Essex · London and the South East
Flat roof survey in Harlow, Essex
Surveys of flat roofs on homes, extensions and commercial buildings in Harlow. More than 5,000 surveys completed across London and South East England.
- Blistering in felt or asphalt
- Leaks around rooflights
- Splits and cracks in the covering
Flat roof survey in Harlow
Ponding is frequently the first sign that something on a flat roof isn’t right. It can mean the falls were never right, an outlet is blocked or the deck has started to sag. The survey notes any ponding, the state of each outlet and any dips that hint at a sagging deck. Where the deck may be a structural issue, our report says a structural engineer should look at it. We survey felt flat roofs, EPDM rubber and single-ply membranes, and common reasons people get in touch are standing water left after rain and splits, cracks and crazing.
In a town like Harlow, flat roofs are common on rear extensions, garages, porches and dormers. Many are felt, and newer ones may be EPDM rubber or GRP. Ponding water, splits along the edges and lifting upstands are the usual warning signs. Standing water days after rain often shows a flat roof needs attention.
If any part of the flat roof couldn’t be seen safely, we say so in the report. That way, it is clear what was covered and what wasn’t.
- Location
- Harlow (CM17, CM20, CM18, CM19)
- Region
- Essex
- Prices
- From £150 inc. VAT
- Your report
- Written, with photos, emailed to you
- Appointments
- Weekdays and weekends
- Cover
- PI and public liability insurance
- Telephone
- 07833 053749
- Updated
- 27 October 2026
How the survey changes by roof type
Felt and built-up roofs
Many extensions, garages and dormers have a felt roof laid in layers. We look for blistering, cracking, split laps and worn mineral surfacing.
EPDM rubber
A rubber roof can last 30 to 50 years, provided its details were done well. We look closely at each of those details.
What else we do in Harlow
Local flat roofs in Harlow
Clay tiles and timber weatherboarding mark out many of the older buildings in Essex, alongside lots of post-war and newer estates. Flat roofs fill the gaps in between, on extensions, garages, dormers and business premises. Harlow was built as one of England’s post-war new towns. Many homes in the new towns date from the post-war decades, with concrete interlocking tiles, low-pitched roofs and flat-roofed garages and porches. Many of those flat roofs have been re-covered over the years, and some may still have older felt.
If you own one of the older houses in the streets near St Andrew's Methodist Church, the flat roofs on later extensions tend to wear out long before the main roof. Anyone responsible for a site like Cooks Spinney Primary Academy and Nursery will know that large flat roofs, common on schools and other public buildings, need their outlets, upstands and coverings checked regularly.
Harlow is about 21 miles north-east of London, in Essex. Harlow gets the same service as everywhere else we work: a careful inspection, photographs and a written report. Our area takes in places right across Essex, from the larger towns to small villages. There is also a page for Chelmsford.
Surveys in CM17, CM20, CM18 and CM19 are booked the same way as anywhere else. Whether your property is on London Road, Soper Square and Square Street or anywhere close by, we can help. You will find Harlow on the A414 and A1019, so it is easy for us to get to. Other places close to Harlow include Mark Hall South (1 mile north-east), Netteswell (1 mile west), Latton (1 mile south-east), Mark Hall North (1 mile north) and Bush Fair (1 mile south). We also work in nearby towns such as Brentwood (13 miles south-east), Loughton (9 miles south), Waltham Abbey (7 miles south-west), Great Dunmow (13 miles north-east), Epping (5 miles south) and Stansted Mountfitchet (10 miles north). Being one of Essex’s larger places, Harlow has every kind of building, from houses and flats to offices.
Local landmarks in Harlow
Around Harlow, our work takes us to homes and buildings near Harlow Marsh, Purple Emperor pub and BMAT STEM Academy and the streets around them. For rail, the closest station is Harlow Town station, about 1.2 miles north-west of the centre. Well-known places in the area include Princess Alexandra Hospital (1.2 miles west) and Mark Hall Cycle Museum (0.7 miles north-east). Open spaces near Harlow include Hunsdon Mead.
How it works
Every roof is different; as a rough guide, the survey takes about 1–2 hours for a small flat roof at home, and longer for a large commercial one. You’re welcome to ask questions while we’re there. A visit in Harlow runs most smoothly with the loft hatch clear, side gates open and a parking spot in mind. If you will not be there yourself, let us know who will let us in.
