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RICS Homebuyer Report on a Walsall Terrace House
Typical turn of the 20th Century terrace house near to Walsall that has a replacement concrete tile front roof surface. Stone houses are unusual near to Wolverhampton as they were usually built of local materials
Replacement concrete tile roofs always concern our surveyors as they can be substantially heavier than the materials they replace in which case the roof structure is likely to require upgrading. In this case the supporting structure is substantial and may meet current regulations and if it does not is close to standard.
This side of the roof has its original slate roof which is likely to be approaching life epxiry. The most likely casue of failure will be corrosion of the nails that fix the slates. There apeared to be a substanital number of flies clustering around this particular slate even in the depths of winter. They were quite active.
A substantial collection of cobwebs suggests that spiders like it here too. The stains on the chimney might be caused by rain seeping in at the side of the chimney stack but are more likely to be casued by condensates within the flue soaking into the brickwork. They can contain water absorbing salts so that the brickwork remians damp in humid conitions.
The uneven pattern of damp suggest that it caused by condensation. There was no evidence of slats that might be associated with rising damp and the house is literally built on a cliff like bank so any ground water is likely to drain rapidly.
The mould on this skirting board is also consistent with condensation as the mould will only grow when the moisture is uncontaminated. The mould should be trated with care as it can be toxic.
These polystryrene tiles are often used as insulation. They should be removed as they are a fire hazard as they burn at a vey high temperature and give off toxic fumes.
Insecure cables like this may be indicative of amateur workmanship
These steep winding stairs will require concentration to use and will be particuarly dangerous in the dark.