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

Kent · London and the South East

Flat roof survey in New Barn, Kent

Surveys of flat roofs on homes, extensions and commercial buildings in New Barn. More than 5,000 surveys completed across London and South East England.

  • Edge trims that have lifted or split
  • Raised blisters across the surface
  • Standing water left after rain

Flat roof surveys in New Barn

Flat roof surveys for homes and businesses in New Barn

Buying a home with a flat-roofed extension, dormer or garage? It is useful to know that roof’s condition before you exchange. Felt roofs often last around 15 to 20 years, while EPDM and GRP often last longer. Our report records the covering, how it is holding up and any defects we can see, with a photo of every defect. You then have something specific to put to the seller or agent. Common reasons to book are gaps at upstands and abutments and water getting in at rooflights, across single-ply membranes, EPDM rubber and upstands and outlets.

Around New Barn, many homes have a garden room, garage or outbuilding with a flat roof. They’re easy to forget, but water through a garage roof can spoil whatever is stored inside. If you want them looked at too, mention them when you book, along with the main flat roof. Felt, rubber and GRP coverings on garages and outbuildings age in just the same way as the main roof’s.

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.

Illustration of a flat roof with standing water being looked at through a magnifying glass
Where
New Barn (DA3, DA13)
Region
Kent
Price
From £150 inc. VAT
Your report
Emailed report with photos and recommendations
Survey days
Weekdays and weekends
Insured
Professional indemnity and public liability
Call
07833 053749
Updated
27 October 2026

Roof by roof

GRP fibreglass

GRP can crack if the deck beneath flexes or if the resin was laid too thin. We record any cracking and any signs of the deck moving.

Rooflights and upstands

The joins around rooflights and at upstands are common leak points. We look at how the covering is finished around each rooflight and upstand.

Should I look at the roof myself first?

You can learn a lot from ground level. Binoculars help you spot slipped slates or tiles, gaps along the ridge and a leaning stack. Please do not climb up for a closer look.

After heavy rain, check ceilings and the tops of walls for new stains. Photograph them and note the date, which helps when we look at the roof.

For landlords and managing agents

If you own several properties, you can book surveys for several addresses. To discuss a number of properties, ring 07833 053749 or send us an email with the addresses.

Businesses and commercial landlords can book us too, from shops and offices to industrial units. Bigger roofs take more time, and they’re priced for the size.

FAQs for New Barn

Is my home in New Barn listed or in a conservation area?

Your council is the best source, with Historic England’s list for listed buildings. Both listing and conservation areas can limit changes of roofing material.

Is New Barn within the area you cover?

Yes, smaller places are covered as well as towns. We work right across London and the South East. Let us know about access, parking and anything unusual about getting there when booking.

Can you tell me how long my flat roof will last?

We do not give a fixed number of years, because so much depends on upkeep, exposure and workmanship. Our report describes the condition and what needs doing, and when.

Are you structural engineers?

No. We note visible signs such as sagging or deflection, but we don’t carry out calculations or give an engineer’s opinion. Where an engineer is needed, we say so in the report.

Will you check the loft?

If it’s needed and safe to reach, yes. Inside, we look for damp, staining, gaps and sagging, as far as the space allows.

How long have you been surveying roofs?

We have more than 20 years’ experience and have completed over 5,000 surveys across London and South East England.

Can you inspect my roof with a drone?

Yes, where it is applicable. Flights depend on the weather on the day and airspace rules, including flight restriction zones near airports. We are a CAA-registered drone operator.

Leave it or get it looked at?

For a buyer, the best time to learn about a flat roof is before contracts are exchanged. After that, the cost of any work is yours. A report gives you facts to put to the seller or agent. In a smaller place like New Barn, wherever a roof is exposed, a loose ridge or flashing doesn’t stay loose for long. Wind gets under it and lifts more, and water follows.

The Premium Survey includes thermal imaging and drone inspection where it applies, from £400 inc. VAT. We can help you choose the package that fits what you want to find out.

