A guide to roof surveys: What’s included?
There are many reasons you might need a roof survey. The most likely being that you have a leak or other damage that needs to be professionally assessed.
If you are planning a project that involves work on your roof, you may need to make sure it is in a fit state for the project to be a success (take a look at our schedules of condition services for more information about this). Occasionally, your insurance company may request a report on a roof’s condition as part of their underwriting process. It might just be the simple fact that the roof covering is old and you need it assessed.
Whatever the reason, a roof survey will provide you with trusted advice on what action, if any, needs to be taken. Take a look at our blog on what we expect to see in roof surveys to learn more.
Do I have to have a roof survey for an insurance claim?
Yes. If you’re making a claim on your home insurance to repair or replace your roof, you will need a survey conducted. This is to provide evidence (from an independent source) of the damage suffered and the condition of the roof.
If you are making a claim for damage caused by a storm, insurers will usually decline it if a roof has been badly maintained. They won’t pay for replacement roof tiles or slates just because they are old. Be aware that by using AI and Google Streetview, loss adjusters are able to compare a roof’s condition as it is now, and what it was like in the past.
What if I live in a flat?
It will depend on whether the roof is your responsibility under the leasehold, or if it is the responsibility of the freeholder. Usually if you think the freeholder needs to make an insurance claim, then you must ask the freeholder to arrange for an inspection.
What does a pitched roof condition survey include?
Our roof surveys include assessment of the following:
Exterior
- The condition and any defects of the roof covering (tiles, slate, etc), their life span, and repair options.
- Skylights and rooflights.
- The condition of chimneys.
- Chimney flashings, pointing, flaunchings, loose and cracked pots and cowls.
- Facias and soffits.
Internal
- The roof’s structure – joists, rafters, purlins.
- The condition of the timbers, e.g. has there been woodworm attack?
- Has the roof spread or deflected?
- Is the roof structure capable of supporting the roof coverings?
- Underlays and sarking felts.
- Roof ventilation.
- Insulation – including spray foam insulation.
How do you do a roof survey?
Our property surveyors in London and building surveyors in Kent will start by visually inspecting the roof from the ground level. A basic survey will be conducted using binoculars. We can also use a pole camera, but we do have a licensed drone operator. If drones are allowed in the area and this thorough inspection is required (or if it is the only way to view the roof), we can use a drone.
If the property has scaffolding and safe access is permitted, we will climb that to assess the roof. If the building is not too high, we can use a 3m surveyors ladder.
We inspect the inside of your roof where there is an access hatch that allows safe access.
What do you look for in a roof survey?
Our surveyor looks for any visible damage outside, such as missing or damaged slates or tiles, ridge and hip tiles, loose or missing flashings and signs of any structural failure.
We check the gutters are properly installed, laid to a fall, that joints are not open or leak for any debris or build-up, which could indicate a blockage that can cause water to flood out of the gutter and cause dampness to the building.
The general condition of the gutters is reviewed. For instance, cast iron gutters may be rusted and life expired.
If we can access the inside of the roof, we will also assess the interior for evidence of external damage. We’ll look through the loft hatch (before turning the light on if there is one) to see if any daylight is coming through any holes or if there are any water stains. Then we’ll switch the light on, or use a torch to complete the inspection.
We look at the roof structure to see if there is damage to rafters and joists, such as bowing timbers, or woodworm and decay. We also check for any signs of moisture build-up or mould growth in the loft space, as this could be a sign of poor ventilation or insulation methods. We can check moisture levels in timbers with a damp meter.
Should I have the roof structure checked if I’m replacing the roof?
We’re often asked to assess the structural capability of the joists and trusses for supporting replacement coverings. Modern concrete roofing tiles can be up to four times heavier than roofing slates and the structure may need to be strengthened. So, yes, if you are replacing the roof covering, we would recommend a roof survey.
Should I have a roof survey before a loft extension?
It’s a good idea to have a roof survey before a loft conversion, as the project is an opportunity to have any required repairs made to the roof at the same time. However, you might need a roof survey to ensure a loft conversion is actually viable.
Do I need a roof survey to install solar panels?
You don’t need a roof survey, but it’s a good idea to have one. Sometimes we are asked to give advice on whether a roof is capable of supporting solar panels in the future, or to simply access the roof for any problems that may need fixing before panels are installed.
Can you do a roof survey if my roof has solar panels?
When a roof is covered with solar panels, it can be difficult for surveyors to inspect the exterior of roof slates and tiles, but we can draw strong conclusions from the surrounding visible coverings. Hopefully, any issues with a roof would have been resolved before the panels were installed and the panels will act as further protection for the roof against the weather.
How do I know if I need a roof survey?
We recommend any homeowner regularly checks their roof to help identify potential problems before they become bigger issues. Take a look once a year, if you are able to, especially after heavy rain or strong winds, to make sure everything looks intact.
If you find any signs of damage to your roof, you should get a RICS roof survey for a full professional assessment. Our surveyors will be able to advise of any remediation requirements. Remember, spending a relatively small amount on a survey now, and making any necessary repairs, will be better than what could become more expensive (such as damp issues) the longer you wait.
Get a roof survey with Collier Stevens
If you would like a roof survey in the Kent and London area, get in touch with us for a free, no obligation quote. Our party wall surveyors in London and surrounding areas are always happy to help.
Steven Way
Steven Way BSc MIHEEM MFPWS MRICS is the Practice Principal and is a Chartered Building Surveyor. With over 35 years as a practicing surveyor, Steve has a wealth of experience and expertise in both residential and commercial building surveying, party wall advice and disabled access auditing. He has also built his reputation as an expert witness.