Buying a house and the loft is in a state! - Help!

Joined
28 Jan 2025
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
Country
United Kingdom
Hey Guys,

I am purchasing a house and the roof is in quite a state im not sure what to do, I am quite handy but I have no idea when it comes to lofts, please see picture attached.

I need to install new flet? - not sure where to buy or how to install

I believe some roof tiles are missing and Im not sure if thats a DIY job.

p.s this is the only picture I have, I appreciate if anyone replies.

Thanks!
 
Sponsored Links
my roof does not have felt in the orginal part of bungalow
BUT you mention , Loft and roof and missing tiles

I believe some roof tiles are missing and Im not sure if thats a DIY job.
would depend on the tiles and access and your ability as to a DIY job - I dont go on roofs anymore , just because of age and equipment i have now

is this house a really good price , and has the roof issues been discussed ?
is this a survey report
Any other damage - like rotten timbers in roof, if missing tiles water/animals will/may get in and cause all sorts of damage over time
 
Sponsored Links
Sorry the image was not attached last time! Looks like im having an issue uploading
 
my roof does not have felt in the orginal part of bungalow


BUT you mention , Loft and roof and missing tiles






would depend on the tiles and access and your ability as to a DIY job - I dont go on roofs anymore , just because of age and equipment i have now




is this house a really good price , and has the roof issues been discussed ?


is this a survey report


Any other damage - like rotten timbers in roof, if missing tiles water/animals will/may get in and cause all sorts of damage over time

The house is a very good price its 1930's double fronted 2 story, lots of potential.


So I plan to do a loft extention at some point but dont have the funds at the moment.


IN the survey report it says leaking roof.


Did not see any rotten timbers. below is what the report says:

inside the loft:





A head and shoulders inspection was undertaken of the roof space. The loft hatch is situated on the first-floor landing.


The roof structure is supported by rafters, purlins with struts and purlin bracing. Timber members are in a reasonable condition given the age of the property. Some of the roof member sizes would be below the sizes recommended in today's building regulation standards but would have been the normal practice at the time of the construction. Ventilation is adequate and there is no need to upgrade. The insulation within loft is below the recommended guidelines, I would be recommending upgrading to a minimum of 300 mm.








Outside the roof:




The main house has a pitched roof covered with interlocking concrete tiles covering the front and rear elevations, well bedded hipped, well bedded ridge tiles, with lead work stepped around the stack. The main rear roof elevation has no sign of sagging. There were missing/displaced tiles noted to both elevations.


It is noted that there are some serviceable cement fillets missing along the top of the roof (the ridge tiles) at front, rear and side elevations. Some remedial repairs are required – see photographs below.


According to the Building Research Establishment (BRE) environmental profiling scheme for building materials, clay or concrete roof tiles are expected to have a minimum life expectancy of 60 years. However, due to their natural composition and the additional strength gained through firing, their functional lifespan could extend significantly longer, contingent upon regular maintenance and necessary repairs. Some degree of weathering and UV damage may become noticeable over time, which remains within acceptable limits.


It is important to highlight that roof repairs can be relatively costly; primarily because Health and Safety regulations typically necessitates the erection of scaffolding for the execution of any essential repairs. Therefore, it is strongly advisable to consider a comprehensive roofing inspection conducted by a qualified roofing professional before proceeding with the property purchase. Such an inspection can accurately determine the extent of required roof repairs and provide an estimation of the remaining lifespan of the roof.
 
Dangerous job working on a roof. If unsure at all, get a roofer in to quote etc...
 
The OP could upload the picture elsewhere and provide a link.

Get a roofer involved before you buy this property, if there is any possibility get the seller to reduce the price by whatever the roofer quotes you for a reroof or get them to reroof it before you buy it.
 
It would be a waste of time re-roofing if you're in line to do a loft conversion.

I suggest your best bet is to forget the felt for now: as others have said many older roofs don't have any and are healthier for it as they really breathe. Come loft conversion you'll likey be removing a lot of roof anyway so just do the rest. Should be considerably cheaper that way as you'll have scaffold, bodies, skips etc on site.

For now get a decent roofer to replace any missing tiles. Probaly get away with a ladder job for a couple or perhaps a cherry picker.
 
The survey comments are entirely normal.

If you can see broken tiles and damaged mortar, then get a roofer to quote to fix. There might even be some spare tiles lying about in the garage! But a good roofer will get you some to match. They will also repair any damaged mortar or lead work (some tiles may need re-bedding). I had similar done on my 1930s semi a few years ago. Probably 20 tiles replaced and the ridge tiles and chimney pots re-bedded... was £500ish, although this was a few years ago.
 
Finally able to upload! this is the condition
Seems like someone had botched some repairs
 

DIYnot Local

Staff member

If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.

Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.


Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local

 
Sponsored Links
Back
Top