What a thorough roofing survey should deliver in Arundel
A careful roofing survey protects your home, your budget and your timeline. In Arundel we work on homes that face coastal winds, valley weather and heritage constraints, so accuracy matters. A proper survey should document the condition of every visible element, capture clear photographs and record precise measurements that make quotations reliable. If you want a friendly local team to take care of it, speak to us at Roofing Arundel.
The checks a professional will carry out
Roof coverings and details
Your survey should review the roof covering type and condition, whether clay tiles, natural slate or modern materials. Expect comments on broken or slipped units, nail fatigue, ridge and hip tiles, valleys, verges, and any mortar bedding. Leadwork should be checked at abutments for correct laps, sound fixings and signs of fatigue. Roof windows, skylights and solar brackets need inspection for seals, flashings and water paths.
Flat roofs
On felt, GRP or EPDM roofs the survey should note membrane age, blisters, splits and ponding. Upstands, edge trims and outlets must be checked to ensure water is guided away correctly. The survey should highlight any inadequate upstand heights or missing vapour control layers that increase condensation risk.
Rainwater goods
Gutters and downpipes should be inspected for correct falls, blockages, joint failures and bracket spacing. Eaves details including fascias, soffits and eaves protection trays should be assessed for decay or poor ventilation. Overflow marks on walls and staining on stone or brickwork should be photographed.
Structure and loft
Inside the loft the surveyor should check rafters, purlins and collars for deflection, cracking and previous alterations. Signs of water ingress, rusted fixings, timber decay or woodworm must be recorded. Insulation depth should be measured and ventilation verified, looking for condensation, mould or damp patches. Underlay type and condition should be noted along with any daylight seen through the covering that indicates gaps.
Chimneys and penetrations
Chimney stacks need attention to flaunching, pots, cowls and pointing. Lead flashings and back gutters must be secure with neat steps and adequate laps. All roof penetrations such as soil vents or extractor terminals should be checked to ensure the flashings are sound and watertight.
Access and safety planning
A good survey will also address safe access for any future works. Notes on scaffold positions, temporary roofs, pavement licences and protection of neighbouring property help avoid delays later, especially in Arundel’s conservation areas.
Photos you should expect
Your report should include clear overview shots of each elevation plus close ups of defects like cracked tiles, open laps, split membranes and perished flashings. Internal photos should show any staining