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

East Sussex · London and the South East

Roof surveys in BN20

Live in BN20? Our roof surveyors cover Lower Willingdon, Meads and Holywell and every street in between, for homes, flats and commercial roofs.

Roof surveys in BN20

Roof survey in BN20: how it works

There are three levels of survey: a Basic Survey from £150, a Standard Survey from £250 and a Premium Survey from £400, all including VAT. The Basic Survey gives a visual inspection, photos and written recommendations. Standard and Premium go further, such as moisture detection, a structural check, thermal imaging and a drone where applicable. Every package includes a written report. Common reasons to book are slates or tiles that have slipped or broken and loose ridge or hip tiles, across lead flashings, natural slate and flat roofs.

Every roof is different; as a rough guide, the survey takes about 1–2 hours for most homes, depending on how many separate roofs there are. You’re welcome to ask questions while we are there.

  1. You tell us about the property and any concerns.
  2. We agree a date, on a weekday, Saturday or Sunday.
  3. We check the roof from each safe vantage point, inside and out.
  4. Every part of the roof is checked and photographed.
  5. We email a written report with photos and recommendations.

How our prices work

A small, low roof with good viewpoints takes less time than a tall, complicated one, and the package you pick makes a difference too. We’ll give you the figure before anything is booked.

Why customers in BN20 book us

  • 98% customer satisfaction
  • Plain-English reports with photos
  • 5,000+ surveys completed
  • An independent view of the roof

Booking a survey

Unsure which package suits your roof? It’s easiest to ring 07833 053749 or use the contact form and describe the roof and what’s worrying you. We will talk you through the options and what they cost.

Around Lower Willingdon

We work in homes and buildings around St Wilfrid, Willingdon Community School and The Wheatsheaf Inn, among other places. The closest station to Lower Willingdon is Polegate station, about 0.9 miles north. Other landmarks nearby include Burlough Castle (3.5 miles west) and Filching Manor And Motor Museum (1.2 miles west). Green spaces nearby include Combe Hill.

Roofs, chimneys and gutters across BN20

From Eastbourne, Old Town and Upperton to its smaller places, buildings across BN20 have roofs of every age. The usual weak points are fixings, flashings, chimneys and gutters.

We survey roofs across London and South East England, and BN20 is part of that. London and South East England have homes from every era, from period terraces to post-war new towns and new estates. Parts of BN20 are coastal, so wind can decide whether a drone flies or a roof can be reached safely. If conditions aren’t right, the visit moves to a calmer day.

Lower Willingdon: If your home is one of the older ones in the streets near St Wilfrid, its chimney, valleys and lead work are likely to be the parts that need attention first. Historic houses like Alfriston Clergy House, about 4 miles west, show how far back building around Lower Willingdon goes. Older homes in the area may have roofs that need matching materials when work is done.

Rented homes, blocks and businesses

Surveys can also be booked by buyers’ agents acting for a client. The report is emailed, so it can go straight to your client.

Roof problems in a rented home affect tenants as well as the building. A survey shows what needs attention, so you can plan the work with less disruption.

Why roofs fail

Wherever a roof meets a wall, a chimney or another roof, a flashing keeps water out. Over time lead flashings split, lift or work loose, and mortar fillets crack away from the wall. Missing lead isn’t unusual either, as thieves target it.

These are some of the problems a survey can pick up:

  • Debris building up in roof valleys
  • Cracked or blistered flat roof coverings
  • Condensation or damp timbers in the loft
  • Slates or tiles that have slipped or broken

Useful tips for BN20 property owners

You don’t need to be a roofer to help. Here’s what helps most:

  • Mention any flat roofs as well as the main roof
  • Gather any paperwork for past roof work
  • Photograph stains when they appear
  • Hold on to the report for future surveys

Keep the report with your property records. It gives you something to compare against later, and buyers may ask about the roof when you sell.

Check the loft now and then, with care and a good torch. Watch for stains, damp timbers and daylight through the roof. Take photos of anything that changes.

What happens if roof problems are left?

A roof that has had no attention for years can surprise you. Our report gives you a record of how the roof is today, so you can compare it next time.

Questions to ask before booking

  • Are they insured for the work?
  • Which parts of the roof they’ll actually see
  • What exactly goes into their report
  • What follow-up you get after the report

Checking the roof from the ground

After strong wind, take a look from the pavement or garden: broken slates or tiles in the garden, gaps along the ridge or loose lead are signs to note. Don’t go up yourself.

A DIY look is useful, but it is not a survey. You will not see flashings, valleys or the backs of chimneys properly from the ground.

Questions from BN20

Can you tell me how long my roof will last?

Not as a figure. We describe the condition of each part of the roof and how it’s wearing, with recommendations ranked by urgency.

Can you check whether my roof contains asbestos?

No. Asbestos testing isn’t part of our service. If we see materials that could contain asbestos, such as cement sheets or soffits on older buildings, we flag them and recommend a specialist asbestos surveyor checks them before they’re disturbed.

Is your survey a structural engineer’s report?

No. We report on the roof’s condition, and Standard and Premium include structural checks. It isn’t a structural engineer’s report and does not include calculations.

Do you use drones?

Yes, where it’s applicable. Flights depend on the weather on the day and airspace rules, including flight restriction zones near airports. We hold a CAA Flyer ID and Operator ID.

How much does a roof survey cost in BN20?

Prices start from £150, including VAT. Our Basic Survey starts from £150, the Standard Survey from £250 and the Premium Survey from £400, all with VAT included.

Is it the same as a RICS Level 2 or Level 3 survey?

No. It’s a specialist roof survey, not a RICS Level 2 or Level 3 building survey. It focuses on the roof, so it sits alongside a building survey rather than replacing it.

How long does the visit take?

The visit typically takes about 1–2 hours for most homes, depending on how many separate roofs there are. We’ll confirm what to expect when we arrange the visit.

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