Attic Conversion - Ridge tiles raised

lilywhite65

I got my attic converted and the job was completed about 4 weeks ago. I also put an ensuite into the attic when i was converting it. We put 3 p10 velux windows into the roof and an m08 velux in the ensuite. The carpenter's engineer signed off on the project as having complied with structural regulations. We have now just noticed that the ridge tiles on the outside on the roof are no longer in a straight line.We got an independent engineer in to have a look at it, and he seems to think that maybe the windows might have been a bit too heavy for the roof and they might have caused the roof to sag a bit. He seems to think that the roof shouldn't sag any further now, but couldn't guarantee it.

I called the carpenter back and he seems to think that when he was putting the stud partition between the ensuite and the room in that he put the partition in too tight and that he infact raised the ridge tiles on top of the roof as opposed to the windows being too heavy for the roof. He also assures me that there is plenty of support around the windows and that the roof will not sag anymore.

Has anyone come across this type of scenario before where a stud partition in an attic conversion raised their ridge tiles? Would taking the partition out and putting a new one in, lower the ridge tiles on the roof? Has anyone heard of using a hydraulic jack to raise the roof to level off the ridge tiles. This has been suggested to me, but i am a bit wary of that.

celticgooner

Have the rafters been doubled up around the velux to prevent any sagging? Cant see how stud work can lift the ridge tiles.Unless its been forced in place with a sledge hammer

mickdw

First rule in these jobs is that the Engineer should be working for yourselves, not the carpenter. That is the easiest way to avoid this type of situation.
Hard to say what the issue is. If the ridge is moving, its pretty serious though. Can the timber work be seen from the attic now or is it all closed up? An engineer would certainly have to get in there to see what is happening.
Have you any pics of the ridge?

lilywhite65

The carpenter doubled up all the rafters on the roof side with no velux windows. He doubled up as many of the rafters as he could on the roofside with the velux windows and then put in extra timber around where the windows are. Unfortunately all the timber work is now covered up with slabs etc and i have it all painted.

The independent engineer that i brought in didn't and can't see any of the work underneath the slabs etc. I took pictures of the job as it was happening and showed him them. He just thinks the windows need more reinforcement to prevent any further sagging, but that doesn't solve my problem with a dip in the ridge tiles. He mentioned using a hydraulic jack to raise the ridge tiles. The dip in the ridge tiles is only barely noticeable, but i suppose now is the time to fix it before i do anymore work in the attic.

martin46585

it sounds like all the windows are on the one side of the roof, and if so there could be as many as nine rafters cut (16" centres) to allow for the new openings,
hoping that he did indeed compensate for lack of structure with a steel rsj,
which should be visible from the crawl space behind the stud work,
if not than it sounds like this is where your trouble is coming from......
just a though is this a traditional cut roof or prefab roof trusses......

Poor Uncle Tom

Your engineer will be able to tell you if the ridge tile over the partition was pushed up or if the ridge dipped. Please take advice from your own indemnified engineer ONLY. If there is movement you should see tell-tale cracks on the plasterwork at the ceiling to wall joints, etc. If all your structural components are in place, (collars, purlins, struts hangers and binders) it may be relatively easy to remedy the situation. The forum charter here does not allow us to specify structural components.