Advice on failed roof purlin.

[MarkandCath]

We have just inherited a property that is in need of total renovation and I have a question about a roofing problem. The chimney flashing has failed and allowed water into the roof space. This has gone on for an extended period and the purlin has rotted out where it meets the chimney breast.

I am an Electrician so I can rewire it and we can do all the rest of the work ourselves but we have no experience with roof work. I have been told by 2 roofers that the job requires the roof to be stripped and redone after the purlin has been changed – cost about £17 to 20k. It strikes me as making a mountain out of a mole hill but what does everyone think? Can you change/repair a purlin with the roof on or do you need to strip it all off? Thanks.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

You will probably need to submit some photo, to get an opinion.

 

[MarkandCath]

You will probably need to submit some photo, to get an opinion.

That's a fair shout. I am not back there for a few weeks but I will get some. Thanks.

 

[noseall]

Can you change/repair a purlin with the roof on or do you need to strip it all off? Thanks.

Purlin repairs in some roofs, can be done in-situ, yes. However, it's easier to carry out if the roof material is stripped.

 

[blup]

. I have been told by 2 roofers that the job requires the roof to be stripped and redone after the purlin has been changed

That suggests the roof is in poor condition so worth considering. Post some pics of the purlin including where it sits at both ends, as well as the roof inside and out.

 

[MarkandCath]

Sorry, I forgot to say. It is a slate roof and I am told you lose a lot of slates when you rip them off.

 

[mrrusty]

It is a slate roof and I am told you lose a lot of slates when you rip them off.

You'll definitely lose some. When we had our welsh slates removed on our semi, and the roof felted, re-battened and re-slated, our roofer had to get hold of about 10% reclaimed slates to match in. It will, of course, depend on the condition of your own roof and slates.

 

[^woody^]

Roofers fit tiles and stuff on top of the roof timbers, and are not the people to comment on the suitability or not of purlins or the roof structure generally.

 

[datarebal]

If it's just the end , get a steel shoe made up

 

[catlad]

Or a 10 foot length of 5x3 angle iron.