ROOF DEFECTS

The roof covering are prone to some of the most common defects due to the exposure to the elements and other factors such as nearby trees and poorly constructed.  Below is a list of some common defects that can be found. 

Slipped or broken tiles; Tiles can suffer cracking or breaking due to weather conditions (such as high winds or a storm), the corrosion of the fixings holding the tile in place or the rotting of the timber which the slates are affixed to.

Moss growth; Moss growth can cause the moisture from within the roof tile to dry out causing the tiles to become brittle, leading to crack or complete breakage.

Blocked valley or Gutters; Moss and debris accumulate within the gutters and valleys. This causes the water to over-flow onto nearby timber, leading to decay.

Loose or broken ridge tiles; The ridge tile are prone to becoming loose due to cracks within the mortar joints or by the effect of high wind.

Loose or cracked lead flashing; The mortar fillet holding the lead flashing becomes loose and thus creating gaps between the roof cover and the wall. Water will then penetrate into the timber below, leadingto further defects.

Inadequate ventilation;Roof and loft voids require ventilation to ensuring adequate air flow. This reduces the excess moisture and stagnant air which causes timber rot.  To rectify this, vents are placed at the base of the roof and near the ridge so that warm air can leave through the top and cool air can enter through the bottom. This regulates the temperature and moisture levels in the voids. 

CHIMNEY DEFECTS