Insulated Conservatory roof - load test

SandLake

I have had my conservatory roof 'upgraded' from a polycarbonate roof to a lightweight insulated roof, makes a big difference. Very pleased with the end result - but - I have made a massive mistake, the builder was keen to be paid so I did although I need him to secure the building control paperwork and instead he just did a runner. Don't understand it at all but it is what it is. All that is left to do is to get a load test done on the roof but I just don't know where to start, I know it will be some sort of Engineer but which sort, or maybe a Surveyor. When I start googling, everyone likes to talk about their major projects and I just think I'm biting off more than I can chew.

How do I find an Engineer who will perform a load test on a domestic conservatory roof?  Whilst it would be good to get specific recomendations (I'm in Northern Ireland) it's more about the specific type of Engineer?

Thanks

shaun_from_Africa

Surely if a load test is required, this would have to be carried out before the work is carried out to ensure that the conservatory structure is adequate to support the weight of the new roof.
It seems a bit strange to require this when the job has been completed.

SandLake

It is to satisfy Building Control that the structure is sound and the work has been carried out to a satisfactory standard. Theoretically it is OK

WaywardDriver

Had same experience also in NI. I was told (rightly or wrongly) that CosyRoof was the only NI company recognised by Building Control to do the load test. I paid £1000 for the privilege of watching them putting increasing weights on the roof and checking for any distortion of the conservatory frame which there wasn't.
I then successfully sued the original installer through the Small Claims Court for this and other work required by BC which hadn't been done. But they went into administration. Then submitted a Section 75 credit card claim and, with no argument, my account was credited with the full amount awarded by the Small Claims Court. 

shaun_from_Africa

This is what I was thinking of:
http://www.buildingcontrol-ni.com/assets/pdf/SP_guide_Replacement_Conservatory_Roofs-_Finalised_Version.pdf

Q.1 Is my conservatory suitable for a replacement roof? 

A. Prior to making a Building Regulation application, serious consideration and investigations should be made to establish if fitting a replacement roof is a viable option. The existing structure including foundations should be assessed by a suitably qualified professional such as a structural engineer to establish suitability for additional loadings. 

Q.3 What type of Building Regulation application is required ? 

A. The work may be carried out under a Building Notice or a Full Plans application. In either case we will require the following with your application: 

Details of the type of replacement roof to be fitted, including information on structure, covering and insulation, all of which must comply with the current Building Regulations. - 

A structural engineer’s report is likely to be required to confirm that the existing conservatory structure is capable of supporting the new roof loads. - 

A correct fee based on the estimated cost of the works. 

WaywardDriver

shaun_from_Africa said:

This is what I was thinking of:
http://www.buildingcontrol-ni.com/assets/pdf/SP_guide_Replacement_Conservatory_Roofs-_Finalised_Version.pdf

Yes I read that as well and had agreed this with the installer. But when they didn't follow the requirements I submitted a regularisation application for approval of previously unauthorised work. The fee was 50% higher than if submitted pre-installation.

SandLake

I have been in touch with my Building Control Inspector and (bearing in mind I have no expertise in this) all he requires is a written statement as to how the new roof connects to the existing house wall (this has now been done) and a load test. Once this is complete a certificate will be issued. I have no knowledge of what has previously transpired between the builder and BC.

I'm left trying to find whoever it is that does load tests?

WaywardDriver

SandLake said:

I'm left trying to find whoever it is that does load tests?

Did you see my previous post?

SandLake

I did thank you.
I would have thought roof installers would employ a specialist for this. 
I'll give CosyRoof a call

Mistral001

SandLake said:

I have been in touch with my Building Control Inspector and (bearing in mind I have no expertise in this) all he requires is a written statement as to how the new roof connects to the existing house wall (this has now been done) and a load test. Once this is complete a certificate will be issued. I have no knowledge of what has previously transpired between the builder and BC.

I'm left trying to find whoever it is that does load tests?

To satisfy Building Control any test will have to be signed off by  chartered engineer, so I would contact a chartered structural engineer.  Lots of them in the phone book. 

SandLake

Thanks for the replies

I'm keeping Cosyroof as a last resort as they were a contender for the roof in the first place and I mistakenly chose someone else.

I have been adviced to contact White, Young and Green in Belfast but they appear to be closed (12th Holidays?)

The phone book is not what it once was so I have resorted to Google and Yell but I am confronted by people who appear to want to build the next Olympic Village not do a measly load test on a conservatory roof.

I'm taking a break