Roof Survey & Inspection
A focused survey of the roof covering, structure, flashings, gutters, fascias, soffits and chimneys. We identify defects, water ingress points, structural issues and assess the remaining roof lifespan so you know exactly what condition your roof is in and what work — if any — is needed.
Whether you are buying a property with an older roof, have noticed signs of a leak, are planning a loft conversion or simply want peace of mind after a storm, our roof survey provides the detailed, independent assessment you need.
Roof Survey & Inspection
Our Home Surveyor & Property Valuer Accreditation & Professional Membership
Our Roof Survey & Inspections are carried out by qualified surveyors who belong to the professional bodies that set UK property standards. Every report is prepared to recognised guidance and is completely independent, so you can rely on the findings when you buy, sell or value a home.
What Is a Roof Survey?
A roof survey is a specialist, focused inspection of every accessible part of the roof structure and covering. Unlike a general home survey — which provides a broad overview of the entire property — a roof survey concentrates exclusively on the roof, assessing its condition, identifying defects and giving you a clear picture of its current state and remaining lifespan. It is carried out by a qualified surveyor using a combination of visual inspection, camera pole technology, inspection from within the roof space and — where accessible — close-up examination from a ladder at eaves level.
What It Covers
- Full inspection of the roof covering — tiles, slates or other materials — for cracks, slips, and deterioration
- Structural assessment of roof timbers, trusses, purlins and rafters for deflection, rot or beetle infestation
- Inspection of lead flashings, valley linings, soakers and mortar fillets for water ingress points
- Examination of gutters, downpipes, hopper heads and gullies for blockages, leaks and condition
- Assessment of fascias, soffits and bargeboards for rot, decay and general condition
- Chimney stack inspection — pots, flaunching, pointing and flashings
- Estimate of remaining roof lifespan and prioritised repair or renewal recommendations
What It Does Not Cover
- A full structural survey of the entire property — this is roof-specific only
- A market valuation of the property
- Testing of electrical installations, gas or plumbing services
- Guaranteed diagnosis behind concealed areas without invasive opening up
- Carrying out the actual repair or renewal works — we inspect and report only
- A warranty or guarantee on the roof's future performance — we assess condition at the time of inspection
When Should You Commission a Roof Survey?
A roof survey is the right course of action in specific situations. Here is how to tell if it suits your circumstances.
Suitable For
- Suspected roof leaks — water stains on ceilings, damp patches in the loft or on chimney breasts
- Older roofs approaching end of life — typically 30 years or more with no recent professional inspection
- Before purchasing a property with an older roof — roof repairs and renewal are among the most expensive works a homeowner can face
- After storm damage — high winds and heavy rain can dislodge tiles, damage flashings and create water ingress paths
- Properties with sagging or uneven roof lines that suggest underlying structural movement or decay
- Planning a loft conversion — you need to know the roof structure is sound before investing in conversion works
Not Suitable For
- New roofs under warranty — contact the installer directly; a roof survey duplicates the installer's own inspection obligations
- Minor isolated issues — if you have a single slipped tile or a small, visible leak with an obvious cause, consider obtaining a general repair quote instead of a full roof survey
Not sure whether you need a roof survey? Speak to a surveyor for free, no-obligation advice.
What Is Included in a Roof Survey
Every roof survey we produce includes the following inspections and assessments as standard.
Covering Inspection
Detailed examination of tiles, slates or other roof coverings for cracks, slips, and deterioration. We assess the condition of each accessible roof slope and identify any missing, broken or displaced covering elements.
Structural Assessment
Inspection of roof timbers, trusses, purlins and rafters for deflection, rot or beetle infestation. We check for signs of structural movement, inadequate bracing and timber decay that could compromise the roof's integrity.
Flashings & Weatherings
Check of lead flashings, valley linings, soakers and mortar fillets for water ingress points. Faulty flashings are one of the most common sources of roof leaks and are often overlooked in general inspections.
Guttering & Drainage
Inspection of gutters, downpipes, hopper heads and gullies for blockages, leaks and adequacy. We check that rainwater is being effectively collected and discharged away from the building.
