East Sussex · London and the South East
Roof Leak Investigation in Piddinghoe
Roof leak investigations in Piddinghoe from an independent, experienced roof surveyor. More than 20 years and over 5,000 surveys.
- Drips from nail tips in a cold loft
- Water dripping from rafters or underlay
- Water marks that spread in wet weather
Roof leak investigation in Piddinghoe
Some ‘leaks’ aren’t leaks at all. In a badly ventilated roof space, condensation can form under the roof and drip, leaving marks that look just like rainwater. Knowing which it is means the right fix can be done, since the cure for one will not solve the other. The pattern of the damp, the ventilation and the timing all help us decide. If you are worried about water that shows only in certain storms and wet patches high on an inside wall, a survey will tell you what’s going on, whatever the roof.
Somewhere as small as Piddinghoe, older roofs have often been repaired many times. That makes it hard to tell new damage from old wear, which matters if you are thinking of an insurance claim. We check everything that’s safely in view and set out what we find. Older walls and timbers hold water for a long time, so it is worth finding the cause soon.
How fast the report arrives depends on the package: the Basic Survey within 48 hours, the Standard Survey in 24 to 48 hours and the Premium Survey on the same day.
- Location
- Piddinghoe (BN9)
- Wider area
- East Sussex
- Prices
- From £150 inc. VAT
- Report
- A written report with photos, by email
- When we survey
- Weekdays and weekends
- Cover
- PI and public liability insurance
- Call
- 07833 053749
- Last updated
- 27 October 2026
How the survey works
We work from the outside in: first the slopes, edges and gutters from every safe viewpoint, then the roof space where it can be reached. All told, expect about 1–2 hours for most homes, though a hard-to-trace leak can take longer. Somewhere as small as Piddinghoe, access is frequently the only tricky part. Mention any outbuildings, barns or garages you want included, and anything about the roof you already know. Visits can be on weekdays, Saturdays or Sundays.
- You tell us where the water shows and when it appears.
- The visit starts indoors, at the stain and in the loft.
- Likely entry points outside are checked, from flashings and valleys to gutters and outlets.
- Moisture readings and thermal imaging are used where they help.
- Your report sets out where the water is most likely getting in, with photos and recommendations.
How to prepare
- For flats, check roof access has been agreed
- Point out any leaks or damp patches
- Have keys ready for side gates, garages or roof access doors
Arrange a survey
To arrange a survey, call 07833 053749 or email us and let us know the address and what’s prompted the survey. You will know the price before anything is booked.
Read more
Landlord and commercial surveys in Piddinghoe
Businesses and commercial landlords can book us too. Larger roofs take longer, so they’re priced to suit.
We survey roofs for letting agents and landlords as well as homeowners. A report with photographs gives you a clear record of the leaking roof, useful for planning maintenance.
Piddinghoe: your questions answered
Is Piddinghoe within the area you cover?
Yes, we do. We cover the whole of London and South East England, from towns to the smallest villages. Longer journeys are simply planned ahead of time.
Does a conservation area affect roof work in Piddinghoe?
We cannot confirm that for you, but Historic England’s list and your council can. A change of roofing material may need consent in either case.
Can you tell me if my roof has asbestos?
No. Our report may flag materials that could contain asbestos, but confirming it is a job for a specialist asbestos surveyor. Buildings built or refurbished before 2000 may contain it.
What’s in the report?
A written report with photographs, covering the condition of the leaking roof, the defects we found and what we recommend. Standard adds moisture detection and a structural check; Premium adds thermal imaging, drone inspection where applicable and structural analysis.
Will you fix the leak as part of this?
A leak investigation finds and reports the likely source. The repair isn’t part of it. You get a report with photos showing where the water is getting in and what needs attention, which whoever carries out the work can follow.
When does the report arrive?
Each package has its own report time. Basic: within 48 hours. Standard: 24 to 48 hours. Premium: the same day. If you have a deadline, like an exchange date, let us know when booking.
How do I arrange a roof leak investigation in Piddinghoe?
To book, phone 07833 053749 or send us an email with the address, the type of property and what’s prompted the survey. We will confirm the price and find a day that suits.
Can I check my roof myself?
Look up at the roof after a storm, from ground level: pieces of tile or slate on the ground, a gap in the ridge or a lifted flashing are all worth noting. Don’t go up yourself.
