Not every job we do is a house. This one was a working timber stable block near Andover (SP11). The owner had noticed water getting in where the two roof slopes meet, and the underside of the roof deck above the stables was covered in white and grey mould. For horses, damp air full of mould spores is a real health worry, so the owner wanted it sorted properly.
What we found on the survey
Our surveyor traced the water to the roof valley, the channel where the two roof slopes join and all the rain from both sides runs off. The valley detail had failed, so water was tracking into the roof build-up instead of running off it. Once the deck boards were wet, warm air from the stables did the rest. The boards stayed damp, and mould spread across the underside.
From the inside, the timber trusses were sound. The problem was the roof covering, the valley and the damp, mould-affected deck.
What we did
Stopping the leak came first. There is no point treating mould while water is still getting in.
- Roof stripped back. We lifted the roof covering and opened up the roof so we could see every damp and damaged board.
- Damaged deck replaced. Boards that were rotten or badly affected by water and mould were cut out and replaced with new decking, fixed securely to the existing structure.
- New valley and roof covering. We formed a new valley along the joint between the roof slopes, laid a new underlay and re-covered the roof so rain is directed off the building, not into it.
- Ventilation and rainwater. We added roof vents so moist air from the stables can escape, and finished the eaves so water is carried away cleanly.
Because this was a working yard, our team planned the job around the horses and the owner's routine, and kept the roof weathered at the end of each day. The works took thirteen working days.
The result
The stable block now has a sound, watertight roof with a properly formed valley. Inside, the mouldy, water-stained deck has been replaced with clean, dry boards, and the new vents help keep the air inside fresher for the horses.
Why the leak had to come first
Mould on a roof deck is a symptom. Clean it off while the roof still leaks and it grows straight back. By fixing the valley and replacing the damaged boards, we took away the water the mould was living on. Find out more about our roofing repairs and upgrades and our mould removal and air quality work.
Common questions
Do you work on outbuildings and stables?
Yes. We work on garages, barns, stables and garden buildings as well as homes.
Can you work around animals?
Yes. We plan the order of works with you so the yard can keep running.
Do you cover Andover?
Yes. Our Andover team covers the town and the villages around it, and we work across Hampshire.
Seeing the same signs at home?
Book a complimentary In-Depth Survey and one of our ISSE-accredited surveyors will find the cause, show you the readings and give you a written, itemised quote. Call 01202 287503 or request a callback. We'll phone you back within 5 minutes.