Ceiling damaged by water leak

[Dingdong99]

I've got a ground floor rental flat with a small kitchen. The flat upstairs had a leak that their builders caused, and water came through my ceiling last week

It doesn't look too bad from the photos I've seen but I've not been able to inspect it yet

The neighbour has agreed to pay for any remedial works necessary and I've asked that their builders assess it ASAP but I've not heard their opinion yet

However, my tenant is insisting that a structural engineer assesses the ceiling to deem if it needs to be replaced

I'm not sure that this is a job for such an engineer as it's not structural a such. Personally I would just want the plasterboard replaced (and for it to be dried out if necessary)

Do I need a structural engineer?

no

you might need a plasterer

how old is the building?

do you have any photos of the ceiling?

how long did the leak last?

Thanks piglet - it's maybe 100 years old. Maybe there is wattle and daub up there?

I don't think the leak went on very long as the tenants were home so spotted it

I guess the question is, who should assess the ceiling? A general builder, plasterer, or structural engineer?

at that age, it probably has a Lath and Plaster ceiling.

if so, it is probably sagging and will probably fall down

unless it has already been replaced

if it has just been overboarded, water will lie between the two layers and they will take a very long time to dry out, and will probably fall down

Try to get it replastered throughout. This will mean pulling down the old, which is a very dirty job and will mean the room is out of use for several days, maybe a week.

I would suggest two layers of plasterboard with a finish skim, to give the necessary fire and noise protection, but I don't know what regulations apply for a repair.

If you get a chartered surveyor in (explain the purpose first) they should be able to advise and if necessary argue with the insurers. You may need to involve your own insurers, who will argue with upstairs' insurers.

here are some pictures of a really good leak.

overboarded ceiling that fell down

Thank you piglet, that's really helpful. This isn't the first time you have helped me on here!!