Roof structure in Auderghem
The roof structure is the timber frame that carries everything else. When it's damaged (by moisture, insects, or simply time), the covering no longer holds properly and no surface repair will change anything. We've been working on roof structures in Auderghem and the surrounding communes for more than 25 years: inspection, replacement of rotten joists or purlins, fungal treatment, and reinforcing the structure before a new covering. 10-year workmanship guarantee.
What does roof structure work involve
The traditional structure of a house in Auderghem is made of timber: trusses that give the roof its shape, horizontal purlins linking the trusses, rafters on which the battens rest, and the battens themselves on which the slates or tiles sit.
Structural work can range from a simple preventive treatment to partial or complete replacements. The most common interventions:
- Replacing rotten or broken joists or rafters.
- Replacing or reinforcing weakened purlins.
- Fungicidal and insecticidal treatment of the sound wood adjacent to a damaged area.
- Fitting an underlay (a flexible membrane under the battens) during a covering renewal.
- Reinforcing the structure if it has moved or if weight is being added (insulation, double covering).
When should you have your roof structure inspected
The obvious signal is when you see or smell something: blackened wood in the attic, a musty or fungal smell, white or orange traces on the beams. Sometimes it's a slate that has sunk slightly or a roof slope that no longer looks perfectly straight from the street.
Other less visible situations deserve an inspection:
- Before fitting a new covering: always check the structure. Redoing the slates or tiles over a damaged structure is covering up the problem rather than fixing it.
- If the house suffered water ingress for a while, even if it has since been resolved.
- If the attic has been uninsulated and damp for years.
- On houses over 50 years old with no structural check.
Why a roof structure degrades
Moisture is the number one cause. Wood that stays damp for months rots; wood-decaying fungi do their work silently. A roof leak that isn't repaired quickly can damage a structure in just a few years.
Wood-boring insects (longhorn beetles, woodworm) dig galleries in dry wood. They're hard to spot, but fine powder under the beams or small round holes on the surface are clear clues.
Natural ageing also plays a part: wood works, cracks, and loses stiffness over time. On an old structure of 80 or 100 years, not everything will need replacing, but there are often weakened areas that need reinforcing or replacing.
What makes the price of structural work vary
The extent of the damage is hard to estimate without going up into the attic. A structural quote is made after inspection, not blind.
If a few rafters are damaged over a small area, the replacement is quick and inexpensive. If the main purlins are affected or the structure has moved, the work is heavier.
Attic access also shapes the job: a roof with a walkable attic space is easier to work than a low structure with little clearance.
Preventive treatment of the sound wood often comes on top of replacing the damaged parts. It's protection for the decades ahead and doesn't add much to the cost.
If the structure needs doing at the same time as a new covering, the two jobs together are far more economical. Planning two separate interventions on the same roof always costs more.
See also: Roof renovation · Roof insulation · Roof repair
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my roof structure is damaged without going into the attic?
From inside the attic, the signs are often visible: dark or damp-stained wood, fungi, fine wood powder under the beams, or wood that feels less firm when you press it. From outside, a roof slope that's no longer perfectly straight can indicate a structural problem. The best option is still for us to come and look.
Can the covering be redone without touching the structure?
If the structure is in good condition, yes. But we always check before fitting a new covering. Covering up a damaged structure is a mistake we sometimes see, and it has to be corrected sooner than planned.
Is an insecticide or fungicide treatment necessary if only part is damaged?
Yes, generally. We treat the damaged wood and the adjacent sound wood, because insects and fungi spread. A preventive treatment of the whole accessible structure is often recommended during a partial intervention.
Can a timber structure be repaired rather than completely replaced?
In most cases, yes. We replace the damaged elements and reinforce what's weakened. A complete structure replacement is rare on an existing house, and often unnecessary. We tell you exactly what we found after the inspection.
Can insulation be added during structural work?
Yes. If the structure is open, it's a good opportunity to fit or improve insulation. See our roof insulation in Auderghem page for the options, including the grants.