Falmouth · Cornwall
Roof structure repairs in Falmouth
Many older roofs, in Falmouth and across Cornwall alike, were built with slim purlins and few ties. A little historic movement is normal, so we check whether the roof is still moving before recommending how far the strengthening needs to go.
Guide price from£310per rafter inc VAT
- Postcodes
- TR11
- Population
- about 32,000
- Area
- Cornwall
- Pricing region
- South West
Is Cornwall prone to ground movement?
We cover Falmouth and its postcode districts TR11, part of Cornwall, with a population of roughly 32,000. We also take enquiries from nearby Truro (8 miles), Redruth (9 miles) and Camborne (11 miles).
Clay shrinkage is less of a concern in Cornwall, so other causes such as drains, poor footings or older walls are checked first. Old metal-mine shafts and workings are recorded in places, so mining searches are routine for some properties. Housing stock in Cornwall: Granite and slate-stone cottages, cob buildings, Victorian terraces and post-war estates.
What happens during roof structure repairs, step by step?
Loft and outside survey
On site we check rafter sizes and spacing, purlins, struts, ties and wall plates, look for rot and past alterations, and measure any lean at the wall head. The covering is noted too, because its weight affects the repair.
Engineer’s design where needed
Where purlins, struts or ties must be redesigned, or the roof carries a heavier covering, an independent chartered structural engineer is appointed to specify the work. We can arrange this, and their design sets the sizes and fixings.
Written quote
You receive a no-obligation written quote listing each timber repair, any ties or straps, propping, scaffolding and making good. Once the repair is specified, the figure becomes a fixed price in writing.
What to look for before calling about roof structure repairs
- Roof slope looking hollow or wavy between the ridge and the gutter
- Struts, collars or ties cut out or missing in the loft
- Ridge line dipping in the middle when seen from the street
Roof structure repairs prices in Falmouth
These are guide prices for Falmouth, using South West rates and including VAT. Your written quote follows photos or a survey, and is fixed once the repair is specified.
| Item | Guide price | Per |
|---|---|---|
| Repairing or doubling a rafter | £310 – £620 | per rafter |
| Purlin and strut strengthening | £1,250 – £3,100 | per roof |
| Tying in roof spread (straps and ties)est. | £825 – £2,600 | per roof |
How we usually approach roof structure repairs
Tying in roof spread
New ties, collars or steel straps connect opposite rafters, or fix the rafter feet and wall plate firmly to the ceiling joists, so the outward thrust is resisted. Leaning wall heads are strapped back to the roof, and a badly spread roof may need partly rebuilding first.
Best for: Walls pushed out at eaves level by spreading rafters
Purlin and strut strengthening
Undersized purlins are strengthened with extra timber or replaced, and new struts are taken down to a load-bearing wall. Where there is no suitable wall, an engineer designs the load path. Temporary props hold the roof while members are changed.
Best for: Sagging slopes, slim purlins and struts removed from the loft
Rules for roof structure repairs in England
In England, underpinning and other work that alters or strengthens a wall or foundation is building work under the Building Regulations (Part A, structure), so building control approves and inspects it. Like-for-like repairs often are not, and we tell you which applies before a price is agreed. Work to a party wall, or excavation close to a neighbour’s foundations, can also need a notice under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
Questions about roof structure repairs in Falmouth
How much will roof structure repairs cost in Falmouth?
Guide prices for roof structure repairs in Falmouth start from about £310 per rafter, including VAT, on South West rates. Your fixed written price follows photos or a survey and depends on the extent of the work and access.
Do you cover Falmouth?
Yes. We take enquiries from across Falmouth, including TR11, and from nearby places such as Truro and Redruth. Send photos for a free initial view and we will tell you what happens next.
Is the ground in Cornwall prone to subsidence?
Cornwall is mostly granite and slate with little shrinkable clay, so clay subsidence is less common than in the south-east. Historic tin and copper mining has left shafts and workings in places such as Camborne and Redruth, and mining searches are routine there. Only an investigation can say why a particular building has moved.
Do I need a structural engineer for roof repairs?
For like-for-like repairs to a few rafters, often not. Where purlins, struts or ties are being redesigned, the covering is getting heavier or the walls are being pushed out, you usually do. Where the repair needs an engineer’s design or sign-off, an independent chartered structural engineer is appointed, and we can arrange this.
Can heavy concrete tiles damage a roof?
Yes, if the frame was designed for lighter slate or tiles and was not strengthened. The extra weight makes rafters and purlins sag and can bring on roof spread. Before re-roofing in a heavier material, have the structure checked and notify building control.
Other structural repairs in Falmouth
- Underpinning
- Crack stitching
- Resin injection ground stabilisation
- Structural surveys and crack monitoring
- Lintel replacement
Roof structure repairs near Falmouth
Get a free initial assessment of a sagging or spreading roof in Falmouth from your photos or a call, and find out whether an engineer is needed.