Problems with some roofing..

PaulJM

Hi all,

Wondered if anyone who knows about this stuff could offer advise.

4 years ago I had a loft conversion done, which included building a dormer on the side.
It went well, I got on well with the joiner, and its performed well.
I also drafted a contract to say he'd see to any problems for a certain amount of time. I have no reason to think he won't.

He contracted the roofing work out to a company of roofers, and I've noticed some problems with this part. They laid the ridge tiles on a really high bed of mortar (though I don't know if it was too high..I'm comparing to other houses)
Over time, this mortar is falling out, and today about a quarter of one side fell out and down the roof, hitting the floor (scary if the kids had been out)
Do you think I should call him back, or is this reasonable wear and tear over time? The weather has been wet but certainly not terrible.

Furts

It is not reasonable wear and tear. Think in these terms - even the NHBC Warranty on new homes goes to ten years and roof defects would be included in this (Being pedantic there are minimum claims limits etc. but the principle remains true). Similarly, the mortar is no different to that holding together new brickwork - you would not expect to re-point this for perhaps 50 years if it is done properly.

Mortar bedding ridges is a problematic area - to play safe you should have specified a dry ridge detail. With mortar the sand used, and the mix strength are critical, as is avoiding inclement weather, as is avoiding shrinkage.

In addition, vast numbers of roofs should have Dentil Slips in with the mortar yet the majority of builders have no idea what these are!

My new roofs are bedded ridges because I do not like dry ridges. The sand is carefully graded, selected and mixed, the mortar has been packed and thinned, and Dentil Slips are bedded in. However, there is not another roof within miles of me that has this attention to detail.

PaulJM

Thanks for this.

I must admit, my ridge tiles look about 4 inches higher than others, on a massive bed of mortar. But I don't really know what I'm talking about.

I think I'll get him back.

Furts

It would help if you wished to post a photo.

It is possible that the roofers used hip tiles instead of ridge tiles.

It sounds like a poor job was done, so your concern should be what is the rest of the roof like? If the obvious bit, visible to all the world has been bodged, what might the hidden bits be like?

PaulJM

I'll do a photo tomorrow, if I can fire up the proper camera!
I think you're right. I had the architect check much of the work at stages and report back, and he was roundly happy. He did tell me that, and apologies for the lack of knowledge, the corner diagonal ridges on the dormer were a big blob of mortor, which he said would dry and crumble..he made them put lead on that bit.

Luckily I have a very clear contrct for the contractor to put things right for a good number of years. I just wanted to check k wasn't being picky (I can be)

PaulJM

Struggling to post a link to photo bucket as this site recommends! Keep getting it blocked.
I'll try Google photos

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!photos/JPD3AX1pkyQqzxGS7

PaulJM

Just resurrecting this, as nothing has moved on and would appreciate some help.
I've always had a good relationship with the joiner that I contracted to to do this work, and since I told him what was happening, he's been promising to send a roofer down (the weather has been fine)
Each week he says "within the week" and still no one comes. I'm worried that there chunks of mortar falling off, and kids playing outside!

What's the best thing to do now? I politely suggested last week that I'll get someone in and then send him the details,but he wanted to get his own guy on it..

Can now get someone to assess it and post the original joiner the bill? I can't afford to pay upfront, so could I potentially leave him the quote the go through court to claim it back?

I think giving him a month under the circumstances is reasonable?

phil24_7

Keep all records of contact (phone call dates and times along with details of the calls if nothing else) in case it should go to court. Letter (sent recorded), or email would be the best way for all contact in future.

regards
Phil

PaulJM

Yeah, its all on WhatsApp now, but I'll email my thoguhts politely now.

Furts

PaulJM wrote: »

Just resurrecting this, as nothing has moved on and would appreciate some help.
I've always had a good relationship with the joiner that I contracted to to do this work, and since I told him what was happening, he's been promising to send a roofer down (the weather has been fine)
Each week he says "within the week" and still no one comes. I'm worried that there chunks of mortar falling off, and kids playing outside!

What's the best thing to do now? I politely suggested last week that I'll get someone in and then send him the details,but he wanted to get his own guy on it..

Can now get someone to assess it and post the original joiner the bill? I can't afford to pay upfront, so could I potentially leave him the quote the go through court to claim it back?

I think giving him a month under the circumstances is reasonable?

The building trade is busy at present. I think the chances of you getting a competent roofer to do the work, without receiving any payment is zero percent. I would not work for anyone on the terms - "Your payment will be made if I convince the Judge to award in my favour, and I can then get the money from the other party".

A local handyman, or cowboy type character, or a local property maintenance company might do a quick fix, or short term, repair for a reasonable sum. You might be looking at £150-200 here.

PaulJM

I'd never get someone to do the work and pay them after a court judgement. I was talking about getting a quote. Hopefully they're still free.