Worrying survey results - mainly roof

Nile_E_Coyote

Mainly around issues caused by the roof. Would be great to get some impartial thoughts on these.

1. A degree of deflection/misalignment was apparent to the roof slopes, with misalignment noted 

around the side-facing eaves, and with “roof-spread” related movement considered a 

contributory factor.

Internal inspection noted remedial works including additional structural timbers, and whilst 

movement is largely historic in nature, the need for further remedial works around the timber 

roof structure is to be anticipated around the time of future tiling replacement, with associated 

cost implications.

2. A degree of deflection and distortion was evident to the roof structure, and with an additional 

purlin noted to the rear slope, essentially doubling-up the element extending between the 

central truss and the corner/hip.

Inspection also noted vertical struts installed to the under-side of the purlins to the side-facing 

elements. Such vertical struts were however noted as apparently supported by timber ceiling joists only, with the location of the struts apparently not lining through with walls below; and as a  consequence, movement/deflection has occurred, including gaps to the junctions. Knowledge of properties of similar age/type in the general location would indicate that ceiling  joists are likely spanning at right angles to the line of the rafters to the side of the property; and which as a consequence are not connected to or providing restraint to the rafters. Such forms 

of construction can be prone to exacerbate instances of roof spread; occurring when horizontal 

and vertical forces move the rafters outward; and with misalignment around external fascias apparent, notably around the side of the property.

Any movement affecting the main roof structure may have been exacerbated by the retained 

water cisterns and associated supports relating to the original heating/hot water installation, 

which should ideally be removed; but unlikely to be feasible until any future stripping of the roof.

3. Whilst movement is largely longstanding in nature, there remains the potential requirement 

however for structural upgrading works around the time of future stripping and re-covering of 

the main roof, typically comprising the fixing of galvanised steel straps to low-level rafter feet 

and spanning across/fixed to a minimum of 3 no. ceiling joists.

4. Roof space inspection noted the breast as apparently terminated at around ceiling-level, with 

no specific means of support evident.

5. Instruct a competent building contractor to provide quotations in respect of a 

programme of repair and replacement works to the garage.

6. In addition, since 

floor joists span in a front-to-back direction, there is also the potential that the partition wall is 

built off the floorboards only; and with movement/deflection as a consequence considered the 

primary source of the cracking noted, and also the reason for the binding of doors.

tacpot12

On the bright side, they have said that the majority of the problems can be fixed and that this can be delayed until the tiles need replacing. The installation of the strapping should be relatively cheap and straightforward. I would recommend you get this attended to asap though. 

The chimney is another matter. It's dangerous as it is, and the chimney either needs removing completely or more of it needs removing, and supporting while more is removed as you are undermining the chimney. With the scaffold needed for total removal and the steel supports needed to support it if you are keeping the chimney, it's going to be an expensive job. No real idea of the cost, but would expect it to be at least £3000.

The issue with the partition wall doesn't seem a big issue if you are happy with the cracks and to trim the doors so they don't bind.