Bad Loft conversions

lackingwedge

Problems with Loft Conversion.

Hi All,
Had a dormer style loft conversion completed about two years ago. Within about two months, we I was starting to see discolouration on the paintwork internally. Having initially tried to blame the quality of the paint used, they finally admitted there was a leak and sent their roofer round to do (repairs). As rainfall has been pretty sporadic the last year or so, it took a while for me to realise that they have not actually repaired the roof and the roof was still leaking.
I have been palmed off with every excuse under the sun the last year from sick workmen, claims they had sent someone to fix it which I know this to be a lie as I work from home and would have noticed workmen in my garden\roof.
Now the room underneath the loft has discolouration in the ceilling as well as damage to the carpet in the loft.
I have spoken to the Consumer Advice Service who have recommeneded that i send them a strongly worded letter quoting the supply or goods and services act 1982.
The loft company have replied, these are their words:
“The cause of the leak appears to be due to your existing roof tiles roof tiles leaning inwards towards the dormer cheek guiding the water underneath the lead as opposed to away into the gutters. We have built the loft conversion correctly and as we do always but in this case the rainwater is not running off the roof as it would normally due to the explanation above.
We will have to do additional roofing work now to accommodate the angle of the roof tiles. We will be happy to do this for you as a good will gesture due to the lengthy time it's taken to find the cause but we won't however take responsibility for any internal damage.”

My question is, should they be liable to the internal damage which is a direct result of their poor workmanship.
Should I also claim for additional damages for all the hassle caused?

stebiz

lackingwedge wrote: »

My question is, should they be liable to the internal damage which is a direct result of their poor workmanship.
Should I also claim for additional damages for all the hassle caused?

Just to get a few things clear.

They explained that in their belief the fault was not theirs but existing. Under SOGA it would be your responsibility to prove otherwise, in getting a qualified surveyor or other competent person to issue a report. You would then need to take them to court and claim back any other costs. Damages? I think you've been watching too many tv programmes. You won't get any in our legal system for the above.

Good luck but I'd say accept their good will gesture.

teneighty

Their excuse does not make sense.


If the roof tiles are profiled (shaped with troughs and ridges) they would have to be at a very strange angle for water to run under the lead flashing which they should have noticed when doing the work originally.


If the tiles are flat there should be lead soakers laid under the tiles so water could not run under this even if the tiles "leaning in". Again, why did they not notice this when doing the work originally?


Get an independent roofing contractor to inspect the work.

lackingwedge

Hi Teneighty. The roof sags in the middle, it's not the tiles.
This means that when it rains the rain runs down the roof towards the dormer rather than straight down.

This in my opinion is the fault of the Loft company as the roof was straight and the leaking is as a result of their works. The dipping in the roof is as a result of the dormer as it is either poorly constructred or maybe too heavy, thus causing the roof to sag.

I did get another roofer to look at it, he was doing some work on a house a couple of doors away. In his opinion:

The lead flashing is not wide enough between the dormer and the tiles.
The lead flashing should be flush to the roof tiles to prevent water getting underneath.
The felt under the tiles is badly worn.

He only had a quick look and was up there for less than 5 minutes so I cannot really quote him.

I cannot see how this company can feel that they are not liable for the damage caused by the leaking roof.

southcoastrgi

BC must have signed it off, get the inspector out to see what they say

Doozergirl

If the roof really is sagging as a result of the dormer conversion, you could have a larger problem than the flashing and this could be a symptom. Sagging afterwards is not acceptable. Did building control sign off?

lackingwedge

A third party company signed it off (hired by the LC company).
i will give them a call and see what they have to say.

ruben93watson

Their excuse does not make any sense. Whatever was the condition, being an expert they should see it and give the possible options for rectifications.

lackingwedge

No response from their last two emails. Advised to send them a "letter before court claim"