Period Outbuildings Collapse

[FamilyWiggs]

Well, this was an unwelcome New year surprise...



Currently talking to the insurance company about a claim and a loss adjuster will be in touch. Not hopeful though as although we weren't expecting this, it was not the best of buildings before. The front wall is not actually tied in and had been leaning a bit. Ironically we'd been in the process of getting quotes and a schedule of works drawn up.

Roof looks ok at the moment, but am concerned that it won't take much for the inner skin to come down too.

Advice, suggestions, commiserations or just poking fun wuld all be welcome.

 

[Flyfisher]

I hope I'm wrong but I'd be bracing myself for an exclusion on the basis that the wall was not in good condition - the rationale being that it collapsed without any other part of the building collapsing. I understand a similar rationale is often used when fences are damaged by storms; unless the posts are almost brand new (and you can prove them to be so) then the insurance company can claim the fence was structurally unsound.
It's all a bit Catch 22 really. Still, good luck with the loss adjuster.

On a lighter note, the damage seems reasonably localised. The walls to each side of the collapsed are look good in the photo and, as you point out, the roof appears to be undamaged and also in good condition. I'd be wanting to get some support under the roof plate as soon as possible though. I believe it would be OK to clear some of the stone in order to minimise any further damage, even before the loss adjuster has visited, though it would be wise to inform the insurance company if you decide to do that. Anyway, you have good photos to show the original damage.

I can see why you had already been getting quotes for a rebuild of that section of the wall and I'd venture a guess that it would probably have been necessary to take it down anyway before rebuilding it properly, so in the grand scheme of things there seems to be little bad news, except perhaps having been forced to deal with it now rather than a more convenient time.

That end section of roof looks as though it might also need some attention . . . or is it just the photo?

Main priority now must surely be to make it all safe, which will probably mean pulling down the remain loose wall (all of it?) and propping up the roof plate. Other than that, it'll make a nice little project for when the weather improves. :wink:

 

[biffvernon]

A little re-pointing seems in order.

(Love the shape of the roof, far right.)

 

[brokendelphroom]

What a nice start to 2012 :roll:

I'd agree with everything flyfisher said. As far as stabilizing the remaining structure is concerned you need to get acroprops or similar support on the wall plate of the roof. The weakened inner skin that remains is now under increasing pressure to hold up the roof and could possibly collapse if not relieved of some weight.

Your judgement is probably best for the fate of the inner walls the inner skins. If they look solid and reasonably sturdy you might get away with them. Although when you rebuild the outer skin it might be an idea to tie them together, possibly with stainless steel straps cut into sections and bedded in mortar, much like cavity ties in a new build wall.I doubt clearing away the rubble will cause further collapse, but do take care!

You can always take the view that is was better for this to happen while you were away and before you had pumped money in it. Much better than it coming down on builders during the works. I had a near miss a few years ago when a outbuilding on our farm fell literally seconds before i passed it. At least now you can take comfort in the building being completely structurally sound once repairs are completed.

Best of luck,
Paul.

 

[Penners]

I hope I'm wrong but I'd be bracing myself for an exclusion on the basis that the wall was not in good condition

I fear FF may be right. I think it's likely the insurer will argue that this is the result of gradual deterioration, rather than any particular event. Ho hum.

But on a brighter note, a picture window would look nice in that wall.

 

[MdB]

Bad luck FW - I feel for you. It looks like you will be needing a few barrow loads of lime shortly.. Pity it isn't the best time of year for putting it all back together again (unless the weather does stay as mild as it has been).

 

[Feltwell]

As others have said, my immediate concern would be what is now taking the weight of that roof (which looks to be in remarkably good nick). I suspect not very much, and some urgent propping is required. I'm more surprised that it's not the roof of the end section that collapsed (!) - but then again appearances can be deceiving. I'd also be looking to get a barrier round that area urgently to keep anyone away in case of further collapse.

And for Christ's sake be very careful if you're taking any more loose masonry out. As a lorry driver once told me why he secured loads with straps rather than chains - "if it moves you can cut straps with a saw tied to a long stick, stop the 'efin lot falling on you" - if any section looks seriously unstable then pushing it over "from afar" is much safer. I once took an outbuilding wall down by pushing it over, as carefully as possible, with a JCB bucket for that very reason - it may mean a bit more rebuilding but it's better than several tons of masonry falling on your legs.

Similarly - be very careful when propping that roof, taking the load off the unstable wall could cause it to go. No need to jack props in to lift the roof, they just need to be in "firm contact" I'd say. Do as much as you can from the sides. Sorry if this is patronising, but I'd rather say!!

I share the insurance pessimism I'm afraid, but a claim has to be worth a try.

Bad luck FW, at least the year can only get better from here!

 

[FamilyWiggs]

Thanks guys - will get acrow under there tomorrow. Just listening to the wind and hoping it won't lift the roof off.

Even more annoying, my tractor loader arms are under the rubble... :evil:

I'm not too hopeful of the insurance either....

 

[JoceAndChris]

Oh, terrible news FW. I'm so sorry!

I hope the insurance will pay out.

 

[Feltwell]

Hope the weather is better with you than where we are (down and across a little) - it's chucking it down with rain and blowing a gale here, the sashes rattling woke the kids up this morning.

 

[middi]

As everybody has suggested, stabilise the roof with props ( wood or metal) and use a tarpauling or similar to stop wind ( or gales !!) getting under the roof void,
otherwise you have to get permission from the neighbours to collect it from their side of the fence.

Middi

 

[Lime]

It looks like the rabbit was lucky.

 

[CliffordPope]

I'd be very cautious at this stage even of moving anything in order to get props under it. You don't know how much buttressing the heap of rubble might be doing.
Could you wedge in some long lengths of timber at an angle and prop them on the ground just outside the spread of the heap of rubble? Cut wedges in the top so they locate under the roof plate.
Then carefully remove the stones one by one until you can get in a bit closer and put in props at a less acute angle?

Does the roof have tie beams stopping it splaying out, or is it dependent on the wall being stable enough to resist the outward thrust?

 

[88v8]

I wouldn't make a claim. It will not succeed, and the insurers may make a fuss about 'subsidence' :shock: and the possible state of the rest of the house.
If anyone asks, just say you intended to rebuild it and this is how you intended to start... :wink:

Ivor

 

[Schoolmarm]

Ohhhh no!!! So sorry to read this.

 

[skier-hughes]

Bad news, have the overnight winds made it worse?

 

[Penners]

FW - no word from you today. You're not pinned under something, are you?

 

[skier-hughes]

I've spoken with FW, he is alive and well.

 

[Penners]

With his tin hat on, I trust.

 

[skier-hughes]

It was very echoey, so most likely