Gutter survey in Sidlow, Surrey

How a gutter survey works in Sidlow

Leaves, moss and silt are the usual reasons gutters block. Buildings near trees collect more and moss from the roof slopes makes it worse. We note where gutters are clogged or holding water, which outlets and hoppers are choked and whether any overflows are doing their job. Photos show each problem clearly. It is an easy job to put off but it rarely improves. Typical surveys look at joints that drip after rain and choked outlets or hopper heads, across parapet and box gutters, outlets and hoppers and eaves gutters.

Older buildings in small places like Sidlow may be listed or in a conservation area. If yours is, re-roofing in different materials may need consent, so the council is the place to check. Knowing the roof’s condition helps you plan ahead with that in mind. Where a building is listed, matching the existing roof materials is frequently expected.

You receive the findings by email, easy to pass on to a roofer, an agent or an insurer. Turnaround is within 48 hours for Basic, 24–48 hours for Standard and same day for Premium.

Signs you need a gutter survey in Sidlow

Gutter brackets work loose or corrode with age. A gutter full of wet debris is heavy and the extra load drags the gutter down. Lose the fall and water gathers in the dip, then overflows.

A survey can pick up problems like:

• Cracked or loose downpipes
• Gutters that have fallen out of line
• Blocked outlets and hoppers
• Soffits marked by water

Landlords with a home close to Salfords station may find that a roof report helps you deal with small faults before they turn into a call from a tenant.

Before you book any roof surveyor

• How much experience they have with roofs like yours
• Whether VAT is in the quoted price
• Is there a chance to talk the report through?
• How long the report takes to arrive

What to expect from a roof survey

Tips that help

There’s plenty you can do without going near the roof. What helps most:

• Look for green streaks or damp patches on walls
• Do not leave hidden gutters out of a clear-out
• Get the gutters cleaned out every year
• Keep climbers away from the eaves

After any work is done, watch the gutters in the next heavy rain. Water should run to the outlets and away without spilling over. If it does not, tell whoever did the work.

Hidden gutters need clearing too. They block in the same way as the gutters you can see but you cannot check them from the street, so make sure they’re included in any clearing work.

What happens on the day

Once we’ve finished looking, we write up our findings as a written report with photos, sent to you by email. On timing, most surveys take about one to two hours for a house; commercial roofs usually need 3–4 hours. In a small place like Sidlow, access is typically the main thing to plan. Mention any outbuildings, barns or garages you want included, and anything about the roof you already know. Visits can be on weekdays, Saturdays or Sundays.

1. We start by hearing about any drips, overflows or damp patches.
2. The eaves gutters, downpipes and fascias are looked at from ground level and vantage points.
3. Valley, parapet and box gutters are inspected as far as they can safely be seen.
4. The loft space is checked for water marks if it is safe to get into.
5. You get a written report with photos and recommendations.

Getting ready for the survey

• Make sure we can get to the back of the property
• Clear the way to the loft hatch
• For flats, check roof access has been agreed

Booking a survey

We confirm the price for your roof before booking, so you know where you stand. Gutter survey starts from £150, including VAT. For a price for your roof, phone 07833 053749 or drop us an email.

Ask for a survey

Related advice

• Gutter and Downpipe Problems That Cause Damp