House is 5 years old. We’ve owned it for 3 years, but only lived in it for 2 (as it was a showhome, which we bought and immediately rented back to the developer until the development was nearly finished)
Several months ago I noticed a stain on the ceiling of the landing. It didn’t seem like much - but the last few weeks it has definitely spread, and there is a new smaller patch, which actually looks wet. We’ve had our fair share of the recent heavy rain.
So: conclusion is there is a leak. There is a squarish “thing” on the roof, possibly some sort of air vent - approximately above where the stain is. So I’m wondering if this was not properly installed, or has got dislodged. I’m pretty sure there was no stain when we moved in - so probably something that has happened since. But if the vent is properly installed, surely it shouldn’t be able to be dislodged/blown off?
The question is - would this be classified as a structural defect - in which case it should be covered by the LABC warranty. Or is it storm or accidental damage - in which case it should be covered on our buildings insurance.
How can we/anyone be sure of the cause? Might the LABC and our insurer talk to each other and sort it our between themselves? Get a contractor up there to fix it, and agree based on what it looks like close up whether it’s likely to be structural or storm damage.
I plan on getting our tallest step ladder and having a look inside the loft tomorrow and see what we can see. I don’t think I can actually get up inside as there isn’t an actual loft ladder, the loft is not boarded and neither DH nor I are particularly nimble.
Anyone got any wisdom to offer?