West Sussex · London and the South East
Roof leak investigation in River, West Sussex
Find out the condition of the leaking roof at your property in River from an independent roof surveyor. We visit on weekdays and at weekends.
- Damp patches next to the stack
- Wet patches on loft insulation
- Condensation that looks like a leak
Roof leak investigations for homes and businesses in River
We investigate roof leaks in River and across London and the South East. We visit seven days a week. The investigation covers inside and out, from the stain to the likely entry points. You get a written report with photos and recommendations. If it’s leaking right now, contain the water and keep it clear of electrics, then call 07833 053749 or use the contact form to arrange a visit. If you’re worried about drips in the loft during heavy rain and ceiling stains that grow after rain, we can find out what’s behind it.
Many homes in small places like River 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 written record also helps if you need to explain it to anyone else.
The written findings come by email, ready to forward to whoever needs them. Turnaround is within 48 hours for Basic, 24–48 hours for Standard and same day for Premium.
- Where
- River (GU28)
- Region
- West Sussex
- Prices
- From £150 inc. VAT
- Reports
- Written, with photos, emailed to you
- Survey days
- Monday to Sunday, daytime
- Cover
- Professional indemnity and public liability
- Call
- 07833 053749
- Last updated
- 27 October 2026
Checking the roof from ground level
A DIY look is useful, but it isn’t a survey. From the ground, valleys, flashings and the backs of chimneys are frequently out of sight, and those are details a survey looks at closely.
After strong wind, take a look from the pavement or garden: broken slates or tiles in the garden, gaps along the ridge or loose lead are signs to note. Don’t go up yourself.
Roof by roof
Parapet and box gutters
A butterfly roof drains to a central valley gutter. Problems there often show in the rooms on the top floor.
Flat roof upstands and outlets
Flat roof water can travel under the covering before it shows. Where conditions allow, moisture readings and thermal imaging help narrow it down.
River: your questions answered
Is my home in River listed or in a conservation area?
The council and Historic England’s list are the places to check. Either can affect what roof work is allowed, so it’s worth checking before planning any.
Is River within the area you cover?
Yes, smaller places are covered as well as towns. We cover the whole of London and South East England. Let us know about access, parking and anything unusual about getting there as you book.
Is it a structural engineer’s report?
No. Visible signs such as deflection or sagging are recorded, but we don’t provide calculations or an engineer’s opinion. If one is needed, the report says so.
Can you trace a leak in dry weather?
In most cases, yes. Moisture detection shows where materials are damp even on a dry day. For leaks that only happen in certain storms, we report the most likely routes.
Do you look in the loft space?
If it’s needed and safe to reach, yes. We look for staining, damp, daylight and signs of movement.
Will you walk on the roof?
Only when it is safe. Some roofs are too steep or fragile to walk on safely. We use safe viewpoints, the roof space and a drone where it applies, and the report records anything we couldn’t see.
Will you definitely find the leak?
We can’t promise it. Water can travel a long way, and some leaks only show in particular storms. If we cannot be sure, the report ranks the possible sources.
How the survey works
Before we start, tell us why you’ve booked: a purchase, a leak, a storm, new work or simply peace of mind. It helps us focus on what matters most to you. Most visits take roughly 1–2 hours for most houses, and about three to four hours for a commercial roof. Cottages and farmhouses around River often have roofs at several levels, with lean-tos and outbuildings attached. We work round each section in turn, from the safest viewpoints, and anything we can’t see is noted.
- We start with your notes and photos of the leak.
- Inside, we look at the stain and the ceiling around it.
- In the loft, we follow any signs of water back towards the roof.
- We inspect the likely entry points outside, from the ground, windows and the roof where safe.
- You receive a report with the likely source, photos and recommendations.
How to prepare
- Agree roof access with the managing agent if it is shared
- If you’re buying, check with the agent that we can get in
- Check pets are kept safely away
Arrange a survey
Unsure which package suits your roof? It is easiest to phone 07833 053749 or use the contact form and describe the roof and why you want it surveyed. We will talk you through the options and what they cost.
Related advice
When to book a survey in River
Every flat roof covering has a working life. A felt roof frequently 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.
These are some of the problems a survey can pick up:
- Ceiling stains that grow after rain
- Damp ceilings under a flat roof
- Leaks that appear only in driving rain
- Leaks at a dormer or roof window
If you live in an older home near The Parish Church of St Peter, leaks on older roofs often start at lead flashings, valleys or around old chimney stacks.
Before booking anyone
- What they will not be able to tell you
- What experience they bring
- Which parts of the roof they’ll actually see
- What happens after the report arrives
How we price roof leak investigations
Our packages start from £150, with VAT included. What you pay for your roof depends on:
- The use of thermal imaging or a drone
- Chimneys, valleys, parapets and other details
- Basic, Standard or Premium
- The height of the building and how the roof can be seen safely
There are three survey packages: Basic from £150, Standard from £250 and Premium from £400, with VAT included. What your roof costs depends on its size, access and what you want to find out.
What to tell us when you contact us
What helps most when you contact us:
- Photos of the roof, taken safely from ground level or a window
- The style of property, from a terrace to a block
- What made you get in touch
- Where any leaks, stains or damp patches show inside
Most bookings start with a short call: phone 07833 053749 or email us, and we will ask about the building and what you need. The price is agreed before a date is set.
Roof leak investigations in River: local notes
About 2.4 miles east lies Petworth House, a reminder of how long the area around River has been built on. If yours is one of the older homes, expect a mix of original materials and later repairs on the roof. Many older homes in Sussex have handmade clay tiles and tile-hung walls. A few old Sussex buildings still carry heavy Horsham stone slabs. Each of these roof types has its own typical places for water to get in.
River is about 12 miles east of Petersfield, in West Sussex. River gets the same service as everywhere else we work: a careful inspection, photographs and a written report. River is one of the places in West Sussex where we work for roof leak investigations. Guildford is in our area too.
Here we cover the GU28 postcode area for roof leak investigations. Neighbouring places we cover for roof leak investigations include Upperton (1 mile east), Selham (2 miles south), Tillington (2 miles south-east), South Ambersham (2 miles south-west) and Hampers Green (2 miles east). Further out, we also cover Bognor Regis (14 miles south), Chichester (12 miles south-west), Littlehampton (14 miles south-east), Rustington (15 miles south-east), Storrington (11 miles south-east) and Billingshurst (9 miles east).
Local landmarks in River
In River, that means homes and buildings near The Hollist Arms Public House and the streets around them. Nearby you will also find Lodsworth Castle (1.3 miles south) and Coultershaw Heritage Site (3 miles south-east). Green spaces nearby include Graffham Common and Blackdown.
Landlord and commercial surveys in River
Landlords, agents and building managers in River and across West Sussex can book any of our surveys. For a price for a let property or a block, ring 07833 053749 or email us.
Surveys can also be booked by buyers’ agents acting for a client. Reports are emailed, so they’re easy to pass on, photographs included.