Buying house with flat roof and aluminium windows?

bitsandpieces

I'm looking buying at a 10yr old house in Scotland. No problems mentioned on the home report. It does have a flat roof and aluminium windows, though, which worries me slightly.

Is there a way to work out the likelihood of problems with the roof? Would I get someone to check this out if I'm getting a survey done myself? The home report notes they didn't look at the roof.

I know aluminium windows lose a bit more heat than UPVC (though these seemed well-fitted and there weren't noticeable drafts). It's lifespan I'm concerned about, though - there are some *huge* windows in the house (well beyond standard size) and it would be a nightmare to have to replace them. Again, is there a way to judge quality - ask the brand/company used, maybe? - as I've seen some really bad aluminium windows in the past. These look decent quality and in good nick, but I don't really know anything about double glazing

Thanks in advance! The house is lovely, but I'd rather avoid any nasty surprises.

System

At 10 years old the windows shouldn't be too bad performance wise - what is the flat roof covering?
Is it in a particularly exposed location?
Post a link

G_M

Flat roofs don't last as long as pitch/tiled roofs. How old is it? What is it made of?

Felt roofs last 10 - 25 years depending on thickness/quality of the felt used, weather conditions, if walked on etc. More modern alternatives to felt last longer.

Either get it inspected, inspect it yourself, or just budget for replacing it in, say, 5 years and keep your fingers crossed.

Aluminium windows as you say are not as efficient as upvc, but then again, single glazed wooden windows are less efficient still! No house is perfect so you have to decide if you're happy with aluminium windows.

If they seem in good condition and you're happy o live with aluminium windows, then there's no problem.

bitsandpieces

Thanks! I don't know the roof material - think I'll need to ask! It's about 10 years old. The roof isn't walked on (not sure why they built the house with a flat roof in the first place to be honest). I'm in a windy part of Scotland, but the house isn't unusually exposed beyond that :rotfl:

PMd the_r_sole a link.

teddysmum

Several years ago, a work colleague lived in a flat-roofed house nicknamed The Sugar Cube, as it was painted white all over.


After a very bad winter with heavy snow, he had to have the roof replaced (by a pitched one)at huge expense.

bitsandpieces

It's a Sarnafil roof, apparently. A good make? They quote 40+yr life expectancy if correctly installed.