Why book us in New Barn

  • Over 5,000 surveys carried out
  • Thermal imaging and drones used where they help
  • We hold a CAA Flyer ID and Operator ID
  • Prices that include VAT

See how roof surveys are priced and two real surveys.

Flat and commercial roofs around New Barn

The coast is about 5 miles or less from New Barn, and places near the sea get more salt in the air and more wind than inland. Salt in the air is hard on metal flashings and fixings, and wind catches any loose edge on a flat roof. Across Kent, older roofs are often handmade clay or peg tiles, and tile-hanging on upper walls is a familiar sight. You will also find oast houses and timber-framed Wealden hall houses among the county’s older buildings. Mixed in with those pitched roofs are plenty of flat ones, over rear extensions, dormers, garages and shops.

If you own a rental within reach of Longfield station, flat roofs over rear additions and dormers in rented property are worth checking between tenancies. If you live in an older home near Church of Saint Mary Magdalene, later flat-roofed additions are common on older houses, and their edges and upstands frequently show the first signs of wear. With Cobham College about 3.1 miles east, the area around New Barn has a long history. Older houses nearby often have flat roofs added much later, built to very different standards from the main roof.

New Barn is about 3 miles south of Northfleet, in Kent. New Barn is one of many places we visit across Kent. Our Kent coverage includes New Barn. Our Maidstone page covers surveys nearby.

Every address in DA3 and DA13 is covered for flat roof surveys, from the main roads to the quietest streets. Streets in the area include The Maples, Kenwood Avenue and Merileys Close, and we cover them all. Neighbouring places we cover for flat roof surveys include Longfield Hill (1 mile south-east), Longfield (1 mile west), Hartley (1 mile south-west), Nash Street (1 mile east) and Meopham (2 miles south-east). Further out, we also cover Maidstone (12 miles south-east), Dartford (6 miles north-west), Sevenoaks (10 miles south-west), Gravesend (3 miles north-east), Tonbridge (14 miles south) and Northfleet (3 miles north).

Around New Barn

Around New Barn, our work takes us to homes and buildings near Istead Rise Primary School and Rectory Meadow and the streets around them. The nearest railway station is Longfield station, roughly 1.2 miles west. Other landmarks nearby include Gravesham Museum (3.6 miles north-east) and Stone Castle (3.9 miles north-west). For a walk, there’s Sawyers Lake.

Map of New Barn © OpenStreetMap contributors

How it works

We don’t take risks to get a closer look. Everything that can safely be seen is inspected, and if part of the roof cannot be seen, the report says so. Most visits take about one to two hours on an ordinary house, and about three to four hours for a commercial roof. A visit to New Barn is planned like any other: the time, the access and where to park are agreed in advance. Visits can be on weekdays, Saturdays or Sundays. If there are outbuildings or garages you want looked at, mention them.

  1. First we go through the roof, what’s beneath it and any problems so far.
  2. We look at the roof from ground level, windows and the roof where it’s safe.
  3. We check the covering for splits, blisters, ponding and wear.
  4. We photograph and record the outlets, upstands, trims and rooflights.
  5. The report, with photographs and recommendations, comes to you by email.

How to prepare

  • Unlock side gates and any roof access doors
  • Have any paperwork from past roof work to hand
  • Show us where any leaks or stains appear

How to book

Not sure which survey you need? It’s easiest to call 07833 053749 or email us and describe the roof and what’s worrying you. We will explain the options and the price.

Book your survey

Related advice

How we price flat roof surveys

All our prices include VAT. The things that change the price are:

  • The type of building, from a house to a block or an office
  • The number of roofs, including extensions and garages
  • Whether thermal imaging or a drone is needed
  • The package you choose: Basic, Standard or Premium

Price depends partly on the package: Basic from £150, Standard from £250 or Premium from £400, all with VAT included. The roof’s size, height and access matter as well.

What to let us know when you contact us

When you call or email, these details help:

  • Photos of the roof, taken safely from the ground or a window
  • Your postcode, so we can check access and travel
  • The reason for the survey, such as buying, a leak or storm damage
  • Access details, like a loft hatch or a shared roof

You can call us seven days a week. To book or ask a question, phone 07833 053749 or drop us an email.

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