Survey raised concern about roof

Hmaz_2

I had an offer accepted on a house back in May. It then became apparent that there was spray foam insulation in the loft that needed removing (I previously posted about this a few months back). 

The owner arranged for a firm to remove the spray foam insulation.  I drove past and they had scaffolding up and were removing the tiles so I assumed it was all being done properly and had a survey once the work was complete.  I've had the survey back and the surveyor had raised concerns about the work saying:

"Whilst the works are watertight, there are some items which give rise to

some concern regarding the workmanship utilised in the re-roofing practices, such as the screwing

of timbers to the ridge board and each other at the upper parts of the roof.

You should check that relevant consents were gained for the works undertaken to the property as

this will affect the value of the property and its saleability in the future. "

How worried should I be about this? Is this a case of walk away from the purchase as they have used screws instead of nails so not doing the job properly and it could be unsafe? I don't think they have any buildings regs sign off for the works.  Would it definitely have needed it? It is a dorma bungalow with quite a lot of flat roof on the two large dormas and on a ground floor extension. The works were just on the pitched tiled roof. 

david29dpo

I would be equally worryed about the flat roofs as much as the cheap quick job done to the main roof.
Me? i would forget it.

grumpy_codger

Hmaz_2 said:
...

How worried should I be about this? Is this a case of walk away from the purchase as they have used screws instead of nails so not doing the job properly and it could be unsafe?...

I don't understand how screws can be worse than nails. IMO it's quite the opposite. I'm no expert, but possibly the surveyor wanted to see some metal brackets or joining plates there (?)

Hmaz_2

grumpy_codger said:

Hmaz_2 said:
...

How worried should I be about this? Is this a case of walk away from the purchase as they have used screws instead of nails so not doing the job properly and it could be unsafe?...

I don't understand how screws can be worse than nails. IMO it's quite the opposite. I'm no expert, but possibly the surveyor wanted to see some metal brackets or joining plates there (?)

The report said:
Screws are not typically recommended for fixings of this type as they can sheer as they do not move with the movement of the building. Instead, nails are typically recommended as these can flex along with the slight movements of the building which are caused by thermal expansion and contraction. "

I feel so frustrated with the whole process.  I pulled out from a purchase then found this house and fell in love with it., before knowing about the insulation issue.  They removed the spray foam but now seem to have not done the roof works properly (although the surveyor is happy that the foam has been removed adequately).  It just feels like one step forward, four back at the moment! 

Hmaz_2

david29dpo said:

I would be equally worryed about the flat roofs as much as the cheap quick job done to the main roof.
Me? i would forget it.

Is that because of the risk of leaks, cost of maintenance etc? 

david29dpo

Hmaz_2 said:

david29dpo said:

I would be equally worried about the flat roofs as much as the cheap quick job done to the main roof.
Me? i would forget it.

Is that because of the risk of leaks, cost of maintenance etc? 

Yes, plus house insurance will be more expensive and some lenders ask about flats roofs.
In my experience never ending leaks!