East Molesey · Surrey
Roof structure repairs in East Molesey
If the top of a wall at your East Molesey property seems to lean out at the eaves, the roof may be spreading. Ties, collars and straps can usually hold it back, sometimes with an engineer’s design for the new load path.
Guide price from£335per rafter inc VAT
- Postcodes
- KT7, KT8, TW12
- Population
- about 19,000
- Area
- Surrey
- Pricing region
- South East
What should you know about the ground under East Molesey?
We cover East Molesey and its postcode districts KT7, KT8, TW12, part of Surrey, with a population of roughly 19,000. If you are just outside East Molesey, we also cover Esher (2 miles), Kingston upon Thames (3 miles) and Sunbury-on-Thames (3 miles).
Shrinkable clay is widespread in Surrey. Ground movement here is more often linked to soils, drains and trees than to mining. Across Surrey, most homes are Victorian and Edwardian villas, 1930s semis and detached houses in the commuter towns, and post-war estates.
What happens when we carry out roof structure repairs in East Molesey?
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.
Signs you may need roof structure repairs
- Struts, collars or ties cut out or missing in the loft
- Daylight through the tiles, or timber that is damp, stained or crumbling
- Top of an outside wall leaning out at eaves level
How much will roof structure repairs cost in East Molesey?
Guide prices below are for homes in East Molesey, on South East rates and including VAT. A survey or good photos let us turn them into a fixed written price.
| Item | Guide price | Per |
|---|---|---|
| Repairing or doubling a rafter | £335 – £670 | per rafter |
| Purlin and strut strengthening | £1,350 – £3,350 | per roof |
| Tying in roof spread (straps and ties)est. | £895 – £2,800 | per roof |
Which repair method suits a home in East Molesey?
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
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
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.
Roof structure repairs in East Molesey: questions and answers
How much should I budget for roof structure repairs in East Molesey?
Guide prices for roof structure repairs in East Molesey start from about £335 per rafter, including VAT, on South East rates. Your fixed written price follows photos or a survey and depends on the extent of the work and access.
Can you survey a property in East Molesey?
Yes, East Molesey is covered, along with postcode districts KT7, KT8, TW12. We also cover nearby Esher and Kingston upon Thames.
Why do houses in Surrey crack?
North Surrey sits on London Clay, the south on Weald Clay, with chalk along the North Downs and sands in the west. Large gardens with mature trees on clay make seasonal subsidence a familiar problem. Only an investigation can say why a particular building has moved.
Is a sagging roof ridge dangerous?
A slight, even dip in an old roof is often historic movement that stopped long ago. A sag that is getting worse, cracking timbers, walls pushing out at the eaves or recently removed struts should be checked soon. Avoid storing heavy items in the loft until then.
Why are there cracks just below the eaves?
A horizontal crack just below the eaves, along the front or back wall, is a common sign of roof spread. The rafters push the top of the wall outward and the masonry cracks where it hinges. Corroded wall ties can cause similar cracks, so the cause needs checking.
Related work in East Molesey
Roof structure repairs near East Molesey
Seen the ridge dip at your East Molesey home? Photograph it from across the road, add a few loft shots, and we will tell you what it likely needs.