Littlehampton · West Sussex
Roof structure repairs in Littlehampton
Many older roofs, in Littlehampton and across West Sussex 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£335per rafter inc VAT
- Postcodes
- BN17
- Population
- about 59,000
- Area
- West Sussex
- Pricing region
- South East
What is the ground like in West Sussex?
Littlehampton is in West Sussex and takes in postcode districts BN17. About 59,000 people live there. Nearby places we cover include Bognor Regis (6 miles), Worthing (7 miles) and Lancing (10 miles).
Much of West Sussex sits on clay that shrinks in dry summers and swells in wet winters. Ground movement here is more often linked to soils, drains and trees than to mining. Typical buildings in West Sussex: Wealden cottages, 1930s semis and bungalows on the coast, and new-town estates in Crawley.
What to look for before calling about roof structure repairs
- Top of an outside wall leaning out at eaves level
- Daylight through the tiles, or timber that is damp, stained or crumbling
- Struts, collars or ties cut out or missing in the loft
Roof structure repairs prices in Littlehampton
For Littlehampton we use South East rates. Treat the table as a budget guide, inc VAT; the price you pay is the one on your written quote.
| 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 |
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
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.
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 Littlehampton
How much will roof structure repairs cost in Littlehampton?
Guide prices for roof structure repairs in Littlehampton 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.
Do you cover Littlehampton?
We do. Littlehampton and the surrounding area are covered, including nearby Bognor Regis and Worthing. A free initial assessment from your photos is the first step.
Is the ground in West Sussex prone to subsidence?
North West Sussex around Crawley and Horsham sits on Weald Clay, the South Downs are chalk, and the coastal plain has brickearth and gravels. The Weald Clay is prone to shrink-swell movement near trees. Only an investigation can say why a particular building has moved.
What is roof spread?
Roof spread is when the feet of the rafters move outward because nothing is tying them together firmly enough. As they spread, the ridge drops and the tops of the walls are pushed out, often with a horizontal crack below the eaves. It is fixed by adding ties, collars or straps, sometimes with rebuilding.
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.
Other structural repairs in Littlehampton
- Brick arch repairs
- Resin injection ground stabilisation
- Crack stitching
- Lintel replacement
- Boundary and garden wall repairs
Roof structure repairs near Littlehampton
If struts were removed for a loft room in Littlehampton, send photos of the space and we will price putting a proper load path back.