New built house – ridge tile blown off – ridge batten proble
Our house (end of terrace) was newly built. In the 13th month, ridge tiles2 & 3 (together with the ridge unions) were blown off, and tile 1 was hanging off. We checked from the loft and found that the ridge batten was a bit weird. Some part (about ¼) seemed to be normal (looks like timber) which is placed directly on top of the apex. But the rest seems to be of different material (though still looked like wooden) and attached to the side of the truss roof peak. We could see the ridge roll (with some holes) along only one side. Besides, the ridge batten seemed to be not long enough. We did not see any batten directly under tiles 1 & 2 (may be 3 as well).
The builder’s roof contractor just replaced the missing tiles, and reinstalled tile 1. We wondered if the ridge unions could be firmly attached to the ridge batten if the batten was not directly on top of the apex.
Can we engage a roof surveyor just to check the ridge, report on the fault and recommend the repair work required?
Advice from 18 local tradespeople
Hi, thanks for getting in touch.
Based on what you've described, it would certainly be worth having the ridge system inspected. A dry ridge system should have a correctly installed ridge batten that is securely fixed and provides adequate support for the ridge unions and ridge tiles. If the batten is incorrectly positioned, unsupported, or too short, it could contribute to the ridge tiles becoming loose or blowing off.
As your property is only just over a year old, the roof should still be covered by the builder's warranty. An independent roof inspection and written report can be very useful if you need to raise a claim or demonstrate that the installation doesn't meet the required standard.
We'd be happy to carry out a thorough inspection, assess the ridge installation, identify any defects, and provide an honest report with our recommendations for any remedial work required.
If you could send us your postcode and a few photos of the roof (if possible), we'd be happy to discuss the next steps and arrange a convenient time to visit.
Kind regards,
SJC Roofing Ltd
Yes
This sounds like a classic case of a "dry-fix" ridge system being installed incorrectly, which is a significant safety concern for a new build.
To answer your main question: Yes, you absolutely can and should engage an independent roof surveyor. Since the house is only 13 months old, it is likely still under a builder’s warranty (and potentially a structural warranty like NHBC or LABC). A simple "tile replacement" by the original contractor is often just a "patch-up" job that ignores the underlying structural fault.
Here is a breakdown of the technical issues you’ve described and why a survey is necessary:
1. The Ridge Batten Issue
The ridge batten is the "spine" of your roof's peak. For a dry-fix system (where tiles are screwed in rather than mortared), the batten must be:
• Centered: It should sit directly on the apex (the peak) so that the ridge unions can be screwed into it securely from the center.
• Continuous: If the batten is "not long enough" or offset to the side, the screws for tiles 1, 2, and 3 likely have nothing to bite into. This explains why they blew off so easily.
• Consistent Material: Mixing timber with "other materials" or offsetting it suggests a botched installation where the trusses might not have lined up, and the roofer "winged it" to make the tiles look straight from the ground.
2. The Ridge Roll and Unions
The ridge roll is meant to provide ventilation and a weather seal. If it has holes or is only on one side, it will not be watertight. More importantly, if there is no batten under tiles 1 and 2, the ridge unions (the plastic joins between tiles) are essentially floating. Without being screwed into a solid timber batten, they are only held down by gravity and the weight of the tiles, making them highly susceptible to wind uplift.
3. Why get a Surveyor?
The builder's contractor has a conflict of interest; they want to fix it as cheaply as possible. An independent surveyor will check for:
• Compliance with BS 5534: This is the British Standard for slating and tiling. If the batten isn't fixed to the apex or is missing in sections, it fails this code.
• NHBC/Warranty Standards: If the surveyor finds a systematic failure (like the batten being the wrong height or poorly secured), the builder may be forced to strip and reinstall the entire ridge, not just the three tiles that fell.
Recommended Next Steps
1. Instruction: Ask the surveyor specifically for a "Roof Inspection Report" focused on the ridge detail and compliance with dry-fix installation instructions.
2. Evidence: Take photos of the "weird" batten from the loft and the "floating" unions if you have them.
1. What should be there (UK standard)
For a dry-fix ridge system on a new build in the UK:
• A continuous ridge batten must:
• Run the full length of the ridge
• Be centred directly over the apex
• Be mechanically fixed into each truss apex
• A ridge roll membrane must:
• Run continuously on both sides of the ridge
• Be mechanically fixed and sealed
• Ridge tiles must:
• Be mechanically fixed (not just clipped)
• Have fixings that engage solid timber directly beneath
This is not optional — it’s required under BS 5534 and NHBC standards.
to repair
A proper fix will usually involve:
• Removing all ridge tiles
• Removing the existing ridge batten
• Installing a new continuous treated timber ridge batten
• Centred on apex
• Fixed into every truss
• Installing a full-length ridge roll on both sides
• Re-fixing ridge tiles with correct mechanical fixings
Anything less is a temporary patch.
Yes you can engage an independent roof surveyor. Ridge tiles on a new build should be mechanically fixed to a correctly positioned ridge batten over the apex, in line with detail and standards. Tiles blowing off suggests an instillation fault. A surveyors report will confirm defects and support you in requiring the builder to carry out proper works.
Ridge unions need to be securely fixed into a correctly installed, continuous ridge batten positioned at the apex. If the batten is incomplete, incorrectly fixed, or not centred on the ridge, fixings may be inadequate and ridge tiles can fail in high winds. Yes, you can engage an independent roofing surveyor to inspect the ridge, report on any installation faults, and recommend the correct remedial work—this is often advisable, especially on a new build still within its warranty period.
