Autumn Surveys: A Closer Look at Roof Defects
As we move into autumn and wetter weather returns, roof defects often become more apparent. Issues that may have gone unnoticed during the drier summer months can quickly show themselves following periods of heavier or prolonged rainfall.
Roofing defects are something we regularly come across at Navah, whether during an RICS Home Survey Level 2 and Level 3, or specific defect analysis.
What are we finding?
There does not always need to be an obvious missing tile for a roof to leak. Some of the more common issues we see include cracked or slipped tiles, deteriorated ridge and verge details, defective leadwork, blocked gutters, moss growth and deterioration around valleys, chimneys and roof junctions.
Previous repairs are also something we pay particular attention to. Localised patch repairs can sometimes deal with the immediate problem without addressing the underlying cause.
Within roof spaces, we regularly find evidence of historic water penetration, condensation, inadequate ventilation, poor or disturbed insulation and alterations to the original roof structure.
Importantly, the position of an internal damp patch does not always identify where water is entering. Water can track along roof timbers, membranes and other building elements before becoming visible internally.
Getting a better look
One of the limitations of any building inspection is safe access, particularly when considering roofs, chimneys and other high-level areas.
Alongside our normal inspection equipment, we use pole-mounted cameras where appropriate to obtain closer views of areas that would otherwise only be visible from ground level.
We also now have drone capability, allowing us to obtain additional photographs of roof coverings, chimneys and other difficult-to-access areas where the site, weather and circumstances allow.
These are useful additions to our inspections, but they do not replace the surveyor. The important part is interpreting what we can see in the context of the building’s age, construction, condition and any other defects identified during the inspection.
Heading into winter
Autumn is a good opportunity to deal with relatively straightforward maintenance before the wetter winter months.
Clearing gutters, checking rainwater goods and dealing with defective tiles, flashings or pointing can prevent relatively minor issues developing into more significant water penetration and deterioration.
Where there are signs of an existing leak, recurring dampness or uncertainty over the condition of a roof, further investigation may be worthwhile rather than simply waiting for the problem to become more significant.
About Navah Consulting Ltd
Navah Consulting is a firm of Chartered Building Surveyors and Valuers that specialises in surveying services throughout Hertfordshire, Essex, Cambridgeshire, London, and Suffolk.
We offer a full range of surveys and valuations, including the RICS Home Survey Level 2 (Home Buyer Report) and RICS Home Survey Level 3 (Building Survey). We’re also happy to advise on RICS Valuation, Reinstatement Cost Assessments and Defect Analysis for a range of purposes.
Our Contract Administration services help ensure your project is managed effectively from start to finish.
Navah Consulting aims to provide all services in a straightforward, efficient and client-focused manner. We understand the importance of providing reports and services in a concise, jargon-free format, in a quick time frame. Check out our reviews page here.
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