Flimsy roof or rock solid?

[bobalong]

hi all,

thinking of buying a house who's roof has been described as being rather flimsy - I quote:
"The roof structure is rather flimsy with 75 x 50mm common rafters and purlins to the main roof, 100 x 50mm ceiling joists and only one strut to each purlin together with support in the party walls. This results in a fair amount of deflection. There is no interim support for the ceiling joists and therefore they deflect also and should not be used to support storage of any significant weight...The back addition roof is even more flimsy with 75 x 50mm rafters, but only 50mm square ceiling joists. "

It's a vitorian terrace with synthetic slates...HELP! I know not enough...

thank you!


HMMM perhaps I put this in the wrong section - should be under timber bit..

 

[noseall]

what do you want to know?

yes, the roof is very 'flimsy' - as stated.

it certainly would not satisfy current building regulations. beefing up from inside may be possible but awkward and time consuming, but not impossible.

do you intend re-slating it?

 

[bobalong]

hi noseall,

thanks for your reply.
not in the slightest. it was only re-done about 5 years ago apparently. I suppose I would like to know how bad being very flimsy is (what problems could occur) and if it does need stregthening bearing in mind that the current owners seemed to have lived with it...

 

[SurreyRoofingEstimator]

Blimey! 75x50 rafters!!! Hope the roof covering isn't too heavy!

The main issue as has been stated by the surveyor will be deflection of the rafters and if there aren't sufficient roof ties in place the pushing out of the outside walls.

I'd get a specialist strucural surveyor to look at it if I were you

 

[joe-90]

If it's been there since Victoria was on the throne - I dare say it will last a bit longer yet.

 

[noseall]

as joe says, it is unlikely to fall down, but there is little room for error.

you roof is supporting the tiles and the ceiling and is capable of little else.

lets hope we don't encounter any heavy ice or snow storms eh.

 

[joe-90]

It's been through the winters of '47 and '62 - and we aren't likely to see their like again.

 

[SurreyRoofingEstimator]

One thing I'd try to find out is if the roof covering was changed for something different or was it like for like. If it was like for like it should be ok but if a different weight product was put in it's place, lighter or heavier it could be an issue

 

[bobalong]

thanks again everyone.
well it has been up for a while no doubt but the roof was "re-done" 5-10 yrs ago in synthetic slate (lighter?).
it's already leaked and caused an internal structural beam to rot but apparently it's a bit of flashing.
makes me cautious with the leak on a newish roof and the filmsy supports.

 

[datarebal]

it should be able to beef it without to much of a problem.
It's a buyers market, use it to your advantage.