Our roof condition survey
- Looks at the roof covering and its surrounding details
- Reports condition, urgency and repair options
- Carried out from safe positions and accessible areas
- Does not assess the load-bearing strength of the structure
Roofing
Roof Surveys: Checking Your Roof’s Condition
A roof survey is a visual check of the covering, gutters, flashings and accessible parts of the roof, followed by a written report. It helps you choose between repair, replacement and monitoring. Here is what ours includes, and what it does not.
What our roof condition survey is
Our survey is a roof condition survey carried out by our roofing team. It looks at the state of the roof covering, the ridges and hips, the verges and eaves, the flashings where the roof meets walls and chimneys, and the gutters and outlets that carry water away. Where access and safety allow, we also look at visible parts of the roof structure.
It is not an independent structural survey. It does not test the strength of the timbers, measure the load capacity of the building, or assess foundations or walls. If we see signs of movement, sagging or significant structural damage, we will say so and recommend that a chartered surveyor or structural engineer is appointed to investigate.
Scope
What our survey looks at
The survey is a practical check of the parts of the roof that affect weathertightness and day-to-day performance.
- The condition of the roof covering, including slipped, cracked or missing pieces
- Ridges, hips and verges, and the mortar or fixings that hold them
- Flashings and sealants around chimneys, dormers, roof lights and walls
- Gutters, downpipes and outlets, including blockages and loose fixings
- Visible fascias, soffits and bargeboards, where they can be seen safely
- Signs of water entry, such as staining or damp in accessible loft areas
- Evidence of previous repairs, and whether they appear to be performing
Our method
How the survey is carried out
We carry out the survey from ground level and from safe vantage points, and we use suitable access equipment where the roof needs closer inspection. We do not ask homeowners to climb onto the roof or enter the loft to assist us. Before we begin, we ask about any leaks, previous work and areas of concern.
We photograph the areas we inspect and note the condition of each element. Our written report describes what we found, ranks the issues by urgency, and sets out the options in plain language. You can keep the report for your records or share it with a surveyor or a builder.
What happens
From first call to written report
The process is designed to be simple and to give you the information you need to make a decision.
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Initial contact
You tell us about the property and what you have noticed. We ask about leaks, previous repairs and the age of the roof, which helps us plan the visit.
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Arranging the visit
We agree a convenient time with you and confirm any access arrangements, including parking, pets and any areas of the property we need to reach.
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Site inspection
The roof and its surroundings are assessed from safe positions, with photographs taken of key areas. Anything that cannot be seen safely is recorded in the report as not inspected.
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Written report
We send a report that explains the condition of each area, the urgency of each issue, and the options available. Where we recommend specialist advice, we say so clearly.
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Discussing the options
We are happy to talk through the report by phone or at the property. You decide what to do next, and we only proceed with work once you have agreed it.
Next step
Arrange a roof condition survey
If you want to know what your roof needs, we can arrange a survey and explain the findings in writing. You receive a clear report, and no work is carried out without your agreement.
Know the difference
Roof condition survey or structural survey
These two services are often confused. They answer different questions, so it helps to know which one you need.
Independent structural survey
- Carried out by a chartered surveyor or structural engineer
- Assesses movement, timber strength and foundations
- Appropriate where structural concerns are suspected
- Commissioned separately from our roof work
Reasons to book
Common reasons to book a survey
You do not need to wait for a leak before arranging a survey. These are common reasons homeowners ask for one.
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Buying or selling
A survey gives a clear picture of the roof before a sale or purchase, which can help with planning and discussions. It is a visual condition check, not a legal report.
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After a storm
Strong winds and hail can loosen coverings and flashings in ways that are not obvious from the ground. A survey shows what has moved.
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Before major works
Before you commit to a new roof, a repair programme or exterior painting, a survey helps set the scope of the work accurately.
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Unexplained stains
Staining inside the property that comes and goes with rainfall can be hard to trace. A survey helps narrow down the likely source.
Before and after the survey
A survey works best when you have thought about the roof before we arrive. Note any leaks, when they happened, and what the weather was like. Tell us about previous repairs, the age of the covering if you know it, and any work that is planned for the property, such as an extension or a loft conversion. This background helps us focus the visit on the questions that matter to you.
After the visit, the report is a working document. It sets out what we found, what we recommend and what can wait. Many homeowners use it to plan a budget over several years, to brief a builder, or to decide whether a further specialist check is needed. If anything in the report is unclear, we will explain it before you make a decision.
Related
Related services
Questions
Roof survey questions
Answers to common questions about what our survey covers and what happens next.
Is your survey a structural survey?
No. It is a roof condition survey that looks at the covering and its surrounding details. If there is a structural concern, we will recommend that a chartered surveyor or structural engineer is appointed. Our survey does not replace that advice.
Do you go into the loft?
We look at accessible loft areas only where it is safe and where access is provided. Please do not go up into a loft with an unboarded floor to help us. We will say clearly what we could and could not see.
Will the survey include photographs?
Yes. We photograph the main areas we inspect and any defects we find, and these are included with the written report. Photographs help you understand the findings and give a reference point for future checks.
Can I use the report to compare quotes?
Yes. The report sets out the condition and urgency of each issue, which helps you compare proposals from other providers. Please ask any other provider to explain what their proposal covers, so the comparison is like for like.
How often should a roof be surveyed?
There is no fixed rule. Many homeowners arrange a check after severe weather, before major works, and whenever they notice a change. Regular visual checks from the ground can also help you spot issues early.
Where we work
Roofers serving five regional areas
We work across five regional areas: North London, North West London, West London, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire. Not sure if we cover your street? Call us on 01632 960123, or see all areas we cover.
Next step
Book your roof condition survey
A clear picture of your roof helps you decide what to do next. Get in touch through the contact page and we will arrange a visit.