Homebuyer Survey report for 1928 house?

[Anonymous]

Our home buyer survey had flagged up two issues which we are seriously concerned about. The first is the slate tiled roof which has been sprayed with adhesive foam material from the interior to hold the tiles and roof together and provide a form of insulation. The report suggests that this is just a temporary measure and the timbers will be more susceptible to rotting and the whole roof is likely to need replacement slate and added reinforcement of the timbers. Does anyone have advice on this? How much it will cost what is the likely hood of this happening. What happens when the adhesive foam material deteriorates?
The second issue is dampness; the report advises that we should ensure that ground levels are lowered to at least 150mm below the position of the damp proof course around the front on the house. We are advised to obtain a report and quotation from a competent building contractor in respect of the improvement of the sub floor ventilation.
Does anyone have any advice on this and the likely cost.

A further issues identified was the need to repoint the exterior brick work.

Any opinion advice would be grateful appreciated.

Thanks

James

 

[Anonymous]

That spray foam stuff is bad news. I think the companies that do it offer a 25 yr guarantee but I bet this does not cover rotting rafters!
The soil level bit is correct by the sound of it, as is the advise to put in a few more airbricks.
Repointing should almost certainly be done with a pure lime mortar.
My advise would be to get a few quotes for the work and then hit the vendor with a correspondingly low offer. Otherwise just walk away from it! Mike.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for your response Mike,

I am going to speak to the owner of the house and ask if its ok for me to go around with a builder to get an estimate.

The rood looks in good condition from the outside, and I remeber him saying that is was welsh grey slate, and he got it foam sprayed for insulation reasons?

The actual wording on the homebuyer survey was:

"The underside of the roof is concealed by sprayed foam and enclosed timebers with will be at much greater risk of rot. This treatment can only be regarded as a temporay repair, and overhaul or renewal should be anticipated in future.

Natural slate covering visible to the rear if deteriorating, there are few broken and damaged slates visible. You should expect to renew this roof covering in the short team and you are advised to obtain estimates for its renewal befor you purchase property so you are fully aware of the costs involded.

If re-covered in heavier materials the timbers will need to be strengthened to comply with building regualations."

Thanks again.

James

 

[Anonymous]

Get a quote for re-tiling the whole roof in Welsh Slate - it won't be a low number. Then see the vendor...

 

[Anonymous]

How much are we talking?

5K, 10K, 15K, 20K, 25K, 30K>

 

[Anonymous]

Couldn't say without seeing the roof - any chance of a pic?

 

[Anonymous]

Here you go:

http://www.big10uk.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/Pic01.jpg

 

[Anonymous]

The cost youre looking at is not just reslating, but reroofing. I've yet to see any clear data on what the odds are of the wood roof structure rotting, whether its to be expected or in most cases survives.

Either way, the owner's made a big mistake with that foam.

And since one cant inspect the wood with the foam in place, and cant remove the foam, you'll have no warning of a possible roof collapse if it does all rot. What a mess.

Lowering the ground and adding more vents are usually easy to deal with, though might not be in every case.

Since its a homebuyers survey theres much it wont have covered.

NT

 

[Anonymous]

the in-laws have had a quote of more than 30K for part reslating (reusing slates) and replacement of one or two timbers in their roof. it won't be cheap. get a quote.

 

[Anonymous]

I sure hope they said no, unless they live in a castle.

NT

 

[Anonymous]

I got a quote for a new roof.

City approved slate.

4k +vat

 

[Anonymous]

Just wondered if you got your roofing estimate through?

We have just had our survey back for a house built in 1901 with roofing problems (with "buckets in the roof which are now full") I think that's a technical term!
It is the original slate roof and is in a conservation area so I suspect it will be expensive. Any news on what you have experienced would be great.

 

[Anonymous]

Just wondered if you got your roofing estimate through?

We have just had our survey back for a house built in 1901 with roofing problems (with "buckets in the roof which are now full") I think that's a technical term!
It is the original slate roof and is in a conservation area so I suspect it will be expensive. Any news on what you have experienced would be great.