Roof Survey Checklist for UK Homeowners (Free Self-Inspection)
The 60-second answer: A UK homeowner roof survey checklist covers eight areas: (1) tiles or slates — slips, breaks, missing, mortar fill; (2) ridge and flashings — re-bedding state, lead condition, sealant; (3) chimneys — pointing, lead flashings, stability; (4) gutters and downp
SIX THINGS, EVERY JOB
What you get with Eco Roofers
What we typically see on Nottinghamshire roofs
Nottinghamshire roof-stock splits roughly into Victorian + Edwardian terrace in central Nottingham (NG1, NG3, NG7), inter-war and post-war semis through Mapperley/Sherwood and the West Bridgford suburbs, ex-coalfield estates around Mansfield (NG18-NG20) and Worksop (S80-S81), plus pantile-and-stone period property in Newark and the Trent-valley villages.
Local weather notes. The county catches Trent-valley weather — fewer high-wind events than the Pennines but more sustained-saturation rainfall in extended wet spells. South-westerly storms strip tile fixings on the same nailing line.
Approved Document L 2022 sets the thermal performance baseline for new roofs (U ≤ 0.16 W/m²K pitched, ≤ 0.18 flat). On flat roofs, BS 6229:2018 sets the design and falls standard. Eco Roofers will guide you through any Building Control notification needed on your job.
Get a free estimate for roofing in your area
Enter your postcode and one line about your roof. Sean replies within 24 hours with a written quote.
Did the storm damage your roof?
5 quick yes/no questions. We score the severity and tell you whether to book an emergency visit, a standard survey, or wait.
Section 1: Tiles or slates (5 min)
From the ground, walk every visible elevation:\n- Any visibly missing tiles? (count them)\n- Any tiles slipped down by 5-20cm? (slip-pattern indicates nail-line failure)\n- Any tiles rotated, broken, or chipped?\n- Mortar ‘pointing’ between tile rows — present, intact, or eroded?\n- Moss or biological growth — light moss is cosmetic; heavy mat means moisture is trapped underneath
Section 2: Ridge tiles and flashings (5 min)
Look up at the ridge line and any abutments:\n- Ridge tiles — sitting flush, mortar joints intact, no displaced tiles?\n- Lead flashings at chimneys — dressed neatly, no lifted edges, no visible holes?\n- Apron flashings where roof meets adjacent wall — sealed, dressed, no daylight visible?\n- Lead valley or box-gutter — straight, no kinks, no cracks?
Section 3: Chimney stack (5 min)
If you have a chimney, focus here:\n- Brick pointing in the stack — fresh-looking or visibly eroded?\n- Stack alignment — vertical or leaning?\n- Pots and cowls — present, secure, undamaged?\n- Lead flashings at the base — dressed properly into the brickwork?\n- Any visible cracks in the brickwork above the roof line?
Section 4: Gutters, downpipes, fascias and soffits (5 min)
Walk around at ground level after rain or pour water in the gutter:\n- Gutter sag — any sections drooping below the run line?\n- Visible overflow points — water cascading over the edge anywhere?\n- Downpipe alignment — vertical, secured, joints sealed?\n- Fascia (timber/uPVC behind the gutter) — paint condition, soft spots, visible rot?\n- Soffit (underside) — vents present and clear, no daylight gaps, no signs of bird/wasp nesting?
Section 5: Flat-roof areas (5 min)
If you have a flat roof (extension, dormer, garage, porch):\n- Membrane visible from a first-floor window — felt, EPDM, GRP, or single-ply?\n- Surface condition — mineral coating intact (felt) / surface uniform (EPDM, GRP) / cracking visible?\n- Upstands at walls — dressed flat, cover-flashed, sealed at top?\n- Pooling water 24+ hours after rain — pools longer than 48h are a problem signal\n- Penetrations (rooflights, vents, soil pipes) — sealed, no visible damage to the corner detail
Section 6: Roof structure (10 min — requires loft access)
Only if your loft is normally accessible and the ladder is safe. From inside the loft:\n- Visible rafters and joists — straight, no obvious sag or twist?\n- Deck (underside of tiles) — dry, no damp staining, no daylight visible?\n- Insulation — present at the right depth (current spec ~270mm), dry, not compressed?\n- Vapour control layer / felt underlayment — present, no rips, no compression?\n- Any signs of pest activity (droppings, nesting material)?
Section 7: Ventilation (3 min)
Quick external check around the eaves:\n- Eaves vents — round black ventilator caps every few feet, OR continuous slotted soffit?\n- If no vents visible: cold-roof construction with non-existent ventilation = condensation risk\n- Ridge vents — visible at the apex on some roof types; not always required\n- Internal: are the bathroom and kitchen extractor fans vented to outside, not into the loft?
Section 8: Age and history (2 min — paperwork)
Quick paperwork check:\n- When was the roof last replaced? (deeds, previous surveys, conveyancing pack)\n- Was warm-roof or cold-roof construction used?\n- Is there a written guarantee from the previous installer?\n- Building Control completion certificate on file?\n- Any insurance claims on roof in the property’s history?
Verdict and next steps
Tally the issues found. Score:\n- 0-2 minor issues: Re-survey in 24 months. Schedule annual gutter clean.\n- 3-5 issues: Get a roofer’s free site visit in the next 2-3 months. Budget for £400-£1,500 of preventative work.\n- 6+ issues OR any structural concern: Phone a roofer this week. Could be £2,000-£12,000 of work but earlier action saves money.\n\nFree site visit from Eco Roofers across our 9-town service area — call us on 07929 379 746.
FAQ
Can I survey my own roof?
From the ground and from a first-floor window, yes — about 80% of issues are visible without going on the roof. Don’t go on the roof yourself; it’s not safe without proper equipment and training.
How often should you survey a UK roof?
Annual external check (gutters, visible damage). Full survey every 5-10 years or before a major event (sale, renovation, insurance claim).
What does a professional UK roof survey cost?
Independent qualified roof surveys £150-£400 typically. We do free site visits in our service area as part of any quote process — informal but thorough enough for most homeowner needs.
Should I survey before buying a house?
Yes — homebuyer surveys (RICS Level 2 or 3) include roof inspection but not detailed assessment. For older properties, commission a separate roof survey. Catches £2,000-£10,000+ of pre-purchase problems.
Need a roofer?
Call Eco Roofers on 07929 379 746 or email sean@eco-roofers.co.uk. Free site visit, a written, fixed-price quote within 24 hours of the site visit, 10-year installation guarantee on every new roof.
Web form: eco-roofers.co.uk. Eco Roofers covers Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire — Nottingham, Mansfield, Sheffield, Doncaster, Chesterfield, Barnsley, Rotherham, Worksop, Newark.
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