Roof surveys across London and the South East 07833 053749info@independentroofsurvey.co.uk

London and the South East

Roof surveys in Essex

We cover 644 towns and villages across Essex for roof surveys, pre-purchase surveys, leak investigation, drone and flat roof surveys, with a written report and photos after every survey.

Need a roof survey in Essex?

How a roof survey works in Essex

People book a roof survey for all sorts of reasons. Some have spotted a stain or a slipped slate, while others just want to know where they stand. The approach is the same in each case: a careful look, then a clear written report. We survey on weekdays and at weekends, so finding a time is rarely difficult. Typical surveys look at slates or tiles that have slipped or broken and crumbling chimney pointing or cracked flaunching, across the roof space, lead flashings and flat roofs.

When we arrive, we begin with a quick chat about the roof and anything that’s worrying you. After that, we check everything we can see safely. The survey normally takes about 1–2 hours at most homes; commercial roofs usually need 3–4 hours.

  1. We help you choose a Basic, Standard or Premium Survey.
  2. We arrive at the agreed time and talk through any concerns.
  3. Coverings, ridges, hips, valleys, flashings, chimneys and gutters are inspected and photographed.
  4. Moisture detection, a structural check, thermal imaging or a drone are added where your package includes them.
  5. The report is emailed with findings and recommendations.

What you’ll pay

Our price is from £150, including VAT. The final price depends on the size and height of the roof, access and which survey you book.

Why book with us

  • An independent view of the roof
  • We hold a CAA Flyer ID and Operator ID
  • Customer satisfaction of 98%
  • Weekday and weekend surveys

Book a survey

When you are ready to go ahead, call 07833 053749 or use the contact form. We will suggest a package, agree the price and find a date.

Near you in Colchester

In Colchester, that means homes and buildings near Church of St Peter, Bull Meadow and The Bay And Say Public House and the streets around them. Nearby too are Colchester Sixth Form College (less than half a mile north-west) and St John's Green Primary School (within half a mile south). Colchester has its own railway station: Colchester Town station. Other landmarks nearby include Lion Walk (under half a mile south-east) and Essex County Hospital (under half a mile south-west). Not far away are Westhouse Wood.

Homes and roofs across Essex

Older homes across Essex often keep chimney stacks long after the fires went out, and the lead and mortar around them need watching. Valleys, gutters and fixings follow close behind.

Several airports in London and the South East have flight restriction zones around them, so every drone flight in Essex is checked against the Drone Safety Map first. Where permission is needed, the flight waits for it. Parts of Essex are coastal, so the weather on the day matters more for drone flights and roof access. A windy forecast can mean a change of date.

Colchester: Living close to Bull Meadow is pleasant, but mature trees mean leaves in gutters and valleys each autumn, and an overflowing gutter soon means a wet wall. Shop and office owners around Lion Walk may find that a dated report on the roof is useful for planning and for any lease discussions.

Useful tips for Essex property owners

There is plenty you can do without going near the roof. Here’s what helps most:

  • Look for debris in the garden after high winds
  • Stay off ladders and the roof
  • Keep the report with your property records
  • Find records of any re-roofing or repairs

The recommendations are prioritised by urgency where relevant. Some faults need dealing with soon, while others can wait for planned work. That helps you decide what to do first.

Look at your roof from the ground after strong winds. Fragments of slate or tile on the ground mean something has shifted. Prompt repairs stop small problems growing.

Leave it or get it looked at?

Before you put a home on the market, it helps to know the roof’s condition. You can deal with defects before a buyer’s surveyor finds them, or at least know what to expect.

What to check before booking

  • Their drone registration, if they fly one
  • Their report turnaround times
  • Whether the loft is part of the inspection
  • Whether VAT is in the quoted price

What affects the price in Essex

Every roof is different, so prices are confirmed before you book. These are the things that affect it:

  • The use of thermal imaging or a drone
  • Extensions, dormers and garages with roofs of their own
  • Features like valleys, chimneys, dormers and parapets
  • The size of the roof

There are three survey packages: Basic from £150, Standard from £250 and Premium from £400, with VAT included. What your roof costs depends on its size, access and what you want to find out.

Helping us price your survey

When you call or email, these details help:

  • Any stains, drips or damp patches you’ve seen indoors
  • The reason for the survey, like buying, a leak or storm damage
  • Whether there’s a loft hatch, a shared roof or tricky access
  • Dates you’re working to, such as exchange

Photos help, if you have them. Pictures from ground level or a window are fine; never climb up to get a better view. To get started, phone 07833 053749 or use the contact form.

Honest limits

We only report what can safely be seen on the day, so there are some things a survey can’t cover:

  • Defects hidden under coverings or inside walls without opening up
  • Walls, floors and services below the roof
  • An exact number of years the roof has left

How the survey changes by roof type

Lead flashings and valleys

Many older houses have lead in their valleys and hidden gutters. Worn or split lead lets water straight in.

Flat roof coverings

Standing water, blisters and splits all point to wear. Upstands and outlets are checked too, since leaks often start there.

Common questions in Essex

Do you inspect the roof from on top?

When the roof and the conditions make it safe, yes. Many roofs can be seen well from windows, vantage points and the loft, and Premium includes a drone where it applies.

Are you insured?

Professional indemnity and public liability insurance cover our surveys. Ask if you need details for a managing agent or building owner.

Do you survey roofs on blocks of flats?

Yes. Shared roofs just need a little more planning, with the freeholder or managing agent. Mention it when you get in touch and we will plan the survey around it.

Do you carry out asbestos surveys?

No. Asbestos was banned in UK construction in 1999, so older buildings may have it. Our report notes any materials that might, and a specialist asbestos surveyor should check them.

Do I have to be there for the survey?

It depends on what we need to see. For inside areas and the loft space, someone has to give us access, while outside access can be discussed as you book.

Is Essex in your area?

Yes. We survey roofs in Essex. For a price, call 07833 053749 or email us.

Can you survey at the weekend?

Visits run seven days a week in the daytime, which suits people who work during the week. Let us know your preferred days when you book.

A to Z of places in Essex

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

Y

20+ yearsRoof survey experience
5,000+ surveys98% customer satisfaction
Drones and thermal imagingCAA-registered drone operator
Fully insuredProfessional indemnity and public liability
Reports from £150Prices include VAT