roof overhauling?

londonlydia

Hi,

When we had a building survey done on our house pre-purchase last year it was mentioned our roof needed an overhaul (but not a replacement) due to some loose/ cracked tiles here and there. We've not done anything about it as yet as we had more urgents matters to attend to, but now we've sorted that we have noticed a couple of leaky areas whilst working in the loft.

Can anyone tell me if this is a particularly expensive or difficult job? In particular would you normally have to supply scaffolding to do this job? Our house is an EoT that is on a slope and 3 storey so could be pricey to scaffold!

mymedi

[QUOTE=londonlydia;61390131In_particular_would_you_normally_have_to_supply_scaffolding_to_do_this_job?[/QUOTE]

That would depend on the type of roof you have and on whether you and/or your roofers want to do it the proper way or not. If the roof is pitched, then yes, technically, you would need scaffolding around it. However, there are lots of roofers who will be happy to do the slates overhaul with just a safety harness. I think it's a matter of your preference and of shopping around.
Also, keep in mind that should anything else need to be done other than the slates, the need for scaffolding will increase.

orrery

I have had persistent leaks (repaired several time, but they just return) and so need my roof re-tiled and probably new battens. All will be replaced as-is, with no changes.

Does anyone know what the building regulation position is on this?

I've been warned that they will need to be notified and I'll probably then need to add to my insulation in the loft to comply, which will be a right pain as I've added insulation as much as I can, then floored the loft to make it usable storage space.

kenny62

londonlydia wrote: »

Hi,

When we had a building survey done on our house pre-purchase last year it was mentioned our roof needed an overhaul (but not a replacement) due to some loose/ cracked tiles here and there. We've not done anything about it as yet as we had more urgents matters to attend to, but now we've sorted that we have noticed a couple of leaky areas whilst working in the loft.

Can anyone tell me if this is a particularly expensive or difficult job? In particular would you normally have to supply scaffolding to do this job? Our house is an EoT that is on a slope and 3 storey so could be pricey to scaffold!

the scaffold would cost more than the repairs but health and safety its essential large fines for the workers if caught any work over 2 meters height and over 20 mins job full regulations must be met, 3 story scaffold 20 ft wide here in Manchester would cost about £500 + good luck 35 year roofer,

docmatt

Post a pic of the roof

tony6403

orrery wrote: »

I have had persistent leaks (repaired several time, but they just return) and so need my roof re-tiled and probably new battens. All will be replaced as-is, with no changes.

Does anyone know what the building regulation position is on this?

I've been warned that they will need to be notified and I'll probably then need to add to my insulation in the loft to comply, which will be a right pain as I've added insulation as much as I can, then floored the loft to make it usable storage space.

I think that your retiling will be classed as a "thermal element" and that it will therefore come within the scope of the building regs. The performance of your existing insulation will dictate whether or not it has to be improved.

orrery

tony6403 wrote: »

I think that your retiling will be classed as a "thermal element" and that it will therefore come within the scope of the building regs. The performance of your existing insulation will dictate whether or not it has to be improved.

OK, but at what point does replacing tiles require building reg involvement? Clearly not replacing 1 tile, or 5 tiles presumably? 50 tiles? How about if I leave the 5 new tiles up there that were put up last year so it isn't a complete replacement?

My intent is to have exactly the same roof in place as was there before, but mended.

tony6403

Good point. As I understand things this means where 25% or more of the existing thermal element ( in your case the roof) is to be replaced or renovated.
But I suggest that you ring your local building control office to check how they interpret the regulation on this.

pawlala

kenny62 wrote: »

the scaffold would cost more than the repairs but health and safety its essential large fines for the workers if caught any work over 2 meters height and over 20 mins job full regulations must be met, 3 story scaffold 20 ft wide here in Manchester would cost about £500 + good luck 35 year roofer,

Old regs. Now any distance liable to cause personal injury; since 2005. Make your 36th year as a roofer the year where you refreshed your H&S training!

orrery

tony6403 wrote: »

Good point. As I understand things this means where 25% or more of the existing thermal element ( in your case the roof) is to be replaced or renovated.
But I suggest that you ring your local building control office to check how they interpret the regulation on this.

I did and was told 'no compromise, blame the government'. It looks as though I'll need to get the roof done, get inspected, be told that I have to improve the insulation, remove all contents of the loft, add insulation, get re-inspected and get certificate, remove bulk of insulation, return things to loft. Bonkers.

tony6403

Copied the extract below from Hammersmith and Fulham Council website.
As you will see they do refer to 25% being a relevant consideration.
Maybe it is the the word "treated" which needs clarification?



New Building Regulation Part L1B


The Requirements for Existing Dwellings – Part L1B applies to Provision, extension, alteration or renovation of thermal elements, controlled fittings and controlled services to existing dwellings

Part L1B introduces a new concept of Thermal elements.

Definition - A wall, floor or roof that separates the internal conditioned space from the external environment.

Thermal elements – there is now a reasonable provision to improve energy efficiency.

• On provision of new thermal elements
• On replacement of existing thermal elements
• On retention of existing thermal elements
• On material change of use or material alteration
• On renovation of existing thermal elements -If more than 25% of surface area is treated