Responsibility for roof repairs

[ourkid77]

Hi All

I have a leak on both sides of my roof which I have been advised is due to the mortar on the existing ridge tiles between the roofs (circled) having degraded.

My roofer advises that the best course of action would be to replace these with a Bonding Gutter.

My question is around who should meet the responsibility for the costs. Are such repairs covered under the party wall act and as such should the cost of repairs be met by both adjoining properties as the gutter prevents leaks where both roofs meet?

Would appreciate any advice

Untitled

• ourkid77
• 1 Apr 2015
• 1

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

If you both have a leak then arguably it depends where exactly it is leaking, any leaks or problems on your side should be dealt with by you and vice versa however if the whole joint needs replacing then the cost should be shared. That's the fair and commons sense approach of course ......

The PWA does not cover roof finishes so is not relevant.

 

[ree]

I agree with the above to an extent, however:

OP, either you, or a previous owner, removed your slate roof covering, and replaced it with tile and the two joining arrangements. You are therefore "technically" 100% responsible for repairing the leaks or replacing with a bonding gutter or whatever.

If a written agreement exists then all things change. In the meantime its perhaps best not to mention the PWA.

There are two stains on the brickwork below the eaves suspiciously near to the joins?

 

[seasickstevie]

I agree with ree, your two neighbours' are slate. It's more than likely your roof was once slate, and doubtful that there were any 'joins' between the properties originally.

Whoever it was who introduced the joins ... and it's unlikely to be either of your neighbours ... has upset the applecart.