Brighton and Hove · London and the South East
Roof leak investigation in Westdene, Brighton and Hove
Roof leak investigations in Westdene and the rest of Brighton and Hove. We survey on weekdays and at weekends.
- Water marks that spread in wet weather
- Leaks that appear only in driving rain
- Leaks at a dormer or roof window
Honest limits
Our findings are based on what we can see safely on the day, so some things are outside what a survey can do:
- Whether rotten timbers meet design loads
- Carrying out the fix
- Plumbing leaks that look like roof leaks
If you are not sure which survey you need, ring 07833 053749 or email us and we will give you a straight answer. What our survey covers.
Roof types and parts we check
- Valleys and parapet gutters
- The roof space
- Lead flashings
- Slate and tile slopes
- Flat roof details
- Rooflights and dormers
- Chimney stacks
How a roof leak investigation works in Westdene
We use moisture detection and thermal imaging where they help. Moisture readings show which materials are wet. A thermal camera shows patterns of temperature rather than water, 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. We are often asked to look into leaks below a flat extension roof and damp walls below an overflowing gutter, across slate and tile slopes, lead flashings and the roof space.
In a smaller place like Westdene, some roofs face open ground, so wind and driving rain find any weakness in ridges, verges and flashings. A leak that only appears in certain weather often points to an exposed detail. It helps to know when and where the water appears. The gutters on the most exposed side can overflow too.
The report is written in plain words, so you don’t need to be a roofer to follow it. Photos show what each point refers to, and recommendations are put by urgency where it matters.
- Place
- Westdene (BN1, BN3)
- Region
- Brighton and Hove
- Cost
- From £150 inc. VAT
- Report
- Written, with photos, emailed to you
- When we survey
- Monday to Sunday, daytime
- Insurance
- Professional indemnity and public liability
- Phone
- 07833 053749
- Updated
- 27 October 2026
Roof leak investigations around Westdene
The coast is about 3 miles or less from Westdene, where sea air brings more salt and stronger wind than inland. Driving rain off the sea can be pushed into gaps that stay dry in calmer weather. Older houses across Sussex frequently have handmade clay tiles, and many have tile-hanging on their upper walls. Horsham stone slab roofs survive on some old Sussex buildings. Each of these roof types has its own typical places for water to get in.
Take a building like Westdene Primary School: water through a big roof can travel a long way before it drips, so the search covers more than the obvious spot. If your house is among the older ones in the streets near Church of the Ascension, lead flashings, valleys and old chimneys are typical places for water to get in.
Westdene is about 2 miles north-east of Brighton and Hove, in Brighton and Hove. Roofs in Westdene get the same thorough look as anywhere else in Brighton and Hove. We cover towns and villages across Brighton and Hove, from the larger towns to small villages.
Surveys in BN1 and BN3 are booked the same way as anywhere else. Streets in the area include Mill Road, Croft Road and London Road. You’ll find Westdene on the A27, which makes it simple to reach. We also cover the places around Westdene: Patcham (1 mile north-east), Withdean (1 mile south-east), Waterhall (1 mile north), Preston (1 mile south-east) and West Blatchington (1 mile south-west). Larger places within reach include Carlton Hill (3 miles south-east), Hanover (3 miles south-east), Kemptown (3 miles south-east), Whitehawk (3 miles south-east), Bevendean (3 miles south-east) and Saltdean (7 miles south-east).
Around Westdene
Around Westdene, our work takes us to homes and buildings near Varndean College, Withdean and Westdene Woods and The Sportsman pub. The closest station to Westdene is Preston Park station, about 1 mile south. A little further out are Clayton Castle (3.5 miles north) and British Engineerium (1.2 miles south-west). For a walk, there is Ladies Mile and Wolstonbury Hill.
Common roof problems in Westdene
Flat roofs fail with age and wear. Felt frequently lasts around 15 to 20 years, and as it ages it splits, blisters and opens at the laps. Leaks often start at the edges, upstands and outlets.
