Roof leak investigation in Chinnor, Oxfordshire

Roof leak investigation in Chinnor: what you get

Older homes have more places for water to get in. Worn lead, tired valley linings and blocked parapet outlets are frequent causes. If your home has a butterfly roof, the central valley gutter is a common culprit. We check parapets, valleys and flashings from each safe vantage point. Our report shows what we found, with photos. We survey chimney stacks, flat roof details and rooflights and dormers, and the problems we are asked to look at most are water dripping from rafters or underlay and staining around the chimney inside.

Chimney stacks on older houses around places like Chinnor can let water in, at the flashings, the pointing or the mortar round the pots. Damp on a chimney breast isn’t always rain from above, which is why it’s worth tracing properly. The stack, its flashings and the loft space beside it are all worth checking.

Where we can’t see part of the leaking roof, the report says so. That way, it is clear what was covered and what wasn’t, and what we’d suggest next.

Signs you need a roof leak investigation in Chinnor

Every flat roof covering has a working life. A felt roof often lasts around 15 to 20 years, and as it ages it splits, blisters and opens at the laps. Upstands and outlets are common weak points.

A survey can pick up problems such as:

• Wet patches high on an inside wall
• Water dripping from rafters or underlay
• Leaks that appear only in driving rain
• Condensation that looks like a leak

For an older house near a landmark like Church of St Andrew, the leak may come from a chimney, a valley or tired lead rather than the covering itself.

Choosing a roof surveyor

• Whether they hold professional indemnity and public liability insurance
• Which parts of the roof they’ll actually see
• Is there a chance to talk the report through?
• Which limits apply to the survey

What to expect from a roof survey

Before and after the survey

Nothing here needs a ladder. Our suggestions:

• Keep water away from lights and sockets
• Mention any plumbing above the damp area
• Make sure the loft is accessible
• Photograph the stain each time it appears

If there are several possible sources, we list them in order of likelihood. Recommendations are prioritised by urgency where relevant, so you know what to deal with first.

After a downpour, look in the roof space with a torch, keeping to boarded areas. Look for drips, damp patches and stains on timbers. Photograph anything new.

What happens on the day

We work from the outside in: outside views come first, then the roof space if there is safe access. In total, it takes between one and two hours for most homes, though a hard-to-trace leak can take longer. Being in a smaller place like Chinnor does not change how the visit works: outside, inside and from any safe vantage point, in that order. Point out any stains, cracks or loose pieces you’ve spotted.

1. You pick a Basic, Standard or Premium Survey.
2. We agree a date, including weekends.
3. We inspect inside and out, starting from the stain.
4. Where it is useful and included, we take moisture readings and use thermal imaging.
5. You get photos, the likely cause and clear recommendations.

Preparing for the visit

• Buyers: confirm access with the estate agent or seller
• Make a note of anything you’d like us to look at
• For a flat or shared roof, check access with the freeholder or managing agent

Arrange a survey

Roof leak investigation starts from £150, including VAT. The exact figure depends on the roof and the package, and you can call 07833 053749 or email us to find out.

Ask for a survey

Advice

• Butterfly Roofs and Valley Gutters Explained