Kent · London and the South East
Gutter survey in Fordcombe, Kent
Gutter surveys in Fordcombe from an independent, experienced roof surveyor. Over 5,000 surveys and 20+ years behind us across London and South East England.
- Soffits marked by water
- Water spilling over the gutter edge
- Joints that drip after rain
About our gutter survey in Fordcombe
We look at the rainwater system above ground level, from the gutters down to where the downpipes meet the ground. It’s not a CCTV drain survey and we can’t see inside buried drains. If the problem looks like a blocked or broken drain below ground, the report will say so, so you can get the drains checked separately. Anything we find above ground, like a split hopper or a leaking downpipe, is photographed and recorded. Common reasons to book are brackets that have dropped or snapped and leaking or loose downpipes, across outlets and hoppers, parapet and box gutters and downpipes.
In a small place like Fordcombe, many roofs stand in the open, which is hard on ridges, chimneys, flashings and gutters. Older walls take a long time to dry once water gets in. A roof report shows what needs attention first. Lead flashings and old chimney stacks are frequently where weather gets in first.
Pictures do a lot of the work in our reports, so you can see each defect rather than just read about it. If something couldn’t be seen safely, the report is clear about it.
- Place
- Fordcombe (TN3)
- Wider area
- Kent
- Price
- From £150 inc. VAT
- Reports
- Written, with photos, emailed to you
- Survey days
- Weekdays and weekends
- Insured
- Professional indemnity and public liability
- Telephone
- 07833 053749
- Last updated
- 27 October 2026
What this survey cannot tell you
This isn’t a RICS building survey, a structural engineer’s report or an asbestos survey. Other limits to bear in mind:
- Parts of gutters that can’t be seen safely
- Confirming asbestos in older rainwater goods
- What’s hidden inside a downpipe
If you are not sure which survey you need, phone 07833 053749 or use the contact form and we will give you a straight answer. The full list of what we check.
Roof types and parts we check
- Downpipes
- Fascias and soffits
- Parapet and box gutters
- Valley gutters
- Outlets and hoppers
- Eaves gutters
Towns and villages near Fordcombe
More services for Fordcombe
Tips from our surveys
A little preparation and a few simple habits help. Our tips:
- Check downpipe clips are holding
- Ask for valleys and parapet gutters to be cleared too
- Look for new stains on ceilings below valleys after rain
- Watch the gutters during heavy rain
Report times depend on the package you choose: within 48 hours for Basic, 24–48 hours for Standard and the same day for Premium. It’s sent to you by email as soon as it’s ready.
Get trees and climbers near the eaves trimmed back using someone with the right kit. Less debris means fewer blocked outlets.
What we look for on each type of roof
Aluminium and other metal gutters
On big buildings, one blocked outlet can affect a long run, so we check the outlets carefully.
Plastic (uPVC) gutters
On plastic systems, slipped joints are one of the most common faults. We record each one we can see.
How it works
Photos are taken throughout the visit, so the report shows exactly what we saw. We take close-ups from wherever is safe. A typical visit takes about 1–2 hours for most homes, and longer where there are parapet, valley or box gutters to follow. In a small place like Fordcombe, access is typically the main thing to plan. Let us know about outbuildings, past repairs and any leaks you’ve noticed. Weekday and weekend visits are available.
- We ask about overflows, damp or leaks you’ve noticed.
- Gutters, downpipes, fascias and soffits are inspected from safe vantage points.
- We check hidden gutters, such as valleys and parapets, where it is safe to see them.
- We look in the loft space, where there’s safe access, for signs of water getting in.
- We send a written report with photos and clear recommendations.
Before we arrive
- Mention any parking restrictions on your street
- Leave a clear route to the loft
- Have any paperwork from past roof work to hand
How to book
You can call us seven days a week. To book or ask a question, phone 07833 053749 or drop us an email.
Read more
Your questions about gutter surveys in Fordcombe
Do you survey roofs for landlords with property near Ashurst Kent station?
Of course. Let us know whether a tenant or an agent will let us in, and the report can go straight to you or your agent.
