Surrey · London and the South East
Roof leak investigation in Fernhill, Surrey
Roof leak investigations in Fernhill from an independent, experienced roof surveyor. More than 20 years and over 5,000 surveys.
- Damp walls below an overflowing gutter
- Water dripping from rafters or underlay
- Brown rings on upstairs ceilings
Roof leak investigations for homes and businesses in Fernhill
We use moisture detection and thermal imaging where they help. Moisture detection confirms where timbers, plaster or insulation are damp. Thermal imaging shows temperature differences that can point to wet areas, not water itself, so its findings are checked with moisture readings. Thermal imaging is part of the Premium Survey, and moisture detection comes with Standard. Thermal imaging works best after a sunny day, on a dry roof with little wind. If you’ve noticed condensation that looks like a leak and damp on a chimney breast, a survey will tell you what’s going on.
Many homes in small places like Fernhill face open ground, where storms hit ridges, verges and chimneys hardest. Once water gets into older walls, it takes a long time to dry, so it pays to find the cause quickly. A record with photographs is useful if you need to show the damage to anyone else.
Nothing in the report is left vague: where something needs attention, it says so plainly, and where it can wait, that is said too.
- Location
- Fernhill (RH6)
- Wider area
- Surrey
- Cost
- From £150 inc. VAT
- Your report
- Written, with photos, emailed to you
- Appointments
- Monday to Sunday, daytime
- Cover
- Professional indemnity and public liability
- Call
- 07833 053749
- Last updated
- 27 October 2026
How it works
Every visit follows the same pattern: we listen to what’s been worrying you, look at the roof from every safe viewpoint, photograph what we find and make notes for the report. It typically takes between one and two hours on an ordinary house, while a commercial roof takes nearer three to four hours. Around Fernhill, older homes can have small or awkward roof spaces, so let us know about the loft hatch and any ladder. Only areas that can be reached safely are inspected.
- We start with what you’ve seen: where the stain is and when it gets worse.
- We look at the stain, the ceiling and the loft above it.
- Outside, we look at every likely route in.
- Where it helps, we take moisture readings and use thermal imaging.
- Your report sets out where the water is most likely getting in, with photos and recommendations.
Before we arrive
- Have any paperwork from past roof work to hand
- Make a note of anything you’d like us to look at
- Make sure the loft hatch can be reached
Book a survey
Roof leak investigation starts from £150, including VAT. The exact figure depends on the roof and the package, and you can phone 07833 053749 or drop us an email to find out.
Advice
What else we do in Fernhill
Common questions in Fernhill
Is Fernhill within the area you cover?
Yes, we do. We work right across London and South East England, and smaller places are part of that. The journey is planned ahead, so it is useful to know about access.
How do I find out if my home in Fernhill is listed?
Check Historic England’s online list first, then ask the council about conservation areas and any Article 4 direction. The answer matters most when a change of material is on the cards.
How experienced are you?
Over 20 years and more than 5,000 surveys.
Why is the stain in a different place from the leak?
Water follows the easiest path, not the shortest. On a pitched roof it often runs down a rafter before it shows. Following that route is what our investigation does.
How long does a roof leak investigation take?
On site, it usually takes an hour or two for most homes, though a hard-to-trace leak can take longer. The report follows within 48 hours for Basic, 24 to 48 hours for Standard and the same day for Premium.
Does the investigation include the repair?
Our job here is to trace the leak and explain it, and the repair is separate. The report gives any roofer a clear brief.
What does the report include?
It explains what we saw, what it means and what we’d suggest, with photographs throughout. Anything we couldn’t see safely is noted too.
Signs you need a roof leak investigation in Fernhill
Flat roofs fail with age and wear. 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 makes sense if you’ve noticed:
- Water through the ceiling under a flat roof
- Staining where a gutter or parapet meets the wall
- Drips in the loft during heavy rain
- Ceiling stains that grow after rain
For landlords with property near Gatwick Airport station, a tenant living with a leak needs the cause found, not just the stain painted over.
What to check before booking
- Whether any drone flown is registered with the CAA
- Will the report include photos?
