Roof problems

noddy1_2

Hi,

I've been putting off getting a quote for work to my roof - I live in an old house which was converted from a chapel about 30 years ago. Seems like the roof felt, maybe some of the tiles and flashing need repair/replacing.
We get some dampness in the loft although it's hard to tell how much is from condensation, how much from rain.

I don't think the the roof is that bad, but I had a quote from Warmroof, who apply foam to the back of the tiles which means you no longer need loft insulation apparently. Wasn't that serious about using them, but the guy who came claiming to be a surveyor sounded more like a salesman to me. He reckoned all our tiles would need replacing (Norfolk pantiles) and quoted £22500!!! It's a 4-bed house - no bigger than a standard detached 4-bed, though the 4 dormer windows add to the complexity.

Now I've not read many complementary remarks about this company on the net, in fact quite the opposite (maybe because I was deliberately looking for it).
Wondering whether anyone has experience of having this stuff done? We do get woodlice in the loft, so I know that there is damp that needs sorting - but so ar it's not that bad (but obviously I'm not going to leave it much longer). Also loft insulation doesn't meet the current regs - so that needs improving. We also get birds nesting under the tiles in places, which would be nice to prevent as they make a racket in the spring! Don't mind little birds, but starlings are a real pain.

Anyone comment on what the Warmrrof guy claimed - that roof felt is not worth doing - will soon not meet building regs, as it traps moisture and constantly needs replacing? Sounds like sales talk to me...
thanks
Nod

paulstani

you can buy DIY foam spray kits and save yourself £000's-try this link http://www.absealantsltd.com/Fomo_More_Info.htm

Volcano

As long as a roof is sound, insulated and well ventilated then there is no reason why damp should be a problem.

£22500!

Remember he is on commission, and whilst I'm sure his product is very good what do you think he cares most about? Your roof or his income?

I really try hard not to buy from salesmen as they are unlikely to have any intertest in my well being.

noddy1_2

Volcano wrote:

As long as a roof is sound, insulated and well ventilated then there is no reason why damp should be a problem.

£22500!

Remember he is on commission, and whilst I'm sure his product is very good what do you think he cares most about? Your roof or his income?

I really try hard not to buy from salesmen as they are unlikely to have any intertest in my well being.

Thanks - pretty much what I've been thinking - I can't see what's wrong with traditional roof-felt and tiles. I'm just not sure how to tell if my tiles are sound - I'm sure that quite a few are in need of replacement. I'll just be getting quotes from traditional roofers - just don't want to get ripped off of course! I think a bit more web-surfing on modern tile replacements for traditional pantiles is required - plus some recommendations locally.
cheers
Nod

dadrock

"The roofing job that gives bodging a bad name" :-
http://www.ask-jeff.co.uk/building-roof-repairs.htm


I reckon you can get the roof re-battened and felted, reuse your existing tiles for a lot less. Ballpark £6k. Plus the cost of the scaffold, I'm guessing at about a grand. (not knowing the size of your house of course).

noddy1_2

Thanks Dadrock - very useful info - I certainly won't touch the spray-on foam people with a barge-pole! My instincts told me they were another one of these rip-off companies.

I suspect I'll have to replace quite a few roof tiles, but many will be re-usable. I'm also planning to get the mesh put in just under the lip of the bottom tiles to stop birds getting in.

NOw to get some local recommendations.
cheers
Nod

robowen

My OH's nan had this done and it wrecked the roof timbers. They had a leak and were unable to find where the leak was coming from. When they tore back some of the foam, they discovered the timbers had rotted away. This will happen if the timbers dont get any air. Ventilation is paramount in a loft.
Even replacing broken roof tiles became a nonstarter. Tiles break every so often with the frost, but you cant replace them if the backs are coated in foam.
I would get a quote from a local roof specialist to replace the roof, someone who does this day in day out.
I bet the quote will be no where near what this foam stuff costs.

rob

noddy1_2

Thanks all posters - got a recommended local builder to quote- he says there's basically nothing wrong with the roof - except maybe a bit of condensation, due to restricted airflow and possibly needing new felt under the lowest 3 rows of tiles. Anyway probably £500 of work not £22.5K as quoted by Warmroof!!!
Maybe I should be writing to Watchdog...

trigger_mike

Go for it, i'd write to watchdog, the next person may not be as sensible as you or be an old granny and will end up paying their life savings on this con job thats not needed, i can see it on rouge traders now...

lo_jo

noddy1 wrote:

Anyone comment on what the Warmrrof guy claimed - that roof felt is not worth doing - will soon not meet building regs, as it traps moisture and constantly needs replacing? Sounds like sales talk to me...
thanks
Nod

If you do re-tile, new felt will not constantly need replacing as suggested.

The figure the sales guy quoted is way high, you could re-tile for half that.