Do you cover smaller places like Fordcombe?
Yes. Fordcombe is within the area we cover, which takes in towns, villages and rural addresses. We cover the whole of London and South East England. Let us know about access, parking and anything unusual about getting there when you book.
I live in a flat. Can you survey the roof?
Yes, once whoever controls the roof agrees access. We check the parts we’re given access to.
What’s in the report?
You get our findings in writing, part by part, with photos, finishing with recommendations. The most urgent items are made clear.
Is there a good time of year to book a gutter survey?
Whenever suits you. If you’ve already seen a gutter overflowing, it’s best not to wait, because the walls take the water.
How long does a gutter survey take?
It normally takes roughly 1–2 hours on an ordinary house, while a commercial roof takes nearer three to four hours. We will give you an idea as you book.
Is a Saturday or Sunday visit possible?
Yes. Surveys are carried out on any day of the week. To find a day that suits, phone 07833 053749 or use the contact form.
Fordcombe homes and their roofs
Groombridge Place, about 1.8 miles south, is one of the historic houses in the wider area around Fordcombe. Period homes nearby can have lead valleys, tall chimneys and a patchwork of past repairs, and the council can say whether a home is in a conservation area. Older houses across Kent frequently have handmade clay or peg tiles, and many have tile-hung walls. You’ll also find oast houses and timber-framed Wealden hall houses among the county’s older buildings. Whatever the covering, it’s frequently the fixings, flashings, valleys and gutters that give out first.
For an older house near a landmark such as Church of St Peter, corroded nails, tired lead and weathered chimney pointing are the things to watch on older roofs. Shop and office owners around The Corn Exchange may find that a dated report on the roof is useful for planning and for any lease discussions. Take a building like Fordcombe Church of England Primary School: large buildings have long gutter runs and big roofs that need checking like any other.
Fordcombe is about 4 miles west of Royal Tunbridge Wells, in Kent. Fordcombe is part of the area we cover and the surrounding area across London and South East England. Our Kent coverage includes Fordcombe. For surveys nearby, see our Crawley page.
Here we cover the TN3 postcode area for gutter surveys. If you need a gutter survey at a property on Spring Hill, St Peters Row and Chafford Lane or a nearby road, we can help. We also cover Walter's Green (1 mile north-west), Stone Cross (1 mile south), Ashurst (1 mile south-west), Teasley Mead (1 mile west) and Penshurst (2 miles north). Further out, we also cover Sevenoaks (10 miles north), Royal Tunbridge Wells (4 miles east), Tonbridge (6 miles north-east), Kings Hill (13 miles north-east), Paddock Wood (10 miles east) and Southborough (4 miles east).
What’s near Fordcombe
Locally, jobs take us to homes and businesses close to Chafford Arms and the streets around them. The nearest railway station is Ashurst Kent station, roughly 1.4 miles south-west. A little further out are Bolebroke Castle (3.4 miles south-west) and Kent and Sussex Hospital (3.6 miles east). Green spaces nearby include Broadwater Warren RSPB Reserve and Barden Lake.
What happens if roof problems are left?
Water spilling from a gutter runs down and soaks the wall below. Left for months, that can lead to damp inside, worn pointing and rotten timber. Finding the cause now usually keeps the fix smaller. Matching old materials, such as handmade tiles or stone slates, can take time to source. Spotting a problem early leaves room to find them.
The Premium Survey includes thermal imaging and drone inspection where it applies, which starts from £400, with VAT included. We can help you choose the package that fits what you want to find out.
Why choose Independent Roof Survey in Fordcombe
- A sub-250g drone, flown with a CAA Flyer ID and Operator ID
- Drones and thermal imaging where it applies
- Packages from £150, with VAT included
- 5,000+ roofs surveyed
DIY checks: what’s safe
A DIY look is useful, but it is not a survey. You will not see flashings, valleys or the backs of chimneys properly from ground level.
Look up at the roof after a storm, from ground level: pieces of tile or slate on the ground, a gap in the ridge or a lifted flashing are all worth noting. Leave anything above ground level to a survey.