Concerns over roof structural problems.

[pinkloli]

Dear all,

I live on the top floor of a block of 9 flats, and am quite tired of the mismangement and neglect that this building has been subjected to over my 2 years of tenure here. So I have over the last couple of months, managed to rally most of the building's rather inactive and dormant leasholder to acquire the RTM (right to manage) of the building. We are still about ~ 6 months from taking over, the leasholders where rather uninterested at first seem to be getting more involved as time goes on.

Myself and another top floor neighbour have recently had some leaking roof issues coming up during the stormier periods. I have pushed for the maintenance company to instruct an roof report/investigation and that has come up with the link attached.

My understanding is that some trades companies will try to scaremonger you into a high quote, but I am still worried about point 12 where it is mentioned that 'the floor has collapsed', I am awaiting for the first quote and hpoing to see some detailed breakdown.

I should mention that I have zero knowledge on trade practices/roofing matters, and will be relying on a new leasholder that works in that space, I am just looking to see if someone can give me their informed subjective opinion on this report, and urgency/(likely cost) of repairs involved.

N.B.

The building is 20 years old, and am assuming that the same goes for the roof as well, please let me know if there is any other information I can supply.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

https://imgur.com/a/EP662fY

 

[blup]

How long is a piece of string? They seem to be recommending complete flat roof replacement so it will cost many tens of thousands. If it was me I would identify the source of the current leak and repair that first if practical. Then get an independent building surveyor, whose report is not dependent on the expectation of getting the contract to repair. The reference to the collapsed floor is presumably reference to the part flat roof structure that supports the roof membrane (EDPM?) which has rotted due to ingress of water.

 

[pinkloli]

How long is a piece of string? They seem to be recommending complete flat roof replacement so it will cost many tens of thousands. If it was me I would identify the source of the current leak and repair that first if practical. Then get an independent building surveyor, whose report is not dependent on the expectation of getting the contract to repair. The reference to the collapsed floor is presumably reference to the part flat roof structure that supports the roof membrane (EDPM?) which has rotted due to ingress of water.

Thank you for your reply, I think the most sensible thing to do would be to organise an independent survey.

 

[endecotp]

Did you or they go inside the roof space? I.e. has this “collapsed” area been seen from below?

It will cost many thousands if the flat roof needs to be replaced, even partially. Warn neighbours that they should not book expensive holidays this year!

Good news is you do seem to have easy access to the roof to inspect it.

 

[pinkloli]

Did you or they go inside the roof space? I.e. has this “collapsed” area been seen from below?

It will cost many thousands if the flat roof needs to be replaced, even partially. Warn neighbours that they should not book expensive holidays this year!

Good news is you do seem to have easy access to the roof to inspect it.

Hi there, I don't think the contractors went inside the roof itself, and I don't really know the extent of the 'collapse'. I will build some confidence and try to go on top with my neighboir to try and inspect it for myself.

 

[robinbanks]

Command you take something like a crutch (what you use for a broken leg) ie a pole with a soft end, and prod any parts of the roof before you place your foot there. The report appeared to say that sections of the EPDM rubber don't have anything underneath to support them, and stepping in the wrong place and tearing it could leave you with a nasty fall injury. Reading between the lines I'd say your contractors realised after the fact that they'd stepped in the wrong place somewhere and nearly fallen through