Roofing defects in new builds

SiteSnag’s library has 18 entries under roofing, and 1 of them are marked as safety or critical items. They’re listed below with the most serious first. Each one gives the wording an inspector would put in a report and the trade that would fix it, and 13 carry a reference to the standard or guidance they relate to. The references help you look up the relevant section and aren’t a statement that a particular home does or doesn’t comply.

All 18 entries

1. Roof edge protection missing

   Critical

   No permanent edge protection or fall-arrest provision for roof maintenance access. Provide.

   Trade

   Roofer

   Reference

   Work at Height Regulations 2005

2. Ridge / hip tiles loose

   Major

   Ridge or hip tiles loose or mortar missing. Re-bed or fit dry-fix system.

   Trade

   Roofer

   Reference

   NHBC Standards 7.2

3. Lead flashing missing / poorly dressed

   Major

   Flashing missing, loose or poorly dressed. Refit.

   Trade

   Roofer

   Reference

   NHBC Standards 7.2

4. Flat roof membrane damaged

   Major

   Membrane split, blistered or poorly lapped. Repair.

   Trade

   Roofer

   Reference

   NHBC Standards 7.1

5. Daylight visible in roof space

   Major

   Daylight visible through roof covering. Investigate and seal.

   Trade

   Roofer

   Reference

   NHBC Standards 7.2

6. Chimney stack leaning / defective

   Major

   Chimney stack leaning, cracked or pointing failed. Inspect and repair.

   Trade

   Roofer

   Reference

   NHBC Standards 6.8

7. Chimney flashing failed

   Major

   Flashing around chimney missing, loose or cracked. Re-flash.

   Trade

   Roofer

   Reference

   NHBC Standards 7.2

8. Valley gutter defective

   Major

   Roof valley blocked, cracked or leaking. Clear and repair.

   Trade

   Roofer

   Reference

   NHBC Standards 7.2

9. Roof structure sagging

   Major

   Roof line dips or rafters sag. Structural inspection.

   Trade

   Structural engineer

   Reference

   None listed

10. Underlay torn / not into gutter

    Moderate

    Roof underlay torn or not dressed into gutter. Repair.

    Trade

    Roofer

    Reference

    NHBC Standards 7.2

11. Flat roof ponding

    Moderate

    Water ponds on flat roof. Correct falls.

    Trade

    Roofer

    Reference

    NHBC Standards 7.1

12. Roof access hatch insecure

    Moderate

    Roof access hatch does not lock or seal. Repair.

    Trade

    Roofer

    Reference

    None listed

13. Chimney pot / cowl loose

    Moderate

    Chimney pot or cowl loose or missing. Re-fix.

    Trade

    Roofer

    Reference

    None listed

14. Dry verge / verge mortar failed

    Moderate

    Verge mortar cracked or dry verge units loose. Repair.

    Trade

    Roofer

    Reference

    NHBC Standards 7.2

15. Bargeboard / fascia rotten

    Moderate

    Timber bargeboards or fascias rotten. Replace.

    Trade

    Roofer

    Reference

    None listed

16. Roof space not ventilated

    Moderate

    No ventilation to cold roof space, condensation risk. Provide vents.

    Trade

    Roofer

    Reference

    NHBC Standards 7.2

17. Moss / debris on roof

    Minor

    Heavy moss or debris on roof covering and gutters. Clean.

    Trade

    Roofer

    Reference

    None listed

18. Water tank in loft not covered / insulated

    Minor

    Cold water storage tank uncovered or not insulated. Fit lid and insulation.

    Trade

    Plumber

    Reference

    NHBC Standards 8.1

Using these in a report

In the SiteSnag app, starting to type a defect title in the camera brings up these entries. Picking one fills in the description, severity, trade and reference, and you can edit the wording or add your own defects to the library. Every snag then goes into the branded PDF report with its photos and a numbered pin on the floor plan.

For a room-by-room walk-round, use the new build snagging checklist, or go back to all defect categories.

Other categories

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