OT: Slate Wall Cladding to External Wall

[Jach]

Hi,

We are looking to buy a 1920's semi detached house.

The external side wall is cladded in Slate tiles that are in perfect condition. There are fixed by what appear to be nails and the joints cemented.

Anyone have any idea why this would have been done? An old fashioned way of wind proofing/weather proofing?

Would there be normal brick behind the slates? Could they be removed?

Would this cause us any concerns with regards to a mortgage?

There are a few other semi detached house in the area, but no others have slate cladding.

I can't find anything on google regarding this technique.

Best regards,

Jach

[meow2222]

The only way to find out what the wall construction is would be to get to it and see. Cement on slate tends to cause some deterioration when it eventually comes away, unless its a very weak mix, and is thus not a recommended method of torching. It may be done when there is a problem with water ingress or slate slippage, but its not the best approach to repair.

In terms of the impact on this of buying a house, I woudl not regard it as a big problem, but there is the likelihood there have been problems with it and some remedial work may be required at some point. Slate roofs are not expensive to diy repair, hence the same would be true of wall cladding. If in poor condition though you might end up doing repairs every other year - which is a small expense but not ideal.

BTW, how can you see the fixings if the joints are cemented?

NT