Identifying roofing and guttering issues
Roofing and guttering issues are common in the UK for homes and businesses. Ignore them at your peril.
For a roof survey in the Kent or London area, contact Collier Stevens for a free, no-obligation quote.
What are common roofing issues?
The most likely problem with a roof is that it will leak causing damp in your property. These are commonly a result of:
- Poor condition, or defects of the roof covering
- Inadequate seals of the skylights and rooflights
- Chimneys, eg, condition of the flashings, pointing, pots etc.
Issues with insulation and ventilation can be a big problem that lead to damp too. However, there are also safety issues you must consider, especially, with loose tiles of structurally unsound chimneys.
Another concern with roofs is the timber structure which can fall victim to dry rot, decay or woodworm.
What are common guttering issues?
Main issues with guttering include:
- Loose or missing fixings
- Broken connecting joints
- Sagging gutters
- Blocked gutters
- Cast iron gutters may be rusted and life expired
Get a Quote or Book Your Survey
For reliable, independent, RICS-regulated building surveys in Kent and London:
Call: 01303 239000 (Kent) or 020 8295 1200 (London)
Email: info@collier-stevens.co.uk
Or request your building survey quote online.
What problems can roofing and guttering issues cause?
As we have noted the main problems caused by roofing and guttering issues are related to water ingress which can cause damp issues and even lead to structural damage.
How can a Chartered Surveyor help?
During roof inspections, Chartered Surveyors will spot problems like missing tiles, leaks, blockages, or sagging gutters. We also check moisture levels in timbers with a damp meter. Take a look at our blog on things we we look for in our roof and loft surveys for more information.
We check the gutters are properly installed, laid to a fall, that joints are not open or leak for any debris or build-up, which could indicate a blockage that can cause water to flood out of the gutter and cause dampness to the building.
Remember, forking out the roof survey cost can save you a great deal more money in the long term. The roof survey report will tell you everything you need to know about your roof issues and the potential costs of rectifying the problems.
What roofing and guttering issues should I consider when I am buying a property?
Replacing a roof and guttering can come at significant cost so you must consider their condition when you buy a property. You need to have a clear understanding of whether any issues are a simple repair job, or if the whole roof needs to be replaced.
An issue with roofing or guttering can lead to internal damp problems with your new property.
Contact us for a roof survey in the Kent and London area.
How much does a roof replacement cost?
The cost of a roof replacement will vary significantly based on the type of roof, the height (is it a bungalow or a three storey town house) and its size by square metre. There are many variables too, such as the quality of the coverings and if you need to work on the chimney or replace roof lights (windows). A quick search on Google indicates that it can vary from around £3000 to in excess of £18,000.
How much does it cost to replace guttering?
Again, this all depends on how much guttering needs to be replaced and the size and height of your home – will you need
Get a quote for a RICS roof survey
If you require a roof survey, get in touch. We’re a chartered building surveyor in Kent and property surveyor in London, and can offer a free, no obligation quote. Spending a relatively small amount on a survey or a RICS Home Buyer Report now, to assess any full damage and remediation requirements will be better than what could become increasingly expensive the longer you wait.
Again, these can lead to damp issue that will lead to even greater repair costs.
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Steven Way
Steven Way BSc MIHEEM MFPWS MRICS is the Practice Principal and is a Chartered Building Surveyor. With over 35 years as a practicing surveyor, Steve has a wealth of experience and expertise in both residential and commercial building surveying, party wall advice and disabled access auditing. He has also built his reputation as an expert witness.