A lot can be seen from the ground. With binoculars, look for slipped or missing slates and tiles, gaps along the ridge and leaning chimneys. Please don’t climb up for a closer look.
Why it’s worth a survey now in Piddinghoe
A leak that returns after a repair usually means the real source wasn’t found. A careful investigation looks at every likely route, not just the obvious one. It gives the next repair a far better chance. For an older or listed building in a place like Piddinghoe, repairs may need matching materials and consent, so a defect found early gives time to plan the work properly.
A small, low roof with good viewpoints takes less time than a tall, complicated one, and the package matters as well. We will give you the figure before anything is booked.
Why book us in Piddinghoe
- Insured for professional indemnity and public liability
- Drones and thermal imaging where applicable
- Drone flown under a CAA Flyer ID and Operator ID
- More than 20 years surveying roofs
Read our cost guide and what we found on two real jobs.
Common roof problems in Piddinghoe
Chimneys can let water in by several routes. Water can enter through crumbling mortar, cracked flaunching, worn flashings or uncapped pots. The damp may appear on a chimney breast, a ceiling or in the loft.
Typical things we’re asked to look at include:
- Leaks that appear only in driving rain
- Water through the ceiling under a flat roof
- Wet patches on loft insulation
- Condensation that looks like a leak
If you own a rental within reach of Newhaven Town station, a tenant living with a leak needs the cause found, not just the stain painted over.
What to check before booking
- How long they’ve been surveying roofs
- Their insurance cover
- What the report includes, and whether it has photos
- What they won’t be able to tell you
Places near Piddinghoe
More services for Piddinghoe
Piddinghoe roofs and the weather
The coast is about 2 miles or less from Piddinghoe, where sea air brings more salt and stronger wind than inland. Strong wind lifts anything already loose, and driving rain gets in wherever it can, while salt slowly corrodes metal fixings and flashings. In Sussex, older roofs are often handmade clay tile, frequently with tile-hanging on the walls below. A few old Sussex buildings still carry heavy Horsham stone slabs, and the county’s older buildings include oast houses and Wealden hall houses. Each of these roof types has its own typical places for water to get in.
Homes near green spaces such as Castle Hill can get more leaves in their gutters in autumn, and blocked gutters overflow and soak walls. If you live in an older home near The Parish Church of St John, lead flashings, valleys and old chimneys are typical places for water to get in.
Piddinghoe is about 1 mile north-west of Newhaven, in East Sussex. We visit Piddinghoe as part of our work across East Sussex, for homes and businesses alike. Across East Sussex, we cover Piddinghoe. You can also see our page for Brighton.
Every address in BN9 is within our area for roof leak investigations. Local streets include Brookside and Lewes Road, all of which we cover. If you’re just outside Piddinghoe, we cover South Heighton (1 mile east), Denton (1 mile east), Telscombe (2 miles west), Rodmell (2 miles north-west) and Northease (3 miles north-west). Within a short drive, we also cover Eastbourne (11 miles east), Seaford (4 miles south-east), Lewes (5 miles north), Hailsham (10 miles east), Uckfield (11 miles north) and Polegate (9 miles east).
What’s near Piddinghoe
We work in homes and buildings around The Jolly Boatman pub, UTC@Harbourside and Castle Hill, among other places. The nearest railway station is Newhaven Town station, roughly 1.2 miles south-east. Other landmarks nearby include Planet Earth Museum (0.8 miles south-east) and Lewes Castle (4.7 miles north). For a walk, there’s Itford Hill and Southerham Farm.
What a survey costs
Every roof is different, so prices are confirmed before booking. These are the things that affect it:
- The use of thermal imaging or a drone
- Features like valleys, chimneys, dormers and parapets
- Extensions, dormers and garages with roofs of their own
- Whether you choose the Basic, Standard or Premium Survey
Prices quoted always include VAT, and the written report is part of the package. Roof leak investigation starts from £150, including VAT. Where your roof sits in the range depends on its size, height and access.
Booking your survey
Getting the details right at the start saves time. It helps to include:
- The address and postcode of the property
- Where water is showing inside, if it is
- Your timetable, such as an exchange date
- Any photos you have, taken from ground level or a window
We confirm the price for your roof before booking, so you know the cost up front. Our price is from £150, including VAT. For a price for your roof, phone 07833 053749 or email us.