West Sussex · London and the South East
Roof survey in Earnley, West Sussex
Not sure what state the roof is in? We carry out roof surveys in Earnley and across West Sussex.
- Loose ridge or hip tiles
- Valley linings that have cracked or split
- Gaps in the roof where coverings have gone
Local roofs in Earnley
Earnley is within about 2 miles of the coast, and being near the sea means more wind and salt than a roof inland would face. Near the sea, metal fixings wear faster and loose pieces on a roof are more likely to lift, while driving rain finds any gap. If your home is older, it’s worth knowing whether it’s listed or in a conservation area before planning roof work. Changes that affect a listed building’s special interest need listed building consent, and councils can also use Article 4 directions to control changes in conservation areas.
The streets around a church like Earnley Church are often among the oldest in a place, and if your house is among the older ones nearby, old fixings, lead flashings and tall chimneys are typical of older roofs.
Earnley is about 3 miles north-west of Selsey, in West Sussex. Roofs in Earnley get the same thorough look as anywhere else in West Sussex. Earnley is one of the places in West Sussex we cover for roof surveys. We also survey roofs in Portsmouth.
Here we cover the PO20 postcode area for roof surveys. Whether your property is on Earnley Manor Close, Bookers Lane and Drove Lane or a nearby road, we can help. We also cover the places around Earnley: East Wittering (1 mile west), Almodington (1 mile north-east), Somerley (1 mile north), Shipton Green (2 miles north) and Birdham (2 miles north). Larger places within reach include Bognor Regis (7 miles east), Chichester (6 miles north-east), Selsey (3 miles south-east), Littlehampton (14 miles east), Emsworth (7 miles north-west) and Rustington (15 miles east).
Near you in Earnley
Nearby you’ll also find Selsey Lifeboat Museum (3.9 miles south-east). Open spaces near Earnley include Pilsey Island.
Roof survey in Earnley: what you get
Everything we check, we check safely: from the ground, from windows and other vantage points, from inside the loft and from the roof itself where it is safe. The Premium Survey adds thermal imaging and, where applicable, a drone, which helps with tall or steep roofs. You do not need to do anything except give us access. Everything we see is photographed for the report. If you’ve noticed cracked mortar along the ridge and slates or tiles that have slipped or broken, we can find out what’s behind it, whatever the roof.
In a small place like Earnley, many roofs stand in the open, so ridges, chimney stacks, flashings and gutters work hard. Older walls take a long time to dry once water gets in. A roof report shows what needs attention first. Lead flashings and old chimney stacks are often where weather gets in first.
You can share the report with anyone who needs it: your solicitor, the seller, your insurer, a roofer or the building’s managing agent, whichever applies.
- Location
- Earnley (PO20)
- Region
- West Sussex
- Cost
- From £150 inc. VAT
- Your report
- Emailed report with photos and recommendations
- Survey days
- Weekdays and weekends
- Cover
- PI and public liability insurance
- Phone
- 07833 053749
- Page updated
- 27 October 2026
What we can’t see
This is not a RICS building survey, a structural engineer’s report or an asbestos survey. Other limits to bear in mind:
- What’s under the slates, tiles or felt
- Confirmation of asbestos in soffits or cement sheets
- An exact number of years the roof has left
Not sure which survey suits your roof? You can call 07833 053749 or send us an email and we’ll tell you. What a survey covers and doesn’t.
What we check
- The roof space
- Clay and concrete tiles
- Chimney stacks
- Ridges, hips and valleys
- Natural slate
- Flat roofs
- Lead flashings
Common roof problems in Earnley
The underlay under the coverings matters too. Breathable roofing membranes came into use in the UK in the late 1990s, so many older roofs have bitumen felt underlay, and some very old roofs have no underlay at all. Torn or sagging felt lets water through.
Problems we come across often include:
- Condensation or damp timbers in the loft
- Blocked, sagging or leaking gutters
- Ridge tiles that have lifted or moved
- Loose chimney pots
Anyone responsible for a site like East Wittering Community Primary School will know that its roofs, gutters and any chimneys need the same checks as a house’s, just on a bigger scale.
What to check before booking
- What exactly goes into their report
- If they fly a drone, whether they hold a CAA Flyer ID and Operator ID
- Which viewpoints they use to see the roof
- Whether the loft is part of the inspection
What we look for on each type of roof
Flat roof coverings
A felt roof often lasts around 15 to 20 years, EPDM rubber around 30 to 50 and GRP up to about 30. We check its condition and the signs of age.
Chimney stacks
Our chimney check is a visual inspection of the stack, not a flue, gas or sweep inspection. We will tell you if the flue needs a specialist.
Towns and villages near Earnley
What else we do in Earnley
Your questions about roof surveys in Earnley
Is my home in Earnley listed or in a conservation area?
For listing, use Historic England’s list; for conservation areas, ask the council. The answer matters most when a change of material is on the cards.
Do you cover smaller places like Earnley?
We do. Villages and rural addresses get the same survey as a town house.
Does the weather affect the survey?
Light rain doesn’t usually stop a survey. High wind or heavy rain can stop drone flights and make roof access unsafe, so we’ll agree a new date if the weather isn’t suitable.
Do you inspect the roof from on top?
When the roof and the conditions make it safe, yes. Many roofs can be seen well from windows, vantage points and the loft.
Do I need to be at home?
That depends on the survey. Inside the building and in the loft, we need someone to let us in, while outside access can be discussed when booking.
Is it the same as a RICS Level 2 or Level 3 survey?
No. Our survey is a roof survey, not a RICS Level 2 or Level 3 survey of the whole building. It focuses on the roof and can sit alongside a RICS survey.
Do you carry professional indemnity insurance?
Our cover is professional indemnity plus public liability.
Tips that help
Most of what helps is simple and safe from the ground. Our suggestions:
- Ask about a flat roof on an extension or garage too
- Check we can open the loft hatch
- Look for debris in the garden after high winds
- Let us know about past leaks
Where it helps, we say which items are urgent. Some faults need dealing with soon, while others can wait for planned work. That helps you decide what to do first.
Keep the roof space ventilated. Condensation builds up when air can’t move, which can dampen timbers and insulation over time. Keep insulation clear of eaves vents.
The survey, step by step
It’s useful to start with what’s prompted the survey: a purchase, a leak, a storm, new work or simply peace of mind. That way we can focus on what matters to you. Most visits take about one to two hours for most homes, depending on how many separate roofs there are. Older roofs in small places like Earnley can have low, tight loft spaces, so it is useful to know whether there is a loft hatch and how easy it is to reach. Only areas that can be reached safely are inspected.
- We start with the property details and any concerns.
- A visit is booked for a weekday, Saturday or Sunday.
- Outside, we inspect from ground level, windows and other safe vantage points, and from the roof where safe.
- Inside, we check the roof space where there is safe access.
- You receive the report with photos and recommendations, prioritised by urgency.
Before the survey
- Check we can get to the back of the property
- Move anything stored under the loft hatch
- Let us know about parking before the day
Book a survey
We survey roofs on weekdays and at weekends. To arrange a day that suits you, call 07833 053749 or send us an email.
Advice
How we price roof surveys
A few things affect what a survey costs:
- Extensions, dormers and garages with roofs of their own
- Whether you choose the Basic, Standard or Premium Survey
- How tall the building is and how easy the roof is to see
- The use of thermal imaging or a drone
Roof survey starts from £150, including VAT. Packages run from Basic at £150 through Standard at £250 to Premium at £400, with VAT included.
Getting in touch
Before you get in touch, it is useful to have:
- Where the property is, with the postcode
- The type of building and roof, like pitched or flat
- Anything about access we should know
- Photos of the roof, taken safely from ground level or a window
When you are ready to go ahead, phone 07833 053749 or drop us an email. We’ll suggest a package, agree the price and find a date.