Roof leak investigation in Dippenhall, Surrey

Roof leak investigation in Dippenhall: what you get

Most roof leaks start at a joint rather than the middle of a slope. Flashings at chimneys and walls, valleys, gutters, parapets and flat roof upstands and outlets are the usual suspects. Each of these is checked in turn and we follow where the evidence leads. Chimneys, dormers and roof lights each add joints of their own. We check all of them, from each safe vantage point. Typical surveys look at water coming in around a roof light or dormer and drips from nail tips in a cold loft, on flat roof details, slate and tile slopes and lead flashings.

Many homes in small places like Dippenhall face open ground, where storms hit ridges, verges and chimneys hardest. Damp in old stone, brick or timber walls is slow to dry out, which makes finding the cause quickly worthwhile. A record with photos is useful if you need to show the damage to anyone else.

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.

How it works

We photograph the roof as we go, so you can see in the report what we found and where. We take close-ups from wherever is safe. A typical visit takes an hour or two for most homes, though a hard-to-trace leak can take longer. Around Dippenhall, older homes can have small or awkward roof spaces, so let us know about the loft hatch and any ladder. We only go where it’s safe.

1. We start with your notes and photos of the leak.
2. Inside, we check the stain and the ceiling around it.
3. In the loft, we follow any signs of water back towards the roof.
4. Outside, we check flashings, valleys, chimneys, gutters and flat roof details from each safe vantage point.
5. We email a written report showing where the water most likely gets in.

Before we arrive

• Agree roof access with the managing agent if it is shared
• Have any questions written down, so nothing gets missed
• Have keys ready for side gates, garages or roof access doors

Getting a price

If you are buying, it helps to book soon after your offer is accepted, so you have the findings in time to act on them before you exchange. Otherwise, simply phone 07833 053749 or use the contact form whenever suits you.

Book your survey

Related advice

• Butterfly Roofs and Valley Gutters Explained
• Chimney Stack Defects: Flaunching, Pots, Leans

What a survey costs

Prices vary from roof to roof, for these reasons:

• Whether you choose the Basic, Standard or Premium Survey
• How many separate roofs there are, such as extensions, dormers and garages
• The type of building, from a house to a block or an office
• If the survey needs thermal imaging or a drone

All our prices include VAT. Our price is from £150, including VAT. You’ll know the exact price before you book.

Helping us price your survey

You do not need to know any roofing terms. Just tell us:

• Any stains, drips or damp patches you’ve seen indoors
• Pictures from the garden or a window, if you have them
• The reason for the survey, such as buying, a leak or storm damage
• The address and postcode of the property

Unsure which package suits your roof? The easiest way is to phone 07833 053749 or use the contact form and describe the roof and what’s worrying you. We will explain the options and the price.

Tips that help

A survey works best with a little help from you, before and after. Some tips:

• Mention any plumbing above the damp area
• Move stored items away from the hatch
• Keep a photo record of the damp patch
• Protect furniture and flooring under the leak

Any roofer you ask to quote can work from the report. They’ll see exactly where the problem is, rather than at the stain.

Check the loft after heavy rain, with care and a good torch. Look for drips, damp patches and stains on timbers. Take photos of anything that changes.