Chimney Inspection
Examination of chimney stacks, pots, flaunching and pointing for stability and weatherproofing. Chimneys are particularly exposed to the weather and deterioration can lead to damp penetration into the property.
Remaining Lifespan
Assessment of the roof's remaining serviceable life and prioritised repair or renewal recommendations. We give you a realistic, honest estimate of how long the roof should last before major work is needed.
How the Roof Survey Process Works
From enquiry to report — straightforward and transparent.
Get a Quote
Contact us with the property details and a description of the roof issues you have noticed or the reason for the survey. We respond within 24 hours with a fixed-price quote.
Book the Inspection
Choose a convenient date. We typically schedule within 5–10 working days of your instruction, subject to access and weather conditions — roof inspections cannot safely proceed in heavy rain or high winds.
Surveyor Inspects
The surveyor attends the property and carries out a thorough roof inspection using a combination of ground-level binocular assessment, camera pole survey, loft-space inspection and — where safe — ladder inspection at eaves level. The inspection typically takes 1–2 hours.
Receive Your Report
Your detailed roof survey report — including findings, photographs, defect descriptions and prioritised repair or renewal recommendations — is delivered within 5 working days of the inspection.
Roof Survey Questions
Can you inspect a roof without scaffolding?
In most cases, yes. We use a combination of methods: binocular inspection from ground level, inspection from within the roof space (loft), a camera pole that can take close-up photographs of roof coverings from above, and — where safe and accessible — inspection from a ladder at eaves level. For very steep, high or complex roofs we may recommend a scaffolded inspection, but this is the exception rather than the rule. We will advise you if scaffolding is necessary before we attend.
How do I know if my roof needs a survey?
Signs that your roof may need a professional survey include: water stains on ceilings or in the loft, slipped or missing tiles visible from the ground, daylight visible through the roof from inside the loft, sagging or uneven ridge lines, mortar falling into the gutter or onto the ground, damp patches on chimney breasts, moss or vegetation growth on the roof, and the roof being over 30 years old with no recent professional inspection. If you notice any of these, a roof survey will identify the cause and the work required.
Can I get a roof survey before buying a property?
Yes. A roof survey is a very sensible precaution before buying a property with an older or visibly questionable roof. A standard home survey will flag obvious roof defects but cannot provide the same level of detail as a dedicated roof survey. Roof repairs and renewal are among the most expensive works a homeowner can face, so investing in a specialist survey before purchase can save thousands.
How much does a roof survey cost?
Our roof surveys start from £250 plus VAT for a typical residential property. The exact price depends on the size of the property, the complexity of the roof — including the number of roof slopes, chimneys and dormers — and the method of inspection required. If scaffolding is necessary the cost will be higher, but we will always advise you of this and obtain your agreement before proceeding. We provide a fixed-price quote within 24 hours of your enquiry, with no hidden extras and no travel surcharges for any location within our seven counties (Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Greater London and Oxfordshire).
How long does a roof survey take on site?
A roof survey typically takes between 1 and 2 hours on site, depending on the size and complexity of the roof, the number of roof slopes and chimneys, and the accessibility of the roof space. A simple two-slope roof on a modern semi-detached house may take under an hour; a complex period property with multiple roof slopes, dormers, chimneys and valley gutters may take up to two hours. The surveyor will inspect the roof from ground level, from within the loft space, using a camera pole and from a ladder at eaves level where safe to do so. You are welcome to be present during the inspection and the surveyor can discuss their findings with you on the spot.
Do you cover my area for a roof survey?
We provide roof surveys across all seven of our counties: Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Greater London and Oxfordshire. Every surveyor who works with us is based locally and understands the local building styles, common roofing materials, typical defects and weather exposure patterns in their area. There are no travel surcharges for any location within our coverage area — the price we quote is the price you pay regardless of where you are within our seven counties.
Get a Fixed-Price Roof Survey Quote
Free, no-obligation quote within 24 hours. Independent, impartial roof inspections with no ties to roofing contractors.