Ridge Tiles on Roof

Spartan · Post by **Spartan** » Thu Jan 18, 2007 4:24 pm

All,

I've just the end ridge tile from my roof in the wind. It's from the end that is facing into the wind.

What suprises me is that there is very little sign of mortar on the tile - about 1cm on each of the edges, nothing on the end.

Looking at the roof there appears to be a bump at each end of the "tile" (or gap where it should be) and very little other mortar.

Is this usual? Was the tile fixed on properly?

I'm asking as this is a new home and while I appreciate that wind will cause damage it doesn't seem to me to have been fixed on properly in the first place.

Cheers, S

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Thu Jan 18, 2007 5:48 pm

How old is the house exactly?

I have seen ridge tiles on old properties that have merely been held in place with their own weight. I bought an house a few years back and thought I'd grab one to make sure it was fixed and it was not fixed at all!

The extreme winds that we are having cause problems that would not normally exist.

Some modern ridge tiles are clipped on and then pointed, rather than being held on with mortar.

If the house is really new, then it should be covered by a guarantee that will fix this for free, if not then your home insurance should cover it. But to be honest it should only cost a few quid to get it put back on.

Jasper might reply to this thread, he's an expert on new houses

Spartan · Post by **Spartan** » Fri Jan 19, 2007 8:53 am

The house is 14 months old and the developer is refusing to fix under warranty.

Regards, S

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Fri Jan 19, 2007 10:56 am

I'll PM jasper, he will give you the best advice here

Spartan · Post by **Spartan** » Fri Jan 19, 2007 11:05 am

Thanks all help much appreciated.

Regards, S

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Fri Jan 19, 2007 11:28 am

Jasper is a site manager and knows everything about new houses etc.

If he does not reply to this you can get him here- http://www.snagging.info/forum/index.php

I just had a friend on the phone, who has also lost some ridge tiles. Lots of fences have been blown down round here

Jasper · Post by **Jasper** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 9:11 am

It's Jasper to the rescue!

It is not uncommon for the end ridge tiles to come off in high winds. One of mine came off 8 years ago and the builder replaced it without me even asking! (It pays to be in the trade!)

It is an NHBC requirement that end ridge tiles be mechanically fixed (screwed or nailed to a batten below).

NHBC standard 7.2 - S12 (c) Ridges & Hips page 20 -You can quote this when you write to your builder!

I am not 100% sure, but I think all ridge tiles are now required by NHBC standards to be screwed or nailed.

In older houses, ridge tiles were bedded on mortar. whilst not fully filling the under the tile there should be a bit more than just an inch each side! The open end should definitely be fully pointed.

As your house is 14 months old the builder should definitely come back to fix the problem under the Buildmark warranty. To see how to complain visit my site at:
http://www.brand-newhomes.co.uk/after_y ... w_home.htm

Here you will find advice and even template letters.

I assume the development is now completed because on most sites, the site manager would ask the roof tiler to do the repair when he is next on site.

It is only when the builder's office have to organise these things that it becomes a problem and they try to wriggle out of their responsibilities under the warranty.

How about naming and shaming your house builder here and on http://www.snagging.info/forum/

Jasper · Post by **Jasper** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 9:15 am

ultimatehandyman wrote:Jasper is a site manager and knows everything about new houses etc.

:

Wow thanks for the accolade Ultimate Handyman.

I wish I knew everything about webmastering! lol

Spartan · Post by **Spartan** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 9:51 am

NHBC standard 7.2 - S12 (c) Ridges & Hips page 20

Do you have a scan of that or a reference to where I can find it on the web please?

I've tried Google but couldn't find it.

Cheers, S

Jasper · Post by **Jasper** » Sun Jan 21, 2007 4:04 pm

Sorry mate, I cant do it. The NHBC standards are on a disk or in a book and you cannot copy them. You cant even cut and paste from the pdf. I tried! You can buy the standards from the NHBC for £60!

All it says it that "end ridges tiles should be nailed" ie fixed. Persimmon will know this!

You can probably see a copy at the library.

Spartan · Post by **Spartan** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 10:32 am

Ok spoke the the NHBC today and they verified that since July 2004 it's been a requirment that ridge tiles within 900 of the gable end are mechanically attached.

I quoted yourselves and the NHBC to the site manager and he was a LOT politer and has agreed to come and look and fix if there's no screws.

I'll keep you posted.

Regards, John

Charlie_Farley · Post by **Charlie_Farley** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 6:40 pm

Jasper wrote:
ultimatehandyman wrote:Jasper is a site manager and knows everything about new houses etc.

:
Wow thanks for the accolade Ultimate Handyman.

I wish I knew everything about webmastering! lol

...and knows his stuff ...and does his homework too this a very recent amendment too - Spot centre my friend

Spartan · Post by **Spartan** » Wed Jan 24, 2007 8:33 am

They fixed it yesterday.

Many thanks for the help!

Regards, S

Jasper · Post by **Jasper** » Fri Jan 26, 2007 1:41 pm

I am pleased you have got it resolved.

Why housebuilders try to get away without doing repairs like this amazes me. If nothing else it is goodwill, now everyone knows this builder is awkward.

Remember everyone.. IT IS THE SQUEAKY WHEEL THAT GETS THE OIL!

Jasper · Post by **Jasper** » Fri Jan 26, 2007 1:43 pm

Charlie_Farley wrote:
Jasper wrote:
ultimatehandyman wrote:Jasper is a site manager and knows everything about new houses etc.

:
Wow thanks for the accolade Ultimate Handyman.

I wish I knew everything about webmastering! lol

...and knows his stuff ...and does his homework too this a very recent amendment too - Spot centre my friend

Wait until the air tightness test requirement starts to bite the builders!