Greater London · London and the South East
Roof surveys in EC2A
Live in EC2A? Our roof surveyors cover Barbican Estate, Bishopsgate and Finsbury and every street in between, for homes, flats and commercial roofs.
Towns and villages in EC2A
What we do in EC2A
- Flat roof survey
- Roof leak investigation
- Gutter survey
- Electronic leak detection
- Chimney survey
- Thermal imaging roof survey
- Storm damage roof report
- New roof snagging
- Landlord roof survey
- Roof survey
- Drone roof survey
- Pre-purchase roof survey
- All services
Tell us the address and what you’re worried about and we’ll suggest the right survey: phone 07833 053749 or drop us an email.
Roof surveys across EC2A: what to expect
Across London and the South East, roofs differ widely. If your home is a Victorian terrace, it may have Welsh slate, a butterfly roof and parapet gutters, while many post-war homes have concrete interlocking tiles. We adapt the survey to the roof in front of us. Older tiled homes may have clay plain tiles, and many homes have a flat-roofed extension too. Each part is checked in the way that suits it. We survey the roof space, natural slate and ridges, hips and valleys, and common reasons people get in touch are cracked mortar along the ridge and water stains on rafters and ceiling joists.
We photograph the roof as we go, so the report shows exactly what we saw. We take close-ups from wherever is safe, including by drone where it is applicable and the weather allows. Most surveys take about one to two hours for most houses, though large, tall or awkward roofs take more time.
- We start by hearing what you’d like checked and why.
- A visit is booked for a weekday or a weekend.
- We look at the roof from every safe viewpoint, inside and out.
- Slates or tiles, ridges, hips, valleys, flashings, chimneys and gutters are all examined and photographed.
- Your report arrives by email, with recommendations prioritised by urgency.
Prices in EC2A
Roof survey starts from £150, including VAT. What you pay depends on the size and height of the roof, access and which survey you book.
Why choose Independent Roof Survey
- Surveys seven days a week
- Drones and thermal imaging where it applies
- Every finding written up with photos
- Package prices that include VAT
Book a survey
Photos help, if you have them. Pictures from ground level or a window are fine; never climb up to get a better view. To send them or to book, call 07833 053749 or email us.
Near you in Barbican Estate
Locally, jobs take us to homes and businesses close to St Mary-at-Hill, Prior Weston Primary School and Children's Centre and Barbican Conservatory. Other local landmarks include Central Foundation Boys' School (0.6 miles north-east), Charterhouse Square School (under half a mile north-west), Barts Health Archives (under half a mile south-west) and St Giles-without-Cripplegate (under half a mile south-east). Barbican Estate has its own railway station: Moorgate station. Well-known places in the area include St Luke's Hospital for Lunatics (0.5 miles north-east) and Gabriel's Wharf (1 mile south-west). The countryside around Barbican Estate includes Barnsbury Wood and St. James's Park Lake.
- Pubs nearby include The Jugged Hare pub (within half a mile north-east)
Roofs, chimneys and gutters across EC2A
Across EC2A, plenty of older houses still have chimney stacks, used or not, and the lead and mortar around them need watching. Gutters, valleys and fixings come next.
Even in the South East, autumn and winter storms find any loose slate, tile or ridge. In EC2A, as elsewhere, exposed details are where damage shows first.
Barbican Estate: If yours is one of the older homes in the streets near St Giles-without-Cripplegate, corroded nails, tired lead and weathered chimney pointing are the things to watch on older roofs. For landlords with property near Moorgate station, knowing the condition of the roof, chimneys and gutters helps you plan work rather than react to complaints.
Roof by roof
Natural slate
Slate is one of the most durable roof coverings, but its nails often corrode first. Slipped, cracked and missing slates are all noted.
Concrete interlocking tiles
Concrete interlocking tiles are common on post-war and newer homes. They’re heavy and hard-wearing, but their surfaces weather over the years, and they can crack.
What affects the cost of roof surveys
Not every roof costs the same to survey, and it comes down to:
- Building height and the viewpoints available
- Whether it’s a home or a commercial building
- The number of roofs, including extensions and garages
- If the survey needs thermal imaging or a drone
Every price we give includes VAT, and the report is not charged as an extra. Our price is from £150, including VAT. Where your roof sits in the range depends on its size, height and access.
Helping us price your survey
Here’s what helps us most when you get in touch:
- Anything about access we should know
- The kind of building and roof involved
- The address and postcode of the property
- Any stains, drips or damp patches you’ve seen indoors
Surveys can be booked for weekdays, Saturdays or Sundays. To arrange a day that suits you, call 07833 053749 or send us an email.
Before and after the survey
A few practical points come up again and again on our surveys. They’re worth knowing whatever the roof:
- Don’t climb onto the roof yourself
- Keep a record of damp patches and dates
- Have details of recent roof work to hand
- Check the roof from ground level after storms
The recommendations are prioritised by urgency where relevant. Some things need prompt attention, others can be planned for. It makes the next steps much clearer.
After a storm, check the roof from the garden and the street. Slipped slates, lifted ridge tiles or pieces in the garden are signs something has moved. Getting small faults fixed quickly keeps water out.
Common roof problems in EC2A
What’s under the slates or tiles is as important as the coverings themselves. Breathable roofing membranes came into use in the UK in the late 1990s, so older roofs often have bitumen felt, and very old ones may have none. Torn or sagging felt lets water through.
It’s worth booking a survey if you’ve seen:
- Lifted, split or missing lead flashings
- Cracked or blistered flat roof coverings
- Debris building up in roof valleys
- Condensation or damp timbers in the loft
Landlords, agents and block managers in EC2A
We survey roofs for landlords and letting agents as well as homeowners. A report with photos gives you a clear record of the roof, useful for planning maintenance.
Surveys can also be booked by buyers’ agents acting for a client. The report is emailed, so it can go straight to your client.
FAQs for EC2A
Can you survey in bad weather?
Light rain is normally fine; heavy rain and wind are different. Strong wind or a downpour can make access unsafe and ground a drone, and we’d agree another day.
Do you cover EC2A for roof surveys?
Yes. We cover EC2A and the rest of Greater London. For a price, ring 07833 053749 or drop us an email.
Do you survey roofs on blocks of flats?
Yes, as long as access is agreed. Roofs over flats are often shared, so the building owner or managing agent needs to agree access. We inspect only the parts we’re allowed to reach.
Does this replace a RICS home survey?
No. Our survey looks at the roof, not the whole building. If you need a full building survey, you will need a RICS survey as well.
Do you carry out asbestos surveys?
No. Buildings built or refurbished before 2000 may contain asbestos. Our report notes any materials that might, and recommends a specialist asbestos surveyor looks at them.
Do you give a life expectancy for the roof?
We don’t put a figure on it, since the fixings, underlay and maintenance all play a part. Instead, we set out what’s sound, what’s wearing and what to do first.
Is your survey a structural engineer’s report?
No. We report on the roof’s condition, and the Standard and Premium packages include a structural check. It does not include structural calculations, which need an engineer.