Saunderton Lee Flat Roof Survey

How a flat roof survey works in Saunderton Lee

A flat roof leak frequently travels before it shows on the ceiling. It can run along the deck from a split, an open lap or a failed upstand some distance away. Our survey covers the whole roof, not just the part above the mark, and photograph anything that could let water in. A roofer can then start from a clear picture of the problem. Common reasons to book are failed upstands where the roof meets a wall and failed seals around rooflight kerbs, on GRP fibreglass, upstands and outlets and mastic asphalt.

In a small place like Saunderton Lee, a flat roof can stand in the open, so edges, upstands and laps take a beating. Older felt roofs, often around 15–20 years in life, show it first. EPDM rubber and GRP coverings last longer, but their edges and joints still need checking. On an exposed roof, the edges tend to go first.

The report does not just list problems. It explains what we found, why it matters and what we recommend, so you can decide what to do next.

What we’re asked to look at in Saunderton Lee

People go onto flat roofs for all sorts of reasons: cleaning windows, fitting aerials or air conditioning, or clearing gutters. Each visit can damage a covering not made for regular foot traffic. New brackets and fixings through the roof are another common source of leaks.

We are frequently asked to look at:

• Raised blisters across the surface
• Failed upstands where the roof meets a wall
• Failed seals around rooflight kerbs
• Signs of deflection in the roof deck

Take a building like St John's Church of England Primary School: ponding and blocked outlets on a wide flat roof are worth catching before the next wet season.

Before you book any roof surveyor

• What’s outside the scope of the survey
• Whether any drone flown is registered with the CAA
• What insurance they carry
• When you’ll get the report

What to expect from a roof survey

Tips from our surveys

A few practical points come up again and again on our surveys. They apply to most roofs:

• Keep outlets clear of leaves and moss
• Keep records of when the roof was laid and what work has been done
• Have the roof looked at again after a severe storm
• Keep people off the roof unless they need to be there

For landlords and building managers, the report is a dated record of the roof’s condition. It helps when planning maintenance budgets, and it makes changes easy to spot at the next survey.

Try not to let a flat roof become a walkway. If access is needed, boards or walkways help protect the covering, and to keep well clear of rooflights and fragile sheeting.

How it works

We work from the outside in: outside views come first, then the loft space if there is safe access. All told, expect an hour or two at a typical home, and more on a big or complicated roof. Older rural homes like those around Saunderton Lee can have a main roof, lower lean-to roofs and outbuildings all joined together. Each part is looked at from wherever it can safely be seen, and anything we cannot see is noted.

1. We start with the address and, on larger roofs, the roof area and access.
2. Inside, we look for signs of water under the roof where we can reach.
3. We view the roof from safe positions and never walk on fragile surfaces.
4. We record every defect with a photo and its likely cause.
5. The report explains the condition and recommends what to do first.

Getting ready for the survey

• Have any paperwork from past roof work to hand
• Tell us about parking before the day
• Have keys ready for side gates, garages or roof access doors

Arrange a survey

Not sure which survey you need? It’s easiest to phone 07833 053749 or use the contact form and describe the roof and why you want it surveyed. We will explain the options and the price.

Book a survey

Advice

• Green Roofs and Blue Roofs: Inspection Needs