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Original poster

Neighbours claiming we damaged their roof

12 replies

DecentneighboursbeingCFs · 09/06/2025 12:13

3 months ago we had scaffolding up across our garage roof. As we share a driveway and our garage roof with our neighbours, we let them know, although the scaffolding would be only on our side of the driveway and roof, but thought it was common courtesy to let them know.

The scaffolding went up and down just fine. No issues.

Today neighbour rings quite stressed asking for access to our garden saying his roof is leaking around the extractor fan. After he inspects it he says the scaffolding has chipped 4 of his tiles around the fan and that's what is leaking.

We had scaffolding in March and I know we had a dryish April and May but it has still rained.

Also the scaffolding was nowhere near where the cracks are.

The roof he says is leaking was built about 3.5 years ago as an extension to his property.

I'm sure he expects us to pay but I'm just not sure it was our fault. Where do we stand legally?

Thanks in advance

OP posts:
CakeBakeC0mpetiti9nL0cal · 09/06/2025 12:16

Tell neighbour to claim on their property insurance

JDM625 · 09/06/2025 12:35

If the scaffolding was no where near the extractor fan, then they can't blame it on that!
Is the extractor in his roof or on the wall? It might be that the sealant holding it in, has degraded over time with sunshine etc? It likely just needs to be re-sealed, but I agree, suggest they claim on their insurance. It wouldn't be worth it, but you could suggest it. 😉

Original poster
DecentneighboursbeingCFs · 09/06/2025 12:51

JDM625 · 09/06/2025 12:35

If the scaffolding was no where near the extractor fan, then they can't blame it on that!
Is the extractor in his roof or on the wall? It might be that the sealant holding it in, has degraded over time with sunshine etc? It likely just needs to be re-sealed, but I agree, suggest they claim on their insurance. It wouldn't be worth it, but you could suggest it. 😉

Yeah actually it is facing south, lots of potential sun damage. The extractor is on the roof. I don't even know how that's a good idea, like how do you keep water out? He said he'd come over tonight to do a 'temporary fix' so probably re-seal it. He is in the buidling trade so kind of knows what he's doing 🤷‍♀️ Thanks for the ideas

OP posts:
JDM625 · 09/06/2025 13:04

Why does he need to access you garden to get to HIS roof? Can't he get a ladder and climb up on his side? I wouldn't want him clambering on my roof- incase he damages your tiles!

prh47bridge · 09/06/2025 13:08

Where you stand legally is simple. You are not liable unless the neighbour can prove that, on the balance of probabilities, your scaffolding has caused the damage.

Original poster
DecentneighboursbeingCFs · 09/06/2025 13:45

prh47bridge · 09/06/2025 13:08

Where you stand legally is simple. You are not liable unless the neighbour can prove that, on the balance of probabilities, your scaffolding has caused the damage.

That's what I thought, thanks for confirming. Like he made out he was so sure it was us. He wasn't unreasonable for considering it as a possibility but to 100% claim our scaffolding was to blame with no proof seemed too much. Thanks

OP posts:
Original poster
DecentneighboursbeingCFs · 09/06/2025 13:50

JDM625 · 09/06/2025 13:04

Why does he need to access you garden to get to HIS roof? Can't he get a ladder and climb up on his side? I wouldn't want him clambering on my roof- incase he damages your tiles!

You're right! He definitely could have seen it from his side. Maybe a slightly better view from ours as it's the sloped side and his is flat but actually he'd be closer to the damage on his side. Maybe it's a ploy to involve us cos this whole thing could be sorted with us none the wiser. This is so disappointing I thought they were alright neighbours. Thanks for pointing that out

OP posts:
sueelleker · 09/06/2025 13:51

CakeBakeC0mpetiti9nL0cal · 09/06/2025 12:16

Tell neighbour to claim on their property insurance

I agree. We had our house re-plastered, and the NDN claimed we'd caused a crack in one of his bedroom walls (opposite end to where the scaffolding was!) I told him to contact our insurers, and never heard another word from them or him.

AmelieSummer25 · 09/06/2025 13:55

He's in the trade, Jesus, ignore the twat except for telling him to access HIS roof from HIS garden/drive.

Original poster
DecentneighboursbeingCFs · 09/06/2025 14:29

You know what, I might just do that. We allowed him unlimited access to our garden to do his extension. Digging a huge hole, unfenced at the side of our garden, whilst I had a toddler. I might be rescinding those offers in future. But I can be a trifle petty 🤔

OP posts:
JDM625 · 12/06/2025 08:35

How did you get on OP?

Secretsquirels · 12/06/2025 08:39

If he says it again I’d give him the phone number of the scaffolding firm and let him contact them directly so that you’re not involved…

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