Ridge tile problem

[Pinnerite]

Three scammers offered to re-mortar the edges of my roof tiles for a reasonable sum.

While they were up there they lifted a ridge tile claiming the whole lot were now loose and for a large sum would be prepared to redo them. I declined, paid what had been agreed an they left.

Later I found the remains of what looks like the lifted tile. We now have a bucket beneath a gaping whole in our roof.

I need to replace the ridge tile. The house was built in 1971. The tiles are a dark bluish grey in colour and very heavy. I would guess made of concrete.

Without clambering up on the roof (I'm too old to that these days) it is hard for me to be accurate about the size but from the fragments I would say the sloping sides were something over 6 inches but the width of the top I cannot say because the fragments do not match up.

Any clues about where to go to buy a replacement would be very welcome. My location is NW London, near Watford.

[Mr Pounder Esquire]

If it's any help. A few years ago I helped out on refurbishing a bungalow. I asked the builder guys there how much would it cost to sort out the ridge tiles on my bungalow which I thought were looking a bit worse for wear. They said to take down, clean up and put back - ?20 per tile. But, this price is in Lancashire.

[Nige Danton]

But even if you find a replacement tile you will need to have it fitted. I'd suggest contacting a decent local roofer is the thing to do. I know a roofer in that area if that helps. Email me and I'll forward his contact details.

[Robin]

Please report it to the police (you could mention criminal damage). While I can't see that doing anything to help you, with luck it'll be logged and may help push the buggers up the agenda for action - if only a quiet word if they are seen in the area.

[Alan Secker]

Thank you, I'll give it a try.

[Alan Secker]

I did as soon as I found the broken tile. Thank you.

[ss]

Can you take a picture?

[Bill Wright]

Ask around for recommendations for a local builder or roofer. Such things as sourcing particular tiles are nothing to them.

Bill

[Andy Burns]

Round here there used to be two builders yards that kept old tiles, recently one seems to have closed and the other taken over by a large chain, and now only sells new tiles.

[Chris Hogg]

The OP could try architectural reclaim sites in the Watford area.

although if he doesn't know the dimensions of the original tile it might be difficult.

[Robert]

A decent roofer will source and fit an appropriate tile. Just had my victorian house (with gables) re-roofed, many of the ridge tiles did not survive removal or were broken already. The roofer sourced suitable fancy and plain tiles of the correct angle from stock and/or contacts without any delay or me having to chase round salvage yards etc.

[Harry Bloomfield]

Pinnerite presented the following explanation :

My sympathies. I see off any itinerants suggesting I might need work doing. I use a local guy who works alone and I see doing lots of work in the area. For cost ideas... Its a semi and last year I had him redo the ridge tiles on my side and the adjoining semi, for £80 each.

A few months before, I had him reflaunch the chimney, which had suffered a small amount of ingress for a few years - that cost £60.

Last week I had him attend to some 20 foot of flaunching along the edge of some tiles, down from the ridge. We were getting some ingress to the bathroom ceiling, for the first time, following the 'beast from the east' rather unusually - blowing weather at the building from the east. That cost £60..

[Brian Gaff]

Why on earth did you let anyone onto your roof!

I hope you took a picture of them and will give it to the cops. Whether they were scammers or not, most things that are working should not be disturbed. Old roves particularly. I'd get a bona fide builder in to fix it and then see if you can chase down the nutters.

Brian

[Brian Gaff]

What an odd way to price a job up! Do they also charge gutter repairs by feet? Brian

[Tim Lamb]

In message , Chris Hogg writes

The one at London Colney might be worth a look. Long while since I was there though.

>

[Harry Bloomfield]

Jim K brought next idea :

I suspect he will, he has been around for many years already. He seems to work a system of ladder up, looking, pricing and doing the jobs in one session of around an hour, all within a mile or two of his home. So maybe £420 per seven hour day, £2100 per week for the smaller jobs.

The previous guy I tried to get a price from for flaunching the top of the chimney, was reluctant to even quote, was talking of several hundred pounds to demolish, rebuild and reflash.

[Harry Bloomfield]

Brian Gaff explained on 21/04/2018 :

Chances of finding them - nil, chances of getting money back - nil and it would be very risky to tackle them yourself. No point even taking registration numbers, their vehicle will have no tax, no insurance and no MOT. They will be itinerants going door to door doing this sort of thing.

We get them quite regularly, saying the roof needs work, wanting to resurface the drive with some left over tarmac they happen to have from a resurfacing contract, then the carpet sellers with left over material from a hotel contract. Others wanting to know if I want to sell my caravan.

The dogs prevent them coming in the gate, I send them on their way.

[Robin]

Plus scaffolding? That makes such small jobs eye-watering (especially in London).

In passing, are there any rope systems approved for roof work? (I hate working on normally pitched rooves but will do so for small jobs with a harness and self-belay to a rope over the ridge. But I've only ever seen ropes used by the specialists who eg abseil down tower blocks sealing windows.)

[Dave Plowman (News)]

Sadly these con merchants rely on the roof being beyond access for even most DIYers.

An honest one these days will take pics of any problems using his phone and show you what work needs doing (if you are interested)

Ordinary mortar isn't ideal for bedding ridge tiles as there will be differential expansion between them and the main roof. But there are flexible alternatives around. If you look at most roofs where ordinary mortar has been used it will be cracked and often bits missing.

I'd ask neighbours if they have used anyone for this sort of job who was good and honest.

[Andrew]

If they were cold callers and you paid them cash then more fool you. Never deal with these people. Never pay cash, never pay 'deposits' because proper contractors will have

30-day accounts with suppliers.