Roof / chimney repair - part wall

JohnBravo

Hi All,

   I have a question regarding the best practice when dealing with repairs at the boundary in this case part wall of a semi-detached house.

I need a chimney and ridge tiles repaired because it's going to leak in Autumn.

It could be the leaking is affecting only my side because the neighbor (an old I reckon retired chap) haven't raised any issues since I moved in.

He is not disabled so either he is not affected by this problem or he does not care / does not want to spend money on it. His property is registered under a family trust.

This potential leaking only on one side relates to ridge tiles on Northern side and we suspect there is no secret gutter under those tiles what leads to leaks.

These leaks lead to part wall getting wet and water dripping level below.

I am not an expert but not sure if dump would only come on one side but not both sides what I also see in the case of the wet chimney breast.

From a drone footage I can see that the whole chimney needs doing, repointing so this would be split cost - I don't think the roofer would want to do half of the job.

What is the best strategy to deal with such issues. I haven't talked to the neighbor yet but I did a substantial research regarding the scope of the repair and costs involved. I have also contacted a number of local roofers but only two of them replied - I still see all are busy, tight up and I have to chase them multiple times to make things moving.

Thanks

FreeBear

Unless you have slates or flat plain tiles, it is unlikely that there is a hidden soaker (secret gutter) under the tiles. If you have a leak in that area, then you need to get the flashing repaired/replaced - On my house, it was a mortar fillet between the chimney & roof tiles. Only recently found it was a source of leak after some real heavy rain. Now replaced with a decent strip of lead.

Flashing and ridge tiles on your side of the party line does not require any consent from your neighbour when doing repairs. If scaffolding is going up, permission may be required if some of it needs to go his side of the fence. It also makes sense (for him) to do any necessary work on his side whilst scaffolding is in place - It will save a fair chunk of money. Should he not be interested, just get on and do your side.

JohnBravo

Neighbor's is slate, mine is tiles.

Yes, you are right it would be good to fix it together or at least split the cost of the chimney repair. If the ridge tiles are leaking only on my side then I pay for it. The roof is steep and it will require at least two scaffolding one to access the roof and another on top of that or a smart round the chimney scaffold as there is no easy access to the chimney unless I hire a Spiderman to repoint it.

FreeBear

If access is good, a cherry picker is a good alternative, especially if the repairs are minor and can be completed in a day or less.