Roof Mortar Torching – an explanation
This is the huge loft-space of a 1930s semi-detached house we recently surveyed.
You’ll notice the white material that appears between the timber battens. This is a mixture of lime mortar and horsehair. This is what is known as roof mortar torching and was packed in between roof tiles and battens as a water-proofing measure.
The practice became outdated in the late 1930s as bitumen under-felt began to be used instead.
If you are buying a house and the torching is as good as this example, then you should have another five to 10 years left in the roof – so long as you keep foot traffic off the tiles!
Of course, we always recommend you arrange a full building survey on any property you are interested in buying.
Explore the types of building survey we offer
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