Velux installed in tiled roof which is now sagging

littlerock

I have previously reported the fact that my neighbour was having his concrete roof tiles replaced with slates and two veluxes installed, because the scaffolding was bolted onto my house next door without any request to do so, and obstructs my side path.

The work on the house seems to be finished and a great mountain of rubblish piled in his front garden was removed yesterday. However out in my backgarden I noticed that where the new velux is installed, there is a definite sag in the roof.

I know he was having the concrete tiles replaced because they were too heavy so maybe the roof was already sagging, but I hadn't noticed before. Should it really do this, it is making it noticeable that his nearby chimney stack, on the outside of the house, is sloping in towards the roof also quite noticeably. Also the tiles under the velux are discoloured with plaster.

I cannot mention the name of the firm who did the work because I gather they are notoriously litigious but they are one of London's leading loft installers. If I were him I would be seriously disappointed.

Meanwhile the scaffolding is still there, over two months later.

Doozergirl

It would be a bit quick for movement to occur as a result of something carried out recently. Velux don't carry a huge amount of weight but the rafter should be doubled up around it.

Concrete tiles do cause sagging and I would really think that this was almost certainly the cause of it. Hopefully a structural engineer had a gander at it before they replaced the roof.

Furts

The work should have received Buildings Regulations inspections. Changing from slates to concrete tiles is a technical issue because of the extra weight of these. For example, Victorian rafters were often not sufficient to take these.

It sounds like the work is completed so there should be a Final Inspection, and a Completion Certificate.

You could approach your local Council and determine what has occurred here. Express your concerns, and be diplomatic for the Regulations were not applied for in your name. Perhaps use the scaffolding as a reason saying "my neighbour says it is still there because you have not completed your inspections yet".

The bottom line would be no inspections indicates cowboy building.

leveller2911

Doozergirl wrote: »

It would be a bit quick for movement to occur as a result of something carried out recently. Velux don't carry a huge amount of weight but the rafter should be doubled up around it.

Not necessarily DG, it depends on the width of the existing rafters.As Furts points out many Victorian/Georgian roof roofs the rafters were very narrow compared to today.Many were 3x2 , down here in East Sussex/Kent its quite common to see old hop poles used as rafters :rotfl:. Much depends on the length of rafter between the Purlin and the ridge whether or not there is a need to double up the rafters. On dormar windows you always fit at least 2 extra rafters to each side.

Its always good practice when trimming out the openings to use "jiffy" joist hangers to support the trimmers.Provided the rafters have good support from the Purlin there shouldn't be any problems.

leveller2911

littlerock wrote: »

I know he was having the concrete tiles replaced because they were too heavy so maybe the roof was already sagging, but I hadn't noticed before.

You would definately notice it more on slates as they give a flatter roof line where as concretes aren't as flat. A slate roof will generally be heavier than a concrete roof tile so when the roof was stripped off it would have been the ideal time to straighten the roof up and then fit extra supports within the roof.

It may be that if its a semi or terraced house the builders decided it may have caused more problems to straighten it up as it would mean that your roof line would be lower if yours has also sagged.

Should it really do this, it is making it noticeable that his nearby chimney stack, on the outside of the house, is sloping in towards the roof also quite noticeably.

Its called "character" down here..............:D

If I were him I would be seriously disappointed.

I wouldn't worry about someone elses roof problems.

Meanwhile the scaffolding is still there, over two months later.

Maybe there are still some jobs to finish off, guttering,leadwork etc. Some scaffold companies use jobs to store their scaffolding on until they have another job near to use it on. They don't want to take it down, take it umpteen miles to their yard, unload it and then load it back up and travel back to your area to erect it a couple of miles away from where it is now.

Its not right and annoying so just have a word with your neighbour and see what he says. I wouldn't worry too much unless your roof starts leaking where your neighbours roof joins it.

tony6403

Furts wrote: »

The work should have received Buildings Regulations inspections. Changing from slates to concrete tiles is a technical issue because of the extra weight of these. For example, Victorian rafters were often not sufficient to take these.

It sounds like the work is completed so there should be a Final Inspection, and a Completion Certificate.

You could approach your local Council and determine what has occurred here. Express your concerns, and be diplomatic for the Regulations were not applied for in your name. Perhaps use the scaffolding as a reason saying "my neighbour says it is still there because you have not completed your inspections yet".

The bottom line would be no inspections indicates cowboy building.

OP says ( twice) that the change is from concrete to slate tiles.