Party wall - roofing query

[Steve_W]

Morning all,

In light of the recent threads I've had a look at the link to the official site, but didn't spot anything relating to roofs.

Our house is part of an old rectory that's been divided up years ago, so the roof was obviously all built in one go.

When I come to strip off, refelt, and rebatten our part it's obviously going to involve disturbing part of the neighbours' roof due to the staggering of tiles, position of the rafters, etc - I presume the same rules apply for roof work as for party walls?

Thanks,
Steve

[Wings]

Several different properties I own have had battens, felt and tiles/slates replaced with no use of the Party Wall Act. The only time the Act as been used for roof work, were for a neighbour's removal of a chimney stack for a loft conversion, and a replacement of a joint property lead roof valley.

[Steve_W]

Thanks for the reply.

I'll have to double check when we get round to it - the neighbours are aware of the PWA as he's a solicitor and we already had some Helifix bars fitted soon after moving in which involved paying for their surveyor etc.

Hence me wanting to check whether it applies to roofs or not.

[Engineer1]

Roof is probably mentioned in the deeds, is it freehold or leasehold? I know the flat I'm in owns half the roof, which is a great liability to tie to the property especially as downstairs got the frontage, but drains below are common again.

[Johnniem]

Sounds like you are describing one roof with no wall raised above roof level dividing the roof over each property. yes? If there is no party wall above roof level then there are no party wall issues as you are not cutting in to a party wall. You do need to discuss the works with your neighbour so that there is an understanding about liabilities if your roofer damages your neighbours roof covering etc. He might want a photographic schedule evidencing the condition of his roof before you start the work. In fact, do it anyway and keep the photographs in case they are needed. Tell him you will supply him with a disc with all photos on. He will then know you are a considerate neighbour and that you want to make sure he is protected against loss or damage. Digital photos are great! Take as many as you can.

[blackcab]

PWA is not an issue, take photos obviously and make sure your neighbours roofs if disturbed are laid back correctly, they will have to install an invisible gutter that sits underneath the tiles or slates this is called a bonding gutter, happens all the time and unless your neighbours are asses you should have no probs

[Steve_W]

Johnniem said:

Sounds like you are describing one roof with no wall raised above roof level dividing the roof over each property. yes? If there is no party wall above roof level then there are no party wall issues as you are not cutting in to a party wall. You do need to discuss the works with your neighbour so that there is an understanding about liabilities if your roofer damages your neighbours roof covering etc. He might want a photographic schedule evidencing the condition of his roof before you start the work. In fact, do it anyway and keep the photographs in case they are needed. Tell him you will supply him with a disc with all photos on. He will then know you are a considerate neighbour and that you want to make sure he is protected against loss or damage. Digital photos are great! Take as many as you can.

That's what we have exactly - there is a later block wall that's been thrown up in the loft to divide our part of the loft from theirs, but it doesn't form a support for the roof - merely a physical barrier between areas.

You're right about digital photos - I must have taken loads all round the place when we moved in to document the changes. I like the idea of handing a set to placate the neighbours.

Thanks all,
Steve