Look out for signs like these:
- Leaks at a dormer or roof window
- Water through the ceiling under a flat roof
- Damp patches next to the stack
- Damp underlay across a wide area
Shop and office owners around Churchill Square may find that finding where water is getting in quickly keeps disruption down.
Choosing a roof surveyor
- Whether VAT is in the quoted price
- What follow-up you get after the report
- What experience they bring
- How they’ll see the roof: from the ground, the loft, the roof or by drone
Westdene: your questions answered
Is Westdene within the area you cover?
Yes, Westdene is on our map. A small place gets exactly the same survey as a big one.
How do I find out if my home in Westdene is listed?
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.
How fast do I get the report?
That depends on the survey you book: Basic within 48 hours, Standard in 24–48 hours and Premium the same day. The report is emailed to you.
Is it a structural engineer’s report?
No. We are experienced roof surveyors, and visible signs like sagging are noted, but calculations and an engineer’s opinion are outside what we do. The report will say if you need an engineer.
Do I need to be at home?
Not necessarily. If we only need the outside, we can agree that ahead of time, but anything inside needs someone there to give access.
Is the repair included in the leak investigation?
The investigation is about finding the cause. The repair itself is a separate job. You get a report with photos showing where the water is getting in and what needs attention.
Will you definitely find the leak?
Not always, and we will be honest about that. Some leaks hide well, especially those that need wind-driven rain. If we cannot be sure, the report ranks the possible sources.
What affects the price in Westdene
What a survey costs depends on the time and equipment it needs. That comes down to:
- How complicated the roof is, with its valleys, chimneys and parapets
- Building height and the viewpoints available
- Whether thermal imaging or a drone is needed
- Commercial roofs and larger buildings
Price depends partly on the package: Basic from £150, Standard from £250 or Premium from £400, all inc. VAT. The roof’s size, height and access matter as well.
What to tell us when you get in touch
You do not need to know any roofing terms. Just tell us:
- The address and postcode of the property
- Any photos you have, taken from ground level or a window
- What made you get in touch
- Dates you’re working to, such as exchange
Booking is simple: just call 07833 053749 or email us, let us know about the property and we will explain which survey suits. The price is agreed up front.
Nearby places to Westdene
Also in Westdene
What you can safely check yourself
If you have a loft with safe access, take a look inside. Take a torch and only step on boards or joists, and look for staining, damp timber or daylight coming through.
Keep a simple record: when leaks happen, ground-level photos and any past roof work. Share it with us as you book.
What happens if roof problems are left?
A small drip today can be a bigger leak after the next storm. Each storm can open a gap a little more. An investigation now gives you time to plan the work. Homes in smaller places like Westdene can face more weather, so a loose ridge or verge soon lets rain in. Wind gets under it and lifts more, and water follows.
Roof leak investigation starts from £150, including VAT. Basic starts from £150, Standard from £250 and Premium from £400, VAT included, and we can help you choose.
Why us?
- 5,000+ roofs surveyed
- More than 20 years surveying roofs
- A sub-250g drone, flown with a CAA Flyer ID and Operator ID
- Covered by professional indemnity and public liability insurance
See how roof surveys are priced or what we found on two real jobs.
What happens on the day
We work from the outside in: first the slopes, edges and gutters from every safe viewpoint, then the loft space where it can be reached. All told, expect an hour or two for most homes, though a hard-to-trace leak can take longer. A visit to Westdene is planned like any other: the time, the access and where to park are agreed in advance. Visits can be on weekdays, Saturdays or Sundays. If there are outbuildings or garages you want looked at, mention them.
- We help you choose the package that suits the leak.
- We agree a date, including weekends.
- The investigation works from the stain back to the roof.
- Moisture detection and thermal imaging are used where your package includes them and they help.
- You get photos, the likely cause and clear recommendations.
Getting ready for the survey
- Dig out any old roof reports or invoices
- Leave side gates unlocked
- Let us know where we can park nearby
Book a survey
Roof leak investigation starts from £150, including VAT. What you pay depends on the roof’s size, access and the package, and you can ring 07833 053749 or email us to find out.