Roof repair advice

I have recently moved into a 100yo house. The felted slate tile roof seems in very good nick and the survey at time of purchase found no problems. Recently we developed dampness in a bathroom and a roofer had a look and did some repairs to pointing around a chimney at a corner of the house and adjusted the lead in some way. There was exceptionally heavy rain for days before the damp appeared in the bathroom and he said he thought rain was getting in under the tiles at the edges when it was very windy. He said he was 95% sure this would solve the problem which was obviously chronic as there was some damage (rot) to some of the wooden beams in the roofspace, just at the corner of the house, but 'nothing serious'. The latter has alarmed me somewhat and I went up to roofspace for a closer look at alexandria roofer. The main beams seem fine and are obviously treated, but there is some rotten wood right at the corner, underneath where bricks from an unused chimney begin and also behind an adjacent gutter. I suspect the fascia board is rotten and can see the white gutter through a small hole in it, again confined to this corner of the roof. One foot away from this area, the wood seems sound.
Apologies firstly for my somehwat vague and ill-informed description of the problem. I have no expertise or experience in this field (or diy in general!) and hence am looking for some advice and hopefully reassurance. Does this sound like a major problem which I need someone else to look at for a second opinion, or does a little rotten wood under an otherwise very stable-seeming chimney require no intervention at this stage other than to fix the leaking roof causing it? I am awaiting rain to see if the latter has been successful but regardless have concerns about the wood damage. Roofer seemed knowledgeable and trustworthy but I have no idea about these things.

 

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Kinda a vague description, but most likely you should be able to remove and replace the rotten portions. Not a fun task, but definitely doable and if the rest of the structure integrity is good I would fix it or hire a general remodel person to replace it.

 

Here roofers sometimes take a hose up on the roof and soak areas to try and find the leak.
Maybe try this to narrow down your problem area.

 

Home warranty policy always has some roofing caveat like only covered of water is actively getting into a living area. Home warranties are a scam most of the time unless you can't even use a screwdriver or something.

 

Usually if you can see some rotted wood, there’s more rot than you think. I’d hire a well-recommended contractor to look at it. He will replace what’s necessary, then tackle the roofing. Just fixing the roofing at this point is just a bandaid.

 

I understand your concern about the recent issues you've encountered with dampness and rot in your 100-year-old house. While I can't provide a definitive assessment without inspecting the property myself, I can offer some general advice and considerations.

Firstly, it's positive that you had a roofer inspect the roof and address the pointing and lead flashing around the chimney. Fixing any areas where water could penetrate is crucial to preventing further water damage.

Regarding the rotten wood you discovered in the corner of the roof, it's essential to address it as it indicates a moisture-related problem. While the extent of the damage and the need for intervention can vary, it's generally advisable to take action sooner rather than later to prevent further deterioration.

Here are a few suggestions:

1. Consult a professional: Consider seeking a second opinion from a qualified contractor or a structural engineer who specializes in assessing wood rot and moisture damage. They can provide a more accurate evaluation of the situation and recommend appropriate measures.
   
   
2. Address the source of the moisture: Ensure that the roof repairs have effectively resolved the leakage issue. It's important to verify that there are no remaining areas where water can infiltrate, especially during heavy rain or windy conditions. Adequate roof ventilation and gutter maintenance can also help prevent future moisture problems.
   
   
3. Repair or replace damaged wood: Depending on the extent of the rot, the damaged wood may need to be repaired or replaced. A professional can assess the severity of the damage and advise on the appropriate course of action. It's crucial to address the underlying cause of the moisture issue and ensure that the affected area is properly repaired to prevent further decay.
   
   
4. Assess the overall condition of the roof: Given the age of the house, it may be worth considering a comprehensive inspection of the entire roof to identify any potential issues or areas that may require attention. A professional inspection can help you assess the overall condition and plan for necessary repairs or maintenance.

Remember that addressing moisture-related issues promptly can help prevent further damage and potential structural problems. It's always advisable to consult professionals who can provide specific advice based on an on-site assessment. They will have the expertise and experience to guide you in making the best decisions for your particular situation