Building Regs for Roof?

[WarwickGrad]

Do i have to get building regs approval for fixing my roof these days?

I had a leak, i fixed my roof and now they want to prosecute me for it!

[mk1fan]

Depends what you did to the roof.

[WarwickGrad]

I fixed the leak and refelt it

And i added a new pasterboard to one of the rooms, where the ceiling caved in

Why should i have consulted building regs for this?

I think he mentioned insulation to one of my workers a few weeks ago

My worker informed me he came snooping around today and he wasnt allowed in - is he allowed to come back with a policeman to gain entry? - which is what the planners are allowed to do

Thanks for your help!

[mk1fan]

Well assuming you're talking about a localised small patch repair and the vast majority of the existing roof remains then the Buildings Regs wouldn't apply.

Why did the inspector call? Did anyone bother to ask before getting defensive / agressive? Perhaps there is a way to contact the inspector and discuss their concerns?

If it were me, I'd call the local department and ask them what their concerns are. When I knew, I would consider things and then respond. :cool:

[Always Problems]

Perhaps the caved in ceiling contained asbestos??? and you have disposed of it incorrectly.

[mk1fan]

I had assumed that this was a repair to an occupied - ie currently used - building. Is the building being refurbished / redeveloped?

[quarterday]

has anyone got experience of sprayed on expanded foam from below for insulation. Its supposedly vapour permeable these days, unlike the first generation stuff which caused the roofing timbers to rot.........

The website sounds convincing, and in a case like the one above, one could spray from underneath and satisfy the regs anyway, which one wouldn't normally apply if it is a small discrete area of repair.

[mk1fan]

The problem with sprayfoam is that it glues and sticks everything inplace. If the roof leaks then the water is held in place and still rots the timbers. The only way to fix the timbers is to chop out everything. Then you end up with no insulation again.

If it's a new flat roof with new felt and no leaks then you should get a good few years out of it - as long as you keep an eye on the roof covering.

[Interlaken]

Warwick Grad - a building inspector would not call unless you have changed the line of the existing roof and a nieghbour or a council worker had reported this.

The building inspector is unlikely to come back with a copper but you may get a letter from the council enforcement officer asking you re-instate the roof to its former line or apply for retrospective planning consent.

Have you altered the appearance of the roof line?

Quarterday - that spray on stuff is rubbish. Bite the bullet, fix the leaks with new felt and get in Cellertex - it even comes on the back of plasterboard these days or use the 'Warm Roof' system with rolls of metalised plastic with layers of polyester fleece in between - about £85 a roll, thin and slimline but extremely effective.

[Interlaken]

Just remembered the name of the roll stuff - Thinsulex.

[mk1fan]

a building inspector would not call unless you have changed the line of the existing roof and a nieghbour or a council worker had reported this.

I think you're confusing your Council Workers. A Building Inspector works for Building Control and has no interest in Planning matters. The situation you describe would result in a Planning Officer / Inspector calling who works for the Planning Dept and has no interest in Building Rgulation matters.

Throw in a Listed Building or Conservation Area and the Conservation Officer gets involved. All three asking for conflicting things and claiming priority.

Those thinking of using the thin foil insulation for notifiable works please check with Building Control BEFORE you buy it or install it. Not all Building Control Departments accept it as suitable.