C5: The Exterior

Roof structure and covering

The roof structure is original with the front slope clad with natural slates and with 3 small lead capped ageing dormer windows protruding. It looks reasonable for its age but this is not to say immaculate. There is no evidence of damp seepage at the present time.
The upper flat roof is shown in photo 7 and it is asphalted and has lead flashings where this material meets brickwork. It is of quite reasonable appearance at this time and supports the cold water storage tank shed which is weather beaten and a Perspex landing skylight. It does not appear to need any work now but it should be coated with white solar reflective paint to prolong its life as these areas become very hot in summer.
The water tank shed does need some repair.
Apart from this roof there are rear subsidiary roof areas which provide terraces and photo 11 shows one of these which is asphalted and paved with asbestos cement anti slip protective tiles. It is believed that these terraces are constructed in concrete.

Chimneys

There is an operational fireplace in the reception room on the northern party wall and a corresponding original chimney stack is seen in photo 1. Its condition is reasonable and there is a smaller stack on the back addition which supports a tall television mast and can be seen in photo 2. It is not currently in use.

Rainwater fittings

These are of segmented metal both front and rear and there is a PVC down pipe at the front which may be affected by the rambling rose or similar plant growing on the front wall.
Steel gutters do tend to experience leaks at their joints due to thermal movement and corrosion and there is a leak at the rear shown in photo 8.

Main walls

The front wall is original solid 9" brick in reasonable condition for its age and the top floor is built within the timber frame of the roof.
The rear elevation is shown in photo 2 and you will observe it has been substantially enlarged in matching brick in the last 40 years and the change of colour can be clearly seen to the upper 2 floors.
For its age all the brick work looks satisfactory and is vertical and free from bulging and there is sub floor ventilation ain the front wall although most internal areas here are solid concrete.
At roof level coping stones have been fitted along the southern party wall to keep out the weather and this was possibly done by the neighbour.
Window openings have a mixture of brick arches over and some concrete lintels fitted at various dates at the rear.

External joinery

There are original timber casement windows to the front and a secondary entrance door has been fitted in the recessed porch to keep out the wind we assume. At upper levels there are modern replacement PVC windows which will be totally draught free and are double glazed. They look quite good although not in character or complete. If the maker could be found you could at least have a full set.
To the rear are wide timber double hung sash windows with counter balancing springs not cords and these can be slightly troublesome and springs may need replacement.

NOTE The rear alleyway shown in photo 3 is something of a security problem for all the houses here which is why the present owner is fastidious about locks and grilles at the rear and you should adopt the same policy.
The kitchen has non double glazed cheap sliding aluminium windows of 1960s vintage.

External decoration

Fair.

Other

None.