ABSTRACT
Pitched roofs are intended to direct water safely away to eavesgutters and rainwater goods. Pitched roofs are usually finished with tiles or slates (although some may be finished with metal, such as copper, or bitumastic felt). However, the dampness will damage the integrity of the bricks, and the outer surface will, eventually, loosen and spall. The salts in moisture from the soil are hygroscopic, and absorb moisture from the air, and can, ultimately, have damaging effects. Ceilings (and walls) will be damaged by dampness penetrating through disrepair to roofs, by burst pipes, and leaking joints to sanitary ware, personal washing facilities, and storage tanks (in lofts). Unprotected timber (particularly soft wood) used for windows and doors and their frames will be intermittently affected by the dampness (such as rain and snow) particularly when the protective paint is cracked and flaking.
