Everything You Need to Know About Roof Surveys

Roof surveys are designed to spot problems early and help plan repairs or maintenance. Whether you’re trying to keep your business safe or protect your property investments, understanding these surveys is key to making smart choices.

You might be looking for a straightforward check, a detailed inspection or even a survey to support a warranty or insurance claim. Each approach offers its own benefits and is suitable for different situations. Learning about the range of roof surveys available can help you make informed decisions that keep your property in top condition.

Roof surveys can give you peace of mind, help meet insurance needs or assist when you’re buying or selling property as a landlord.

Overview of roof surveys

A roof survey helps you understand the true condition of your roof. It spots problems early, informing your repair or maintenance choices and lowering the risk of costly issues.

Types of roof survey

There are several types of roof survey, each suited to different roofs and concerns. The most common is the visual inspection, where a qualified surveyor checks the roof coverings, structure, flashings and gutters for visible damage or defects.

For high, complex or unsafe-to-access roofs, a drone roof inspection or aerial roof survey is often used. Drones capture detailed images without putting surveyors at risk, which is helpful during adverse British weather.

Thermal imaging cameras help find hidden leaks or insulation problems by detecting temperature changes across the roof. Core sampling can be used on flat or commercial roofs to check the layers and moisture below the surface. In some cases, advanced electronic leak detection methods are used to pinpoint water entry in difficult spots.

Key components of a roof inspection

A proper roof inspection checks several important components to assess both safety and performance.

• Roof coverings (tiles, slates, felt, etc.): are any cracked, loose or missing?
• Structural condition: are there signs of sagging, bowing or wood rot?
• Flashings and joints: is there any corrosion or splitting that could let in water?
• Gutters and drainage: are they blocked or damaged, causing water to collect?
• Loft space or attic: is there evidence of leaks, mould, or damp patches?

These checks are needed for all types of roofs, whether pitched or flat. Regular checks are especially important in areas exposed to bad weather or sudden changes typical of British weather, which can quickly worsen even minor issues.

Survey methods and technology

Modern roof survey methods offer greater safety, speed and accuracy. Besides standard manual inspections, several other techniques are widely used:

• Drones capture high-resolution images and video, making it easier to survey large commercial roofs and hidden or hard-to reach areas.
• Thermal imaging detects moisture, leaks or insulation gaps invisible to the eye.
• Core sampling involves removing a small section of the roof to test for water damage or the number of roof layers.
• Electronic leak detection uses specialised tools to find the exact path of water entry.

Using the right method depends on the roof’s size, material, pitch and any known issues.

Commercial and domestic roof survey types

Roof surveys play a key role in protecting your property. The type of survey and the level of detail involved depend on whether your building is commercial or domestic, as well as the specific features and risks that need to be checked.

Commercial property roof surveys

Commercial properties and industrial buildings usually need detailed roof surveys to address issues like roof repairs, ongoing maintenance and documentation for insurance purposes. These surveys are often carried out by a qualified roof surveyor, like Angell Survey’s RICS-qualified experts. The aim is to check for ponding water on flat roofs, look for damage to roof tiles and evaluate the condition of chimney stacks and flashings.

Surveys for commercial buildings may use moisture meters to detect leaks or trapped water. You may need a full flat roof survey or have the condition of solar panels assessed. Reports can be used for insurance claim support, obtaining a certificate for buildings insurance or preparing budgets for roof replacement. If you are responsible for a larger property, regular surveys can help identify defects before they cause disruption.

Domestic roof surveys

Domestic roof surveys focus on homes and other residential buildings and are an important consideration for landlords. These surveys cover areas like roof windows, roof tiles, chimney flashings and leaking chimney stacks. An experienced roofer will inspect for damaged or missing tiles, roof leaks and issues around solar panels or other roof additions.

If you are planning to sell or buy a property as a landlord, a domestic survey gives peace of mind about the roof’s condition. It can help you or the potential buyer get proper documentation for insurance purposes, claim on your buildings insurance or meet the requirements for a building regulations application.

A clear and accurate report is especially valuable for budgeting future maintenance or repairs. Domestic surveys usually check for obvious defects and offer practical recommendations and advice.

Specialist surveys and additional services

Some properties need extra checks, especially if there are unique features or legal requirements. Specialist surveys look at specific risks, such as moisture levels beneath flat roofs or problems with industrial roofing systems. Industrial roofing specialists may use advanced tests, like thermal imaging or core sampling, to find hidden leaks or faults that simple inspections might miss.

You might need an additional roof survey if you are making a claim against your buildings insurance, preparing for legal proceedings or finishing a building regulations application. Chartered building engineers or a qualified surveyor can provide reports with detailed findings and evidence for these cases.

Specialist services can also cover roof maintenance planning, solar panel inspections and help building owners get quotes from roofers. These types of surveys are valuable for both commercial service and residential service requirements, providing property owners with reliable information and recommendations tailored to their specific needs.

Frequently asked questions

Roof surveys uncover unseen issues, help plan safe maintenance and provide important information for repairs or property transactions. Specific requirements and methods depend on the type of property, roofing system and your maintenance goals.

Which survey techniques are most effective for industrial roofing systems?

For industrial buildings, drone surveys and thermographic imaging are highly effective. Drones help inspect large or hard-to-reach roofs safely and quickly. Thermal imaging highlights leaks, wet insulation, and areas with poor energy performance.

Visual inspections by trained surveyors are also important for checking seams, flashing and joints in roofing materials. These methods can be critical for identifying issues in industrial and commercial roofs.

How does the complexity of a roof design affect the choice of survey methods?

Roofs with irregular shapes, multiple levels or unique features require more detailed inspection. Drone surveys and advanced imaging can document hard-to-access areas. Flat roofs may need extra checks for pooling water, while pitched or mansard roofs will need inspection of valleys, ridges and flashing.

Choosing the right technique ensures that every area is safely and accurately assessed.

What preventative measures can be identified through professional roof inspections?

Inspections often find blocked gutters, loose tiles, ponding water or early signs of rot. They can also spot deteriorating sealant or cracks in roof coverings. Addressing these problems early can stop leaks and extend the roof’s life.

Professional surveyors may also recommend maintenance, like clearing debris or replacing worn materials, to keep your roof in good condition.