morddwyd, I suggest you put on a pair of Plimsolls, like wot King Canute might have done,go down to the water's edge, stretch out your arms [with pointed fingers] and order the water to RECEDE FORTHWITH! It's worth a try. (put a paper hat/crown on first.)

"The title should have read "Schnörkel"!"

Unfortunately the title field doesn't like the ö

I've done my best, and deleted all the posts that referred to the original jumble of letters and symbols.

It's a common misconception that repairs resulting from defects caused by gradual wear and tear will automatically be covered by a home insurance policy. That's not always the case.

Many people are finding that claims for the cost of repairing damage caused by missing or broken roof tiles or slates are being rejected by insurers. There's an obligation on the part of householders to take reasonable steps to ensure their property is maintained.

The important word tends to be the 'gradual' part of 'gradual wear and tear'. A high wind that dislodges tiles isn't 'gradual', for instance.