New roof!

[jb190281]

I moved into my new property in January, and a full survey was done, showing no problems with the roof. Anyway, following the heavy rain since January, we noticed a slight drip in the attic. Having gone up there and got a roofer-friend out to inspect, it seems the roof tiles are loose (quite a few of them), and the previous owner has "stapled" some ripped felt in the loft - suggesting he knew there was a problem of some sort. my main questions are - 1. would we be able to claim anything against our buildings insurance 2. would we be able to contest that the survey should have picked up a problem with the tiles. any help would be greatly appreciated.

[sammy snake]

Did you have a full survey done, rather than just a valuation or homebuyers report? If so, I would say that you could contest it.

If it was only a valuation or homebuyers report then it just shows why you should always pay for a (more expensive) full survey.

[jb190281]

as far as im aware, it was a full survey. (first time buyer, dont really understand these things sorry!). do you think we would be successful to claim through our insurance?

[buildersmate]

Felt is there is keep dust and other debris out - not to keep water out. There are plenty of unfelted roofs in older dwellings. The tiles keep the water out.
I wouldn't expect repairs to ripped felt to be noted - it is not a big issue.
You won't be able to claim against buildings insurance because this is down to maintenance - every house needs maintenance.
You may possibly have a claim against the surveyor if it WAS a full survey. Loose tiles that have slipped should be pretty visible from the outside.

[Twenty20]

Of course, the tiles may have been ok when the survey was done back in January and become damaged in the high winds since then?

[jb190281]

thank you for your input - i guess i will wait and see