What is your problem, you don't like nor trust the unsupported roof, neither
would I. Adjust your price offer to cover a replacement if you want or buy
it and tear it off when you own it. Either you want the house or you don't,
to get the price down because of the roof is your opinion against the
owner's opinion and whether he will sell for less. He may feel others won't
care about the roof and not lower his price.

"jimm" wrote in message
ink.net...
I am negotiating to buy a home that has a patio enclosure.
But its roof is just an aluminum "standing-seam pan" cover,
without any supports except the wall posts. Very bogus.

The enclosure is 18 ft x 15 ft, and the aluminum pans are
thin (maybe .035), and when I apply about 100 pounds to
a 'rib', it deflects downward more than one inch. (and twists)

This is obviously an illegal and unsafe flat roof.
The snow/ice loading used for Ohio is 30-40 pounds/sqft.
And a person clearing a snow drift adds a concentrated and
moving load.

The owner says the roofs passed city inspection, so all is fine.
I don't want to pay for a structural engineer, so I need proof
that the roof must have joists, and purlins or decking.
(proof that any kid can understand)

Does the International Residential Code spell this out in a
clear way ?
I have found examples and specs, but I need to convince fools.

-- Any solid info appreciated.