Issue identified on survey with roof trusses - is this anything to worry about?

suebfg

Quote from survey:

"The roof space was entered through a hatch in the landing ceiling. The roof is formed with factory made timber roof trusses, supporting the coverings. The roof structure is in good order with no serious defects evident. However, the end trusses are not strapped or properly secured to the walls which makes the roof more susceptible to movement during high winds. The trusses should be
inspected and improved."

Does anyone know how much this is likely to cost to put right?

Thanks

BitterAndTwisted

I don't know how many roof-trusses there are but you surveyor will: he's seen them. And they will know several decent building firms you could ask to give you a quote. Or find one yourself. My guess is £4,865.32

Anything to worry about? No, not if the property is in an area of the country where there are never any high winds. I can't think of one, can you?

Hatrick24

I am buying a house and had exactly the same wording in my survey. The house was built in the early 1970's, so whilst it may be susceptible to movement in high winds, it clearly hasn't yet. Apparently, new regulations came into effect in the late 1970's but prior to that, this was common practice.

When I mentioned it to my carpenter, her said it was not a big job. You don't need to replace the roof trusses, just fix them to the sides of the house. It is up to you, whether you get it done, I probably will as I was told the total cost would be less than £500.

suebfg

Thanks Hatrick. Funny thing is that this is a modern house, built in the last 10 years or so. Let's hope it's the only thing the builders missed! Unfortunately it's just out of its 10 year guarantee.

motherofstudents

My advice would be get it done then you can forget it. There's no doubt you could go for years and not notice any movement but eventually it might cause some roof spread which will end up pushing your walls out slightly and you will find that fascias etc will be distorted. It's not a huge job but get plenty of quotes and maybe go back to the surveyor to get the exact wording of the remedial work needed. The last thing you want is to pay money to someone who will do it wrong.

DannyboyMidlands

Hatrick24 wrote: »

I am buying a house and had exactly the same wording in my survey. The house was built in the early 1970's, so whilst it may be susceptible to movement in high winds, it clearly hasn't yet. Apparently, new regulations came into effect in the late 1970's but prior to that, this was common practice.

When I mentioned it to my carpenter, her said it was not a big job. You don't need to replace the roof trusses, just fix them to the sides of the house. It is up to you, whether you get it done, I probably will as I was told the total cost would be less than £500.

£500?!!!!

You probably just need a dozen galvanised metal straps costing a couple of quid each.

Fix the straps to the end trusses at 2m centres and plug and screw a couple of feet down the wall.

Whilst this does need doing and is a building regs requirement, the surveyor has got a little confused. This detail is all about providing lateral support to the head of the wall rather than stopping the roof moving.

propertyman

DannyboyMidlands wrote: »

£500?!!!!

You probably just need a dozen galvanised metal straps costing a couple of quid each.

I was going to post much the same thing.

The issue would be if the area is accessible, as we do not know the roof slope, and how much disruption is required below internally, if an external fixing is not an option.

Imp

DannyboyMidlands wrote: »

£500?!!!!

You probably just need a dozen galvanised metal straps costing a couple of quid each.

Fix the straps to the end trusses at 2m centres and plug and screw a couple of feet down the wall.

Whilst this does need doing and is a building regs requirement, the surveyor has got a little confused. This detail is all about providing lateral support to the head of the wall rather than stopping the roof moving.

I'd get them installed by someone who knows what they are doing. The description above has the straps going the wrong way. The long end of them should go from the wall out into the loft by at least three rafters/joists. Noggings and packing are then required between the joists/rafters and the wall.

DannyboyMidlands

Imp wrote: »

I'd get them installed by someone who knows what they are doing. The description above has the straps going the wrong way. The long end of them should go from the wall out into the loft by at least three rafters/joists. Noggings and packing are then required between the joists/rafters and the wall.

I'd do it yourself and save £500. The description above is a bit pedantic. Assuming that the trusses are all properly braced together, which it sounds like they are, then the 3 truss thing is not strictly neccessary in my opinion.

Imp

DannyboyMidlands wrote: »

I'd do it yourself and save £500. The description above is a bit pedantic. Assuming that the trusses are all properly braced together, which it sounds like they are, then the 3 truss thing is not strictly neccessary in my opinion.

The British Standards Institute will, no doubt, take your opinion on board in their next revision of BS 8103-1.

DannyboyMidlands

Imp wrote: »

The British Standards Institute will, no doubt, take your opinion on board in their next revision of BS 8103-1.

They would if they were having to saw the damn noggings.