Leaking roof in house - dry rot?

beckyw_2

We're buying a 1930's house from people we know. House is empty as they have moved away and are renting. They had a sale fall through recently when they were gazundered (by 10k apparently) on day of exchange. House had been on market for 12m (over priced and they have done some silly things with layout)

They accepted our lowish but fair offer as we are cash buyers. They wanted us to exchange in 2.5 weeks which I found suspicious but we said it would depend on solicitors.

Anyway, we have had keys to look around and go round with trades. Mostly needs outside work - wall ties, tidy up render,sort out sealed chimneys etc.

There is an attic bedroom and in that room is a hatch (secured with screws) to access roof space at front of house. Thought we had better check in there. Found that the roof was leaking in the area of the ridge tiles and it looks like it has been going on for some time as some of the wood boarding is rotten (no felt) and top of big ridge piece is soft in a few places. Lots of rain here and it is quite wet so there is obviously a problem.

Told them about it and they must have known as they haven't said they would come and look at it. If it was my house and I was told it was leaking I would have been there like a shot.

Anyway, there are no mushrooms or fruiting bodies. Is it possible to have dry rot and not be able to see it yet? They have said we can start work as soon as we exchange and they will make a contribution. I'm concerned as obviously the problem is going to get worse, loads of rain forecast and I don't know how long exchange will take. Once we've exchanged the problem is then ours. My husband thinks this is OK but I'm not so sure. Am I being unreasonable? I was thinking they should get it fixed now and I'll see what condition the wood is in once it has dried out before we proceed any further. Does anyone have any other ideas?

phill99

It's more likely to be wet rot than dry rot.

G_M

Why on earth have they not at least stopped the leak?

That would at least prevent further damage and allow the drying out process to start.

Either it is minor (a few roof tiles/ridge tiles) in which case it is a minor expense which I'd expect them to have done (or to urgently do now that they know).

OR it is a major problem (new roof). In which case you need to budget seriously / negotiate purchase price.

and that's even before assessing the wood damage inside.

Your first step MUST be to fully understand
a) what is causing the damage - and repair cost and
b) the extent of internal damage - and repair cost

And then you need to discuss these costs. Vague assurances "we'll share the cost after you buy" are NOT acceptable.

Frankly, if these are friends - walk away, cos it sounds to me like in the long run you will lose them as friends!

beckyw_2

Thanks for reply. I think they have given up on house because they made decision to move away. They haven't had it done because either they didn't know (doubtful) or because it will cost quite a bit because scaffolding is needed. I think the problem is ridge tiles that need removing, cleaning and rebedding. Builder suggested that to us. Rest of roof that is visible looks ok. Reckon cost would be around £1200 with scaffolding. We need wall ties doing as well which also requires scaffolding which is why i suppose they suggested contributing as it could be used for both.

Have had someone works at damp co. to look at wood. We couldn't see mushrooms/ fruit bodies re. dry rot but he did say it needs to be stopped now hence my concern. It was also quite difficult to see as light a bit distant so we were using torches.

The more i think about it, the more i'm thinking they need to sort it now and then we can consider whether to go ahead with purchase once it's drying. If we don't buy they will still need to sort it.

kateleendavis

Well, homeowners have to view for numerous things, but something one should look out for is poria incrassata. Poria is a form of dry rot which is rather insidious, though the rotten thing is that once you've spotted it, you are in deep trouble. Although Poria shows up mostly in southern states, some experts believe the forest dirts used by landscapers from around the world originally spread the mold to domestic homes.Indeed no matter how it got there, once it arrives it means trouble for homeowners. With an installment loan payback is easy.

DRP

kateleendavis wrote: »

Well, homeowners have to view for numerous things, but something one should look out for is poria incrassata. Poria is a form of dry rot which is rather insidious, though the rotten thing is that once you've spotted it, you are in deep trouble. Although Poria shows up mostly in southern states, some experts believe the forest dirts used by landscapers from around the world originally spread the mold to domestic homes.Indeed no matter how it got there, once it arrives it means trouble for homeowners. With an installment loan payback is easy.

As i understand it, Poria is a North American fungus ...