Is there problem of the roof of the property I want to buy

[mardy]

Hi, I am a new one looking for some help, may not be able to make any contribution. Sorry for that.
I am buying a town house in Cardiff built 100 years ago. The roof looks weird for me.
I am not sure if there is any prolem with it.

roof21.JPG (84.98 KiB) Viewed 3150 times

Eave&roof21.jpg (84.83 KiB) Viewed 3150 times

garden31.JPG (72.93 KiB) Viewed 3150 times

garden41.JPG (81.15 KiB) Viewed 3150 times

[Razor]

It looks pretty standard to me. What exactly is worrying you?

[mardy]

Thanks. It looks a bit undulation and the colour of some slates looks stained.
The area above the part wall has been recovered?

It looks pretty standard to me. What exactly is worrying you?

[Razor]

Granted it's not the prettiest but it only looks like very minor sagging of some of the rafters. As long as there aren't any signs of leakage, particularly under the valley at the rear I wouldn't worry from what I can see.

[mardy]

The valuation report suggested me obtain advice from a damp/timber specialist. There are a few cracks of ceiling/wall plaster in the first flloor. (I posted the photos in DAMP forum) I am not sure it suggests leakage from roof covering.

Granted it's not the prettiest but it only looks like very minor sagging of some of the rafters. As long as there aren't any signs of leakage, particularly under the valley at the rear I wouldn't worry from what I can see.

[thescruff]

I would be worried about the straight joint between the two properties, as I can't see how they would have waterproofed it.

You are right, in that respect it is very weird.

I would certainly have a word with both neighbours, before you commit to buy.

[Razor]

The last one I worked on like that had zinc soakers under the tiles which spanned the joint. Although the battens were better aligned than those.

Perhaps someone could look when they rescue the aerial

[thescruff]

True that would be a possibility, but the slates are stepped, so if they were fitted properly you would see the bottom edge. if the soakers was under the slates it would be a waste of time.

[mardy]

Thanks for everyone.
The vender said there was once a defective secret gutter under the roof joining the two properties. The problem has been fixed in 2002. But it seems there is damp evidence in all three bedrooms on first floor. I posted the photo here[url] is-the-ceiling-crack-caused-by-damp-t29596.html[url]

[dewaltdisney]

Walk away. Looking at those pics in the other thread and these of the roof I would be worried about roof leaks. If you are getting the house cheap enough to allow for a new roof then it might be worth it but do you want the hassle?

DWD

[ultimatehandyman]

All the slates look a different colour to the slates at the other sides.

I'm wondering if it has been covered with that coating (perhaps felt) on the outside, that was stopped because it made the roof timbers rot? Then at a later date it looks like they have re-used the slates.

[thescruff]

I did wonder if they were asbestos slates Boss.

[ultimatehandyman]

[mardy]

Thanks.
The vender told me the roof has been recovered with artificial slates, as part of the governmental enveloping repair scheme in later 80s. Actually I don't know what is enveloping repair scheme.

I did wonder if they were asbestos slates Boss.

All the slates look a different colour to the slates at the other sides.

I'm wondering if it has been covered with that coating (perhaps felt) on the outside, that was stopped because it made the roof timbers rot? Then at a later date it looks like they have re-used the slates.

Walk away. Looking at those pics in the other thread and these of the roof I would be worried about roof leaks. If you are getting the house cheap enough to allow for a new roof then it might be worth it but do you want the hassle?

DWD

[thescruff]

In that case I would definitely say they are asbestos and have lost there colour.

A secret gutters is a remote possibility however unlikely.

The price would have to be right, to continue.