Advice please regarding building regs

[Michele Marriott]

Hi,

Looking for some advice please. I was discussing to a tradesman how a property had the mortar filled in under the end tiles but left holes where the swifts nest. The swifts returned this year so a positive outcome. He said that that is against the law and the worker could get in trouble as they have purposely left holes in the house so could also effect insurance claims and the house is not properly insulated. This is the first I have heard of this. I said I would find out and get back to him as this is something I hadn't come across before. This is something I've been asking residents in my area to do, to protect swift nests. 

Thank you,

Chele 

Shirebrook Swifts 

[Louise at Bolton and Bury Swifts]

Hi Michelle 

The builder may correct in part.

"If a traditional mortar verge is being used, the verge should normally be fully and properly bedded. Leaving some end tiles mortared and others not could be poor workmanship unless the roof system is specifically designed that way.
If this is a new roof or a re-roofing project requiring Building Regulations compliance, an incomplete or poorly secured verge could potentially fail to meet the required standards if the tiles are not adequately fixed against wind uplift."

But the homeowners will have a say should they wish but the considerations re buildings insurance could make them nervous. Sorry to hear this is a potential stumbling block.

I imagine Dick Newell and Edward Mayer will have a view on this?

Best Wishes,

Louise

 

      

 

Bolton & Bury Swifts

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From: swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com <swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Michele Marriott <michelem...@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, 01 July 2026 09:53:40
To: swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com <swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: [SLN] Advice please regarding building regs

 

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[Swifts (SOS)]

Is it the bottom of the tile above the gutter you’re referring to, Swifts can access when concrete pointing has fallen out and no combing installed.

Re-pointing can easily be omitted during roof works if requested by the owner and won’t affect any insurances.

If the roof below was being tidied the roofers would want to install anti-bird combing as below. It can be omitted at the owner’s request but the felt manufacturer would probably not entertain a warranty claim in the rare event of an issue. In these circumstances I suggest a sacrificial top layer for additional protection from Swifts’ claws.

The roof below was tidied with combing installed, the owner didn’t know of the Swift nest. So with the owners permission we snipped it.

Pointing up the hips (corners) or at gable ends of a roof can’t be omitted, tiles would come loose over time and be a hazard  

Eddie Bathgate

@SoSSwifts

SuffolkBirdGroup.org/sos-swifts

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