Latest blog posts

This is where we summarise the typical defects affecting slate roof coverings. Nail rot (or nail sickness) Unlike tiles, which have nibs that hook over the tiling battens, slates rely entirely on their fixing nails to remain in place. These days, copper or galvanised steel nails are used to secure roof slates as they do not deteriorate, but ... Read more >>

This is where we summarise the typical defects affecting tiled roof coverings. Moss By far the most common issue with pitched roof coverings, and in particular tiled coverings, is the accumulation of moss. The most obvious issue with moss relates to another element, rainwater fittings, which become blocked as the moss builds up and ... Read more >>

This is where we summarise the typical defects affecting sarking felt. Deterioration where exposed A common defect, and one that can be difficult to see, is deterioration of the strip of felt which projects beyond the bottom row of tiles/slates and sits just over the edge of the gutter. A combination of direct sunlight, splashback from the ... Read more >>

There’s nothing more important than keeping a property dry and that starts with the roof covering. Pitched roof coverings broadly breakdown in to two categories; tiles and slates. Corrugated sheeting and felt is occasionally used but that tends to be on temporary buildings so won’t be covered in this post. Roof structures and weathering will ... Read more >>

In recent years, the RICS have tried make life easier for homebuyers by insisting that members benchmark their survey reports. Every report must be allocated a Level between 1 and 3. The RICS have produced a set of templates but members are also free to use their own as long as it is clear to clients which level of report they are ... Read more >>

Welcome to the Taylor Mitchell Blog. The content of this blog will be primarily based around the two aspects of surveying in which I specialise - party wall procedures and residential property surveys. In the coming months I'll be breaking down the party wall process step by step, and providing practical advice which I hope will make the ... Read more >>