- Their insurance cover
- How long they’ve been surveying roofs
Prices for roof leak investigations in Fernhill
Several things affect the price of a survey:
- How complicated the roof is, with its valleys, chimneys and parapets
- The number of roofs, including extensions and garages
- The roof’s overall size
- Whether thermal imaging or a drone is needed
Every price we give includes VAT, and the report is not charged as an extra. Roof leak investigation starts from £150, including VAT. Where your roof sits in the range depends on its size, height and access.
What to tell us when you get in touch
A little information up front helps. It helps to include:
- Anything about access we should know
- Any marks or damp showing indoors
- Any photos you have, taken from ground level or a window
- The address and postcode of the property
We survey roofs on any day of the week. To arrange a day that suits you, phone 07833 053749 or use the contact form.
What happens if roof problems are left?
Patching the spot above the stain often does not work. The real way in may be a metre or more away. An investigation finds the likely cause first. For an older or listed building in a place like Fernhill, repairs may need matching materials and consent, so leaving a defect until it’s urgent leaves less time to plan.
The cost of a survey depends on the roof: its size, its height, how many sections it has and how safely it can be seen. Prices start from £150, including VAT.
What you get with us
- Drone flown under a CAA Flyer ID and Operator ID
- Independent findings on the roof’s condition
- Plain-English reports with photos
- 20+ years’ experience
Tips that help
You don’t need to be a roofer to help. What helps most:
- Catch drips in a bucket and protect the floor
- Keep water away from lights and sockets
- Take dated photos of the leak
- Mention any plumbing above the damp area
Your report arrives by email, with photos of what we found. It explains the likely entry point, the route the water takes and our recommendations. Turnaround is within 48 hours for Basic, 24 to 48 hours for Standard and the same day for Premium.
Plan a roof survey every few years. Flashings, valleys and flat roof details are frequent weak points, and catching wear early keeps water out.
What we look for on each type of roof
Valleys
Valleys collect water from two roof slopes. Split lead, cracked linings or slipped tiles let water in.
Slate and tile slopes
Cracked mortar lets ridge and hip tiles move. Rain can then run in at the ridge.
Fernhill roofs and the weather
Older houses across Surrey often have handmade clay tiles, and many have tile-hanging. Horsham stone slab roofs survive on some old buildings in Surrey. The covering and its details give the first clues when tracing where water is coming from. If your home is older, it is worth knowing whether it’s listed or in a conservation area before planning roof work. Listed building consent covers changes to a listed building’s special interest, and an Article 4 direction can bring extra controls in a conservation area.
For site and facilities teams at buildings like Oakwood School, a leak through a large roof is often found some distance from where the water shows inside. If you own one of the older houses in the streets near Church of St Bartholomew, the leak may come from a chimney, a valley or tired lead rather than the covering itself.
Fernhill is about 2 miles south-east of Horley, in Surrey. Fernhill gets the same service as everywhere else we work: a close look at everything that’s safely in view, photos and a clear written report. Our Surrey coverage includes Fernhill.
Every address in RH6 is covered for roof leak investigations, from the main roads to the quietest streets. If you need a roof leak investigation at a property on Peeks Brook Lane and Donkey Lane or anywhere close by, we can survey it. Nearby, we also carry out roof leak investigations in Burstow (1 mile east), Shipley Bridge (1 mile south), Tinsley Green (1 mile south-west), Keeper's Corner (1 mile east) and Copthorne (1 mile south). Within a short drive, we also cover Epsom (14 miles north-west), Redhill (6 miles north), Ewell (15 miles north), Reigate (6 miles north-west), Caterham (9 miles north) and Dorking (10 miles north-west).
What’s near Fernhill
Typical jobs here are in homes near The Shipley Bridge pub and the streets around them. The closest station to Fernhill is Gatwick Airport station, about 1 mile west of the centre. Other landmarks nearby include County Mall (3.6 miles south-west) and Langley Green Hospital (2.9 miles south-west). Green spaces nearby include Hedgecourt Lake.