Yes—you can absolutely engage an independent roof surveyor to assess the ridge, document the installation fault, and recommend the correct remedial work. In situations like this, a written report from a qualified surveyor is often the best way to push the builder to carry out a proper fix rather than a quick patch.
Engaging a roof surveyor to inspect the ridge of your newly built end-terrace house is a wise decision, especially since issues arose within the 13th month. A professional surveyor can assess the ridge batten's installation, the ridge unions' attachment, and the overall roof condition, providing a detailed report and repair recommendations.
Roof Survey Benefits and Costs
• Assessment: Identify faults in ridge batten placement, ridge union attachments, and potential weaknesses in the roof structure.
• Report: Receive a comprehensive report detailing findings, including photos, and expert recommendations for repairs or maintenance.
• Cost: Expect to pay £150-£500 for a roof survey, depending on property size, roof type, and location. Specific costs :
? Terraced House: £150-£200
? Semi-Detached: £150-£250
? Large Detached: £200-£500
? Drone Surveys: £200 (safer for inaccessible roofs, reducing scaffolding costs)
What to Expect from a Roof Surveyor
• Inspection of ridge tiles, batten placement, and attachments
• Assessment of roof structure, including trusses and supporting elements
• Evaluation of ridge roll condition and potential leak points
• Identification of any missing or damaged tiles, including those under tiles 1, 2, and 3
• Recommendations for repair, maintenance, or replacement as necessary
• A detailed report with photos and cost estimates for recommended work
Next Steps
Consider contacting reputable surveyors or companies like Aspect, HICH LTD, or Homemove for quotes and services. Ensure they are qualified, experienced, and provide comprehensive reports to safeguard your investment .
Given the issues you've described with your newly built home's roof, particularly with the ridge tiles and batten, it's reasonable to consider hiring a professional roof surveyor. They can assess the situation and provide a detailed report on the faults and necessary repairs.
Benefits of Hiring a Roof Surveyor:
• Expert Assessment: A qualified surveyor will evaluate the condition of your roof, identifying potential issues and necessary repairs.
• Detailed Reporting: You'll receive a comprehensive report outlining the faults, recommended repairs, and associated costs.
• Peace of Mind: A surveyor's expert opinion can give you confidence in the structural integrity of your roof.
What to Expect from a Roof Survey:
• Visual Inspection: The surveyor will examine the roof's exterior and interior, including the loft space.
• Assessment of Ridge Tiles and Batten: They'll evaluate the condition and installation of the ridge tiles and batten.
• Report and Recommendations: You'll receive a detailed report outlining the faults, necessary repairs, and estimated costs.
Finding a Qualified Roof Surveyor:
• Look for RICS-qualified surveyors or those with relevant professional certifications.
• Check for experience in roof surveying and expertise in your type of roofing system.
• Get quotes from multiple surveyors to compare prices and services.
Some companies that offer roof survey services in the UK include:
• SAM Conveyancing: Offers roof surveys and inspections.
• HICH LTD: Provides comprehensive roof surveys from £365.
• Homemove: Offers roof surveys starting from £195.
• Aspect: Provides roof survey and report services, with next-day surveys available.
It's essential to get a professional assessment to ensure your roof is secure and to identify any potential issues early on .
Yes I would contact a surveyor or at least someone who knows what they are doing hard to say without actually looking at it in person
Yes, you can and should engage an independent roof surveyor to investigate the ridge batten fault and provide a report with recommendations for repairs. A ridge batten should be directly attached to the roof's apex for proper support, and its incorrect installation, as you've described with the different materials and side attachment, is a significant fault that would compromise the security of the ridge unions and tiles, explaining why they were blown off. A surveyor's report will document the fault and serve as evidence for claiming against the builder for the necessary remedial work.
Yes, you can hire a roof surveyor to inspect the ridge, provide a report, and recommend repairs.
Yes of course you can
Yes, you can absolutely engage a roof surveyor to inspect the ridge tiles and the overall condition of your roof, particularly to assess any faults with the ridge batten, the ridge unions, and the overall installation. Given the issues you've described, it sounds like there could be structural concerns that need professional attention to ensure long-term stability.
The cost for a roof survey will vary depending on your location and the complexity of the inspection. Typically, it can range from £100 to £300, but it’s worth getting quotes from a few different surveyors or roofing companies to ensure you’re getting a fair price.
In summary, engaging a roof surveyor is a wise decision to ensure that any underlying issues with your roof are properly identified and addressed before they cause further damage or issues.
Yes
Of course you can. You are in a much better position with the contractors if you have an independent survey done, with any problems highlighted, ie not done correctly, wrong materials etc.
1. Inspect the Ridge System – Check whether the ridge batten is properly positioned, adequately secured, and made of suitable material.
2. Assess Structural Integrity – Determine whether the ridge unions are correctly attached and if they provide sufficient stability in high winds.
3. Identify Installation Defects – Highlight any faults, such as missing battens or improper fixing methods.
4. Recommend Necessary Repairs – Provide a report detailing corrective actions to ensure the ridge is secure and compliant with industry standards.
Since your house is newly built, you may also want to check whether the work is covered under your builder’s warranty or any latent defects insurance. A surveyor’s report can help support any claim if remedial work is needed.
