West Sussex · London and the South East
Storm damage roof report in Small Dole, West Sussex
An independent record of roof damage after a storm in Small Dole, carried out by an experienced roof surveyor. You get a clear written report with photographs.
- Loose or torn flashings
- New damp or leaks inside
- Damaged flat roof membrane
Storm damage roof reports for homes and businesses in Small Dole
The Financial Ombudsman asks three questions when it looks at storm complaints: whether there were storm conditions around the date, whether the damage fits a storm, and whether the storm was the main cause. We record what the roof shows about the damage and its likely cause. You or your insurer can check the weather for the date. Common reasons to book are slipped or missing slates or tiles and stains appearing after strong winds, across ridges and hips, flashings and gutters and fascias.
In a village or hamlet like Small Dole, older cottages and farmhouses frequently have roofs that have been patched over many years. That makes it hard to tell new damage from old wear, and the difference matters, especially to an insurer. The report says what was seen and what it points to. Older walls and timbers hold water for a long time, so it’s worth finding the cause soon.
Where we cannot see part of the roof, the report says so. That way, it is clear what was covered and what wasn’t, and what we’d suggest next.
- Location
- Small Dole (BN5)
- Region
- West Sussex
- Prices
- From £150 inc. VAT
- Your report
- A written report with photos, by email
- Appointments
- Weekdays, Saturdays and Sundays
- Cover
- PI and public liability insurance
- Phone
- 07833 053749
- Last updated
- 27 October 2026
What we do, step by step
Every roof is different; as a rough guide, the survey takes an hour or two at most homes, rising to roughly 3–4 hours on a commercial building. If you have questions on the day, just ask. Older rural homes like those around Small Dole can have a main roof, lower lean-to roofs and outbuildings all joined together. We work round each section in turn, from the safest viewpoints.
- You let us know what happened and whether a roofer has made the roof safe.
- We check inside, including the loft where there’s access, for water damage.
- The roof is inspected from ground level, windows and the roof where it’s safe.
- We record fresh damage and older defects.
- The report, with photos, is emailed to you.
Getting ready for the survey
- Jot down any questions you want answered
- Have any paperwork from past roof work to hand
- If you’re buying, let the agent know when we’re coming
Book a survey
When you are ready to go ahead, ring 07833 053749 or drop us an email. We’ll suggest a package, agree the price and find a date, weekday or weekend.
Advice
Towns and villages near Small Dole
More services for Small Dole
Leaks and storm damage in Small Dole
The coast is about 5 miles or less from Small Dole, so storms can arrive with strong gusts off the water. What counts as a storm is set by each policy, often gusts of around 55 mph, and the insurer makes the decision. Older houses across Sussex often have handmade clay tiles, and many have tile-hanging on their upper walls. Horsham stone slab roofs survive on some old Sussex buildings. Different coverings let water in at different points, which shapes where the search starts.
Historic houses such as Portslade Manor, about 4.8 miles south-east, show how far back building around Small Dole goes. Older roofs in the area may have lead flashings, valleys and gutters that have been patched many times. If you live near a park such as Tottington Wood, or anywhere with mature trees, autumn leaves can block gutters and valleys, and blocked gutters overflow and soak walls. If you own a rental within reach of Shoreham-By-Sea station, tracing a leak quickly matters when a tenant is living with it.
Small Dole is about 5 miles north of Shoreham-by-Sea, in West Sussex. Surveys in Small Dole work the same way as everywhere we cover: a careful inspection, photographs and a written report. We cover towns and villages across West Sussex, large and small. For surveys nearby, see our Brighton page.
We cover every part of the BN5 postcode area for storm damage roof reports. Whether your property is on Downsview, Tottington Drive and Orchard Close or anywhere close by, we can survey it. If you are just outside Small Dole, we cover Woodmancote (2 miles north-east), Henfield (2 miles north), Blackstone (2 miles north-east), Albourne (3 miles north-east) and High Cross (3 miles north-east). Within a short drive, we also cover Crawley (15 miles north), Horsham (11 miles north), Worthing (8 miles south-west), Haywards Heath (10 miles north-east), Burgess Hill (7 miles north-east) and Littlehampton (13 miles south-west).
Local landmarks in Small Dole
Around Small Dole, our work takes us to homes and buildings near Tottington Wood, among other places. The closest station to Small Dole is Shoreham-By-Sea station, about 4.8 miles south. Other landmarks nearby include Southlands Hospital (4.4 miles south) and Steyning Museum (2.6 miles south-west). Green spaces nearby include Woods Mill and Truleigh Hill.
What we look for on each type of roof
Flat roof coverings
Lifted trims and laps are common after a storm. We look at whether the damage is recent or older.
Lead flashings
Flashings can lift or pull away from walls and chimneys in strong winds. Loose or damaged flashings are photographed and noted.
Before and after the survey
Some practical points come up on survey after survey. They’re worth knowing whatever the roof:
- Keep invoices for temporary repairs
- Check your policy for how to report damage
- Read your policy wording on storm damage
- Write down when the storm hit and when you noticed damage
If you’re unhappy with how your insurer handles the claim, you can complain to them first. After that, you may be able to take it to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Clear gutters and outlets before the stormy months. Overflowing gutters can make storm damage worse.
Landlords, agents and block managers in Small Dole
Surveys can also be booked by buyers’ agents acting for a client. The report is emailed, so it can go straight to your client.
Letting agents often book on a landlord’s behalf, with the report sent to whoever needs it. Access is agreed with the tenant in advance.
Honest limits
Before booking, it’s worth knowing what a survey will not do:
- Areas we can’t see safely
- A price for the repairs
- How your policy defines a storm
Not sure which survey suits your roof? You can call 07833 053749 or use the contact form and we will tell you. What our survey covers.
Roof types and parts we check
- Gutters and fascias
- Chimney stacks
- Flashings
- Ridges and hips
- Slate and tile slopes
- Flat roofs
Small Dole questions
Does being near the coast affect roofs in Small Dole?
Generally, yes: wind and salt air take more of a toll near the sea. Exposed details such as ridges, verges, flashings and metal fixings are the ones to watch, and Small Dole is within about 5 miles of the coast.
Does a conservation area affect roof work in Small Dole?
You can check whether a building is listed on Historic England’s list, and your council can tell you if it’s in a conservation area. If a home is listed, changes that affect its special interest need listed building consent, and in a conservation area re-roofing in different materials may need permission.
Is this a RICS survey?
No. Our survey looks at the roof, not the whole building. If you need a full building survey, you will need a RICS survey as well.
Will my insurer pay out if I get a storm damage report?
That’s not something we can promise. The decision rests with your insurer and its policy. Our report gives you an independent record of the damage and its likely cause.
Will you check the loft?
Typically, if there is one and it can be reached safely. The loft space can show things the outside cannot, such as damp timbers, staining or daylight.
How long will you be at the property?
That depends on the size and shape of the roof; most visits take roughly 1–2 hours on an ordinary house, and about three to four hours for a commercial roof. The written report follows by email.
My storm claim was turned down. What now?
Complain to your insurer first. After that, the Financial Ombudsman Service may be able to look at it. An independent report can add to your evidence, though we can’t predict the outcome.
Checking the roof from ground level
What you cannot do safely is get up close. Slates, tiles, flat roofs and rooflights can give way. That is where a survey comes in.
If you have a loft with safe access, take a look inside. Take a torch and only step on boards or joists, checking for stains, damp wood or chinks of daylight.