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

East Sussex · London and the South East

Electronic Leak Detection in South Chailey

An experienced roof surveyor for electronic leak detection in South Chailey. Over 5,000 surveys and 20+ years behind us across London and South East England.

  • Water coming in under a flat roof
  • Leaks showing away from the breach
  • Holes around roof penetrations

Need electronic leak detection in South Chailey?

How the survey changes by roof type

Bituminous membranes

Older felt roofs frequently have seams and patches that can leak. We test where the roof suits it.

Green and ballasted roofs

Some layers may need lifting for testing. We discuss this before quoting.

Electronic leak detection in South Chailey

Water can travel under a flat roof membrane before it shows inside. So the stain inside rarely sits under the hole. Electronic leak detection tests the membrane itself and locates the breach. It’s testing only and leave the repair to your roofer. On a suitable roof, it takes the guesswork out of finding the hole. The results then follow in a written report with photos. If you’ve noticed waterproofing to test before it’s covered and leaking laps in the waterproofing, we can find out what’s behind it, on commercial flat roofs, roof terraces and balconies and liquid-applied waterproofing alike.

Some older homes in villages like South Chailey are listed or in a conservation area, and that can affect how an extension roof or dormer is re-covered. Check with the council before planning any change of material. Knowing the roof’s condition is the starting point. Changes that affect a listed building’s special interest need listed building consent.

After the visit, you get a photo-illustrated written report, emailed to you. It explains the condition of the flat roof membrane, the defects we found and what we recommend.

Location
South Chailey (BN8)
Region
East Sussex
Cost
Quoted for your roof
Reports
Written, with photos, emailed to you
Survey days
Monday to Sunday, daytime
Insured
PI and public liability insurance
Call
07833 053749
Updated
27 October 2026
Illustration of a written roof report with a magnifying glass and a ticked clipboard

Common roof problems in South Chailey

When the membrane is buried, holes cannot be seen at all. ELD can work on some covered roofs, depending on the build-up.

Look out for signs like these:

  • Punctures from foot traffic or tools
  • Damp inside with no sign on the roof
  • Waterproofing to test before it’s covered
  • Leaks that return after repairs

Take a building like Chailey School: large flat roofs, common on schools and other public buildings, need their outlets, upstands and coverings checked regularly.

Questions to ask before you book

  • Whether the inside of the roof is included
  • How they’ll see the roof: from the ground, the loft, the roof or by drone
  • Whether you can ask questions once you have the report
  • If they fly a drone, whether they hold a CAA Flyer ID and Operator ID

What’s in a roof survey

South Chailey questions

How do I find out if my home in South Chailey is listed?

Start with Historic England’s list for listing and your council for conservation areas. It is worth checking before planning roof work, as both can affect what’s allowed.

Is South Chailey in the area you cover?

Yes. We work right across London and the South East, and South Chailey is part of that. Just ring 07833 053749 or drop us an email and tell us about the property, and we’ll talk through which survey suits.

What is electronic leak detection?

It uses an electrical current to find breaches in a flat roof membrane. A breach lets the current through, which shows us where the hole is.

Will you repair the leak?

No, our part is finding the breaches. Your roofer uses the report to target the repair.

What’s the best way to book?

It is easiest to call 07833 053749 or drop us an email. Give us the address and a few details about the roof, and we will suggest the right survey. We survey on weekdays and at weekends.

Do you survey roofs on blocks of flats?

Yes. Shared roofs just need a little more planning, with whoever owns or manages the building. Mention it when you contact us and we will plan the survey around it.

Can every flat roof be tested?

ELD does not suit every roof. Some membranes conduct electricity and some roofs lack the layer the test needs. We’ll tell you if yours is not suitable at the start.

Electronic leak detection in South Chailey: local notes

Handmade clay tiles and tile-hung upper walls are typical of older Sussex houses. Horsham stone slab roofs survive on some old Sussex buildings, alongside oast houses and timber-framed Wealden hall houses. Flat roofs on extensions, dormers, garages and business units are found alongside them almost everywhere. With Anne of Cleves House about 5 miles south, South Chailey sits in an area with a long building history. Older roofs in the wider area can hide decades of patch repairs, so the detail matters, and the council can say whether a home is in a conservation area.

If you own a rental within reach of Plumpton station, flat roofs over rear additions and dormers in rented property are worth checking between tenancies.

South Chailey is about 4 miles north of Lewes, in East Sussex. From houses to flats and shops in South Chailey, the roof can be surveyed. South Chailey is one of the towns and villages in East Sussex where we work. We also survey roofs in Brighton.

Every address in BN8 is within our area for electronic leak detection. We offer electronic leak detection to properties on Mill Brooks, Whitegates Close and Brickyard Lane. If you’re just outside South Chailey, we cover South Street (1 mile north), Chiltington (1 mile south), Chailey (2 miles north-east), East Chiltington (2 miles south-west) and Plumpton Green (2 miles west). Within a short drive, we also cover Seaford (13 miles south-east), Lewes (4 miles south), Hailsham (13 miles south-east), Crowborough (11 miles north-east), Uckfield (6 miles east) and Newhaven (11 miles south).

Near you in South Chailey

In South Chailey, that means homes and buildings near Swan Public House. The closest station to South Chailey is Plumpton station, about 1.7 miles south-west. Well-known places in the area include Lewes Castle (4.8 miles south) and Lewes Victoria Hospital (4.5 miles south). Open spaces near South Chailey include Blackcap and Malling Down.

Map of South Chailey © OpenStreetMap contributors

What you can safely check yourself

After strong wind, take a look from the pavement or garden: broken slates or tiles in the garden, gaps along the ridge or loose lead are signs to note. Do not go up yourself.

Keep a simple record: dates of leaks, photos from the ground and any work done on the roof. Send it with your enquiry.

How it works

We will ask a few questions first, like when any problem began and what work has been done before. Then the inspection itself takes as long as needed for the membrane area and the build-up, which we set out in the quote. In a small place like South Chailey, access is normally the main thing to plan. Mention any outbuildings, barns or garages you want included, and anything about the roof you already know. Weekday and weekend visits are available.

  1. We start with what you know about the roof and the leak.
  2. The roof is assessed for suitability first.
  3. We choose a low-voltage or high-voltage method to match the roof.
  4. We test the roof and locate any breaches.
  5. You get a report with photos of each breach.

Preparing for the visit

  • Dig out any old roof reports or invoices
  • Have any questions written down, so nothing gets missed
  • Buyers: confirm access with the estate agent or seller

Getting a price

If you are buying, it’s useful to book soon after your offer is accepted, so there’s time to use the report before exchange. Otherwise, simply ring 07833 053749 or email us whenever suits you.

Book a survey

Advice

Prices for electronic leak detection in South Chailey

Prices always include VAT. What changes the price is:

  • The shape of the roof and its details
  • Any need for thermal images or a drone flight
  • The type of building, from a house to a block or an office
  • The number of roofs, including extensions and garages

For a price for your roof in South Chailey, call 07833 053749 or drop us an email with the address and some details. We’ll confirm the figure before booking.

Booking your survey

You don’t need to know any roofing terms. It’s enough to tell us:

  • Photos of the roof, taken safely from the ground or a window
  • Any stains, drips or damp patches you’ve seen indoors
  • The property’s address and postcode
  • What’s prompted the survey

We survey roofs on weekdays, Saturdays and Sundays. To find a date that works for you, phone 07833 053749 or drop us an email with the address and the days you’d prefer.

What happens if roof problems are left?

Not every leak is in the membrane. ELD helps rule the membrane in or out, so other causes can be checked. For an older or listed building in a place like South Chailey, repairs may need matching materials and consent, so a defect found early gives time to plan the work properly.

All our prices include VAT. Electronic leak detection is quoted for your roof, because the method depends on the roof. You’ll know the exact price before you book.

Why choose Independent Roof Survey in South Chailey

  • Covered by professional indemnity and public liability insurance
  • 5,000+ surveys completed
  • 98% of clients satisfied
  • 20+ years’ experience

Take a look at what a roof survey costs or our case studies.

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