Roofs and fascias

Keep roofs in mind when viewing your new property.

Falling victim to a case of out of sight out of mind, roofs are sometimes one of the last things people think of when buying a home, which is why our surveyors conduct a visual inspection of the roof at every survey.

Issues with the roof can vary in severity from cracked tiles to unstable roof structures.  Fixing or replacing a roof can prove to be very expensive and therefore having a visual inspection conducted on the roof prior to any property purchase is essential.

Where issues are raised on a home survey, a more in-depth specialist report or remedial work may be required.

Our home survey reports will give you a condition rating of the roof from both the outside and a view in the attic.

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Improperly installed flashing

Flashing is a type of sealant material that is installed to protect specific areas of the roof that are susceptible to water and weather damage. Where flashing is improperly installed it can present open seams or gaps for water to seep in, compromising the water tightness of the roof and potentially leading to serious damage such as wet rot or timber decay.

Ventilation

Warm air rises, therefore, roofs are installed to include ventilation towards the base of the soffits and facias to allow for the ventilation of warm air. Adequate ventilation is required to help control the temperature and moisture levels. Poor roof ventilation can lead to a build-up of condensation, mould, and mildew which can cause tremendous damage to the roof components such as the framework or insulation.

Moisture and water damage

Moisture can enter a property through small gaps or cracks in your roof, such as where there are broken or missing tiles, punctures in the membrane, or issues with your guttering.  Where these issues are not addressed, they can lead to further leakages and damp, presenting a risk to the property structure and a possible health concern for any occupants. Moisture or water damage may be visible by signs of mould or vegetation growth on the roof itself.

Flat roofs

While having a flat roof alone isn’t reason for concern, it should be noted that flat roofs typically have a shorter lifespan than their counterpart and are more frequently subject to damage and wear or tear to the felt or roof membrane.

Fascias

Fascias are the boards mounted to the property where the roof meets the outer walls, often called the roofline. The fascias at the property help support the lower edge off tiling on a roof and are essential for carrying the guttering.

As the fascia plays an integral role, significant damage to the fascias may necessitate a replacement to prevent further damage to the guttering or structure of the property.

Exposure to moisture can damage the fascia when it has not been correctly sealed, leading to deterioration or rot. Moreover, build-up of moss or mould on the roof or guttering may lead to a spread to the fascia, damaging the boards. All properties are subject to age and weather damage, which can lead to cracks in the fascia however, where cracks are spotted, it is recommended to replace this as soon as possible to prevent more significant damage occurring.

If, upon examination, the fascia appears to be bending or bowing this may indicate greater structural problems with the property such as subsistence. If you spot any bowing of the fascia you should consult with a roofing expert.

Buying a home is one of the most expensive purchases you are likely to ever make, so don’t take the risk of buying one with hidden defects.

Book a home survey with SDL Surveying and we’ll help highlight if there are any issues with the property that may not be immediately obvious when viewing a property.

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