Roof surveys are conducted to determine how much life a roof has left. They also attempt to understand what is currently happening to a roof. Given that they can have many different problems, a condition assessment is the first step in understanding what is wrong with the roof before you consider the potential cost of a roof replacement versus the amount of time a roof can last when it is functioning well (i.e. no drips, no leaks).
After your surveyor can safely reach your roof, they will conduct a visual inspection of the entire roofing system. First, though, they will make a risk-based decision about which roof access method to use.
There are several ways to get up close and personal with your roof, but the access methods your surveyor will choose from are ultimately dictated by the slope, height, and accessibility of your roof, as well as roofing materials that appear either sound or hazardous during the visual roof assessment. Your surveyor will do their best to efficiently access and inspect your roof without safety risks or compromising the integrity of the roof or the materials that make it up.
You will receive several critical parts of information from a thorough roof inspection report, including:
This comprehensive inspection does more than disclose the roof’s current condition. It equips us with the knowledge necessary to make cost-effective decisions moving forward. Whether we are contemplating maintenance, repair, or replacement, this inspection gives us the essential insight to ensure not just the safety but also the roof’s longevity and that of our property.
When filing a claim with your insurance company for roof repairs, it is crucial to have an independent survey report. The purpose of this document is to assess and define the damages clearly. It is of utmost importance that this report detail not only the type of repairs needed but also the scope of those repairs—essentially what will make your home safe from the elements. The team can assist you with the preparation of this important document in several ways.
Documentation: first, they can document any damages that are present. That is the most vital part of the report: outlining what part of your roof is damaged by either wind or water.
Assistance in Filing Insurance Claims: this report is intended to aid you in the process of filing a claim with your insurance company. Your surveyor will provide an independent, detailed account of the findings. This allows you to help ensure that your insurance company does what it is obligated to do: grant you the coverage to which you are rightfully entitled so that necessary repairs can be made.
When scheduling your roofing project, you need to think about a couple of things. The first is whether or not you’re going to engage in a survey or inspection of the roof before the main event. It isn’t very common to do surveys for simple jobs like stripping and re-roofing, and some experts will tell you that they’re not necessary. However, if either you or your project manager is unsure of the roof’s current condition or if the project you plan to undertake could raise the risk of leaks, then a survey or inspection is needed.
A lot of leaseholders count on their freeholders to handle roof repairs and maintenance. Using a roof surveyor can therefore beneficial.
Assessing Damage: if you believe your roof has been damaged, a survey may be in order. Our panel can carry out a survey, and that survey can itemise the damage with photographs and estimate potential costs where needed.
Freeholder Communication and Report Preparation: the roof surveyor will prepare a comprehensive report detailing all facets of the roof damage and the necessary repairs. This report is for the freeholder and is intended to communicate the urgency of the situation.
Legal Support: if it comes to it, the condition of the roof and the surveying reports will be strong evidence that you can use to establish the freeholder’s responsibility for the roof.
It is necessary to submit a building regulations application for any roofing work you plan to undertake. If the new tile covering is going to be heavier than what was already there, the complete roof structure needs a full appraisal to ensure that it is capable of supporting what’s essentially a new roof.
If this kind of evaluation isn’t done and the work goes ahead anyway, there can be some very serious, even catastrophic, consequences for the property in the short, medium, or long term.
There are several signs that indicate the need for a roof survey. Let’s look at the interior of the building first. Look for the following:
Roofing exterior signs:
Looking for a Chartered Surveyor? If you are buying a property, contact us for a building survey. Our panel of CIOB, RPSA and RICS surveyors will help you with the Level 2 or Level 3 property survey you need in Notting Hill. We can also assist you in Red Book Valuations, Party Wall Awards and other services. Reach out to us today for building surveyors, valuers and party wall surveyors in London!