- You send us the address and, for commercial roofs, an idea of the roof’s size.
- We check the rooms or spaces under the roof for staining where there is access.
- The roof is inspected from every safe viewpoint, without walking on fragile surfaces.
- Each defect is photographed and its likely cause noted.
- The report explains the condition and recommends what to do first.
Before we arrive
- Clear the way to the loft hatch
- Gather any invoices or paperwork from past roof work
- Let us know about parking near the property
How to book
Every survey is priced before it is booked, so you know the cost up front. Our price is from £150, including VAT. For a price for your roof, ring 07833 053749 or email us.
Related advice
Why get it checked now?
Ponding seldom gets better on its own. Most often it means blocked outlets, poor falls or a deck that is dipping, and each wet season wears the covering further. Knowing the cause early gives you more choice over what to do. Blocked gutters and downpipes on homes in Harlow overflow onto walls. A slipped tile or worn flashing does the same higher up. Left alone, both only get worse.
For a price for your roof in Harlow, ring 07833 053749 or drop us an email with the address and a few details. The price is agreed before a date is set.
Why book us in Harlow
- Satisfaction rate of 98%
- Surveys seven days a week
- Plain-English reports with photos
- Over 20 years’ experience
Signs you need a flat roof survey in Harlow
No flat roof covering lasts for ever. Felt roofs often last around 15 to 20 years, EPDM often 30 to 50 years and GRP up to about 30, though workmanship and upkeep make a big difference. A survey shows how yours is holding up, whatever its age.
It is worth booking a survey if you’ve seen:
- Failed seals around rooflight kerbs
- Edge trims that have lifted or split
- Cracked or split membrane
- Failed upstands where the roof meets a wall
If you own a rental within reach of Harlow Town station, flat roofs on let property tend to be checked only when they fail, which is the costly way round.
Choosing a roof surveyor
- Whether VAT is added on top
- How long the report takes to arrive
- Their track record with similar roofs
- Whether they hold professional indemnity and public liability insurance
Useful tips for Harlow property owners
Getting the most from a flat roof survey starts before we arrive and carries on afterwards. Tips:
- Plan a survey before the covering reaches the end of its usual life
- Look for standing water a day after rain
- Check new fixings through the roof are properly sealed
- Keep records of when the roof was laid and what work has been done
After the visit, we write up the report with photographs of what we found. It covers the type of covering, its condition and each defect, with our recommendations. Basic reports arrive within 48 hours, Standard reports in 24 to 48 hours and Premium reports the same day.
Book a survey every few years, and again after new fixings, units or rooflights go in. That catches changes early and builds up a record of the roof.
Harlow questions
Is my home in Harlow listed or in a conservation area?
Start with Historic England’s list for listing and your council for conservation areas. It’s worth checking before planning roof work, as both can affect what’s allowed.
Should a flat-roofed garage or porch in Harlow be checked too?
Yes, if you’d like it included, mention it when booking. Cement sheet roofs on buildings from before 2000 may contain asbestos, so a specialist asbestos surveyor should check before they’re disturbed.
Does the weather affect the survey?
Light rain doesn’t usually stop a survey, and it can even help show where water is getting in. Heavy rain or strong wind can ground a drone and make the roof unsafe, so if conditions aren’t right we will arrange another day with you.
How do I book a survey in Harlow?
To book, call 07833 053749 or use the contact form and let us know the address and what you’d like to know. We’ll confirm the price and find a day that suits.
Is Harlow in your area?
Yes. Our area covers London and South East England, and that includes Harlow.
How much does a flat roof survey cost in Harlow?
Flat roof survey starts from £150, including VAT. The final figure depends on the roof and the package you choose.
What do I do with the report?
You’ll get the report by email, with photographs and clear recommendations. With Standard there is a follow-up consultation; with Premium, an in-person consultation, so you can talk the findings through.
Surveys for landlords and agents in Harlow
Letting agents often book on a landlord’s behalf, with the report sent to whoever needs it. Access is agreed with the tenant in advance.
We also survey roofs for businesses and commercial landlords. Larger roofs take longer, so they’re priced to suit.