OLD PROPERTY WITH NO LOFT HATCH / ACCESS TO ROOF AREA - HELP

[Nemesis]

So you are saying that problems were apparent from the exterior state of the roof? Or did all look fine?

I repeat what I said - in general. You have to just trust to luck, in general I think most roof timbers on old buildings are soundish, but always be prepared for some problems with areas you can't see.

Depends on the price, the roof structure, the size of the cottage... and how much spare cash you have and how much you want it.

Our roof has a piece of timber which is totally shot - a small piece but quite an important one. The rest is fine. It's held up for 15 years... and many many more before that probably.

Roof repairs, ie reslating etc, are usually carried out externally, and not all roof repairs cost twenty grand!

 

[shelli]

- We had to use Westmorland green slate Nem - which is v expensive :shock: and at the time was really hard to get hold of in enough quantity
I agree however that not all roof repairs cost x thousand - but it's worth knowing what you're up for before you buy

If OH and I had known we would not be able to move in for 8-9 months after buying and been for huge renovation costs we would probably have bought the brand new barn conversion instead - alright maybe we wouldn't - house is beautiful actually even though is a wreck

Just buy it guys and take your time with repairs!

Shelli

 

[Nemesis]

I think though that it's usually apparent from the exterior if a roof is totally shot and the covering will need to be redone.

We hope to have the house partly reroofed soon - putting it off now until next year - but hopefully the majority of the slates can be re-used. Some (modernish) timber rafters will need replacing, the 200 plus years old main structure is pretty sound. The problem was a poor quality roofing job about thirty years' ago, and many of the slates are not attached to the laths. They sit in place through gravity and luck. Costs will be several thous but not zillions.