How to check if I need a new roof?

Grahamg

Hi everyone

Need your advice please. We are currently getting a loft extension and builder has just said all roof tiles need replacing. They are old (1936 or so) but no obvious signs like warping, leaks, stains etc.

Is there an easy test I can do to satisfy myself this work is necessary? Builders showed me broken tiles but that could have been done earlier.

I guess I'm just looking for reassurance as a lot of money invested already.

Thanks in advance for any comments.

Plumber90

I would of thought if he tiles aren't broke they are fine. My parents extended their house and re used all the tiles from the roof that weren't broke. This was only 5 years ago and the house was built in the 1920's

Jnelhams

If you are really worried then ask a local surveyor (who has nothing to gain) to do an inspection for you, yes it cost's money probably a £200-300 but a lot less than a cowboy's opinion. A good surveyor should also be able to make recommendation on the type of tiles needed and likely cost, as you can do a lot of damage, if use tiles that are the wrong weight / type.

You can find a qualified local surveyor here.

http://www.ricsfirms.com/?gclid=CPLig47clb8CFScYwwod5lIAAw

Presumably if you're having a loft conversion / extension you will have hired a surveyor anyway, so ask them.

rooflover

A simple test would be to find water ingress. If your tiles have de-laminated or become porous you would see by going into the loft and checking the state of the batons if you don't have felt. Also the back of the tiles will show water staining if they've reached the end of their life. A few cracked or broken ones is no reason to replace all of them. Post some pictures if you can, but really it's obvious if you handle them and check the surface.