.
Any movement affecting the main roof structure may have been exacerbated by the retained
water cisterns and associated supports relating to the original heating/hot water installation,
which should ideally be removed; but unlikely to be feasible until any future stripping of the roof.


3. Whilst movement is largely longstanding in nature, there remains the potential requirement
however for structural upgrading works around the time of future stripping and re-covering of
the main roof, typically comprising the fixing of galvanised steel straps to low-level rafter feet
and spanning across/fixed to a minimum of 3 no. ceiling joists.

4. Roof space inspection noted the breast as apparently terminated at around ceiling-level, with
no specific means of support evident.

5. Instruct a competent building contractor to provide quotations in respect of a
programme of repair and replacement works to the garage.

6. In addition, since
floor joists span in a front-to-back direction, there is also the potential that the partition wall is
built off the floorboards only; and with movement/deflection as a consequence considered the
primary source of the cracking noted, and also the reason for the binding of doors

Jesus, what a load of crap.

Full of apparents and potentials and maybes and could dos, but without telling you much and committing to nothing.

It seems to say that there was a problem that has been rectified - but may not have been. And when you come to change the roof covering at some future [unspecified] time, you may want to do some work in the loft to do with the roof timbers.

Nr 5 is complete nonsense, as you can't get quotes from a contractor unless you have a clear idea of what you want him to quote for - something the building surveyor should have provided more clarity on. Otherwise the builder quotes for what he thinks needs doing or what he wants to do.

I would ask the numpty to explain to you in layman's terms what is wrong with the roof (not apparently wrong, actually wrong), what is needs to be done now, and what can wait - and how long can it wait.

^woody^ said:

Jesus, what a load of crap.

Full of apparents and potentials and maybes and could dos, but without telling you much and committing to nothing.

It seems to say that there was a problem that has been rectified - but may not have been. And when you come to change the roof covering at some future [unspecified] time, you may want to do some work in the loft to do with the roof timbers.

Nr 5 is complete nonsense, as you can't get quotes from a contractor unless you have a clear idea of what you want him to quote for - something the building surveyor should have provided more clarity on. Otherwise the builder quotes for what he thinks needs doing or what he wants to do.

I would ask the numpty to explain to you in layman's terms what is wrong with the roof (not apparently wrong, actually wrong), what is needs to be done now, and what can wait - and how long can it wait.

Click to expand...

Having regard to the current condition of the main roof coverings; you should anticipate the
need for complete stripping and replacement in around the next 5 - 7 years, but with
appropriate maintenance work potentially extending the life of the covering. Given the nature
of the roof covering, the need for maintenance/repair is likely to increase over the coming
years.

Maintenance works should therefore be carried out during the first year of occupation; and
which should comprise:
1. The replacement of any significantly frost damaged, slipped or otherwise defective tiles.
2. Repairs around ridge and hip tiling.
3. The application of flexible lead sealant to lead flashings to the offshoot roofs


That is what it says with regards to length of time and work.

That counts for about half the rooves in Lancashire but not many people do anything about it till its leaking in.