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Roofing

Does the local council building department have any responsibility for flaw in roof

Anonymous user 28/02/2024 - 2.57 PM

We have just found out that the roof on our extension, which was built 10 years ago, is not fit for purpose. Apparently we are advised that the roof tiles are not right for the pitch of the roof (very shallow) and water is collecting between the tiles and the felt. We have had this confirmed by two independent roofers. The second gentleman that came to look has tried to find suitable tiles for the pitch, but has not been successful and has offered a price to remove all tiles, increase the pitch and put the existing tiles back on. I was under the impression that the purpose of submitting plans to the local council was for them to ensure that the project was fit for purpose. Typically the architect is no longer practising and the roofer has gone out of business. Would anyone see any merit in contacting the council to complain?

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3 Answers

kevin cassidy building contractors

Rating: 5 out of 5
Accrington
Sorry it's not the council's responsibility. They passed drawings submitted by yourself/architect who is responsible for the drawings being correct then the builder is responsible for building as per drawings. If it has been built as per drawing specification then it's the responsibility of the architect. He should have professional indemnity insurance to cover his mistakes.
Answered25 April 2013
0

Anonymous user

It would depend on which process the plans were submitted under - planning, building regulations or both. In terms of planning permission, if it was only this that the drawings were submitted for, this does not guarantee any structural detail or safety. It is purely to assess if the structure is compliant with the planning law. For building regulations there are two ways, either a building notice or full plans. If you are unsure which one, if any, call your council to check. If it is building notice, then the drawings are not submitted and it is only the work on site that gets assessed. If it is full plans then this is when drawings are checked but it is unlikely that such a small detail like roof tiles will be looked at here until seen on site. You will also need to check with the council what inspections were done as not everybody calls the inspectors out to inspect at the right stages and even for completion visits. Ask if they have any notes about the roof tiles and if the completion certificate was ever issued. Be aware though that if a completion certificate was issued this is not a guarantee for work that some time later is found to be inadequate and only sets out that at that point in time it complied. It may be that unfortunately you have to pay for repairs. Louise UK Property Services
Answered25 April 2013
0

A&J Surveyors Ltd

Rating: 5 out of 5
Newent
Check the pitch of your roof - if greater than 10.5 degrees then go for Forticrete tiles with a good breathable membrane and eaves protectors. Forticrete have designed special tiles for shallow pitches. If below 10.5 degrees then you are probably limited by the 1st floor windows and may have to consider a flat roof. If so be aware that you will need to conform with approved document l (warm roof). Regards Andrew
Answered25 April 2013
0