Advice about our roof!

Galaxy863

Hey all!

Was after a bit of advice about our roof. Our porch has been leaking for a while now ( or so we thought! ) and last night we had to take the plasterboard down as it was literally falling off. After looking for the leak we discovered it was coming down through the wall cavity. So off into the loft we went and after pulling back the loft insulation discovered a hole in the felt where the water was dripping through and has obviously been running down the cavity in the walls into the porch. I think this has been happening for some time as the wall in the porch was literally dripping wet and we've had to put a bucket there.

I'm hoping its just a tile thats moved ( my dad came round today to have a look and he thinks thats all thats wrong ) so my question is how much can we expect to pay to get it sorted? I'm guessing the felt will have to be replaced too?

I haven't got a clue about DIY or how much work like this would cost so I was hoping someone could give me an idea so I don't get ripped off!

Thanks

welda

If rip/tear is not too big, perhaps a patch made from flashband will be suffice for now? Check out B&Q website for flashband explanation, very simple to use.

W.

Galaxy863

welda wrote: »

If rip/tear is not too big, perhaps a patch made from flashband will be suffice for now? Check out B&Q website for flashband explanation, very simple to use.

W.

Does it go by another name? Just tried searching on B&Q and can't find anything by that name

Oh and thanks for replying!!

shelovestobuystuff

Before you fix the damage please check that the water has not affected the porch timbers or structure,especially if,as you say,it has been leaking for some time.Any rot to brickwork or main timbers is better sorted now rather than covered over.
If you are claiming on your insurance policy they may carry out a full investsigation into the damage caused and test timers etc for moisture but if not it only takes a surveyor a few moments to double check this for you.Better safe than sorry.
I speak from experience as we have had to replace main floor joists because of a small leak caused by shoddy plumbing done many years before we bought the house.The small but constant drip caused the floor timbers to rot and it ended up being a really big and expensive job.We were lucky actually as it collapsed when no-one was up above.
Re the roof repair,I cant guess at a price as roofers differ so much and I dont know what size your roof is,but I would suggest you ask any neighbours ,family,workmates to recommend a roofer they have used.

Galaxy863

shelovestobuystuff wrote: »

Before you fix the damage please check that the water has not affected the porch timbers or structure,especially if,as you say,it has been leaking for some time.Any rot to brickwork or main timbers is better sorted now rather than covered over.
If you are claiming on your insurance policy they may carry out a full investsigation into the damage caused and test timers etc for moisture but if not it only takes a surveyor a few moments to double check this for you.Better safe than sorry.
I speak from experience as we have had to replace main floor joists because of a small leak caused by shoddy plumbing done many years before we bought the house.The small but constant drip caused the floor timbers to rot and it ended up being a really big and expensive job.We were lucky actually as it collapsed when no-one was up above.
Re the roof repair,I cant guess at a price as roofers differ so much and I dont know what size your roof is,but I would suggest you ask any neighbours ,family,workmates to recommend a roofer they have used.

The wooden beams in the porch are bone dry so I don't think they've been affected. Thats my main concern to be honest, that there's damage elsewhere that we can't see, although im trying not to worry too much until we've had someone out to look at it ( I'm a complete worrier and if I start thinking that I'll be convinced the house is going to fall down! )

We were going to get someone round for prices before we decide if we're going to claim off the insurance, if it's not too bad a price we'll probably just pay it ourselves as our excess is £150. My parent's are going to ask around and see if anyone knows someone in the trade, I don't think we'll need much doing to the roof, theres certainely no holes so I think it's just maybe a cracked tile or one thats moved

shelovestobuystuff

I am a worrier like you.I had worries and bad dreams about our bathroom collapsing ,all brushed aside by hubby and everyone else,for months before it actually collapsed.I had very shallow and quick baths just incase I landed in the porch.Anyway,I was right,the floor was moving and it did all come down and land in the porch,not while I was in the bath or the porch thankfully.
You are absolutely correct to consider your excess and subsequent loss of no claims bonus before contacting the insurers.It may well be cheaper to just pay for any repairs yourself.While the plaster is off the walls I would definately get it checked with a damp monitor,you may even be able to hire one or buy one cheaply from B&Q yourself.Even though the joists are dry do give them a little prod with a butter knife or similar implement and check if they are solid or at all crumbly.
RE the roofer,we are lucky enough to have found a reliable and fairly cheap local man who has done a small re-tile and re-felt patch for us for about £70 in the past.Plasterboard is cheap to buy,again B&Q is cheaper than trade places at about £5 a sheet and plastering is worth trying yourself too.If I can do it anyone can.

welda

Galaxy863 wrote: »

Does it go by another name? Just tried searching on B&Q and can't find anything by that name

Oh and thanks for replying!!

Had a wee look at B&Q site, can't find it either, although they do stock it, or try Wickes.

This what you are looking for, just scroll down a little.

http://www.blanchford.co.uk/acatalog/Tape.html

Galaxy863

welda wrote: »

Had a wee look at B&Q site, can't find it either, although they do stock it, or try Wickes.

This what you are looking for, just scroll down a little.

http://www.blanchford.co.uk/acatalog/Tape.html

Theres a homebase a few minutes drive from where we are, if they don't have it I might go to B&Q and see if they have it. Although it'll have to wait until tomorrow now.... hope it doesn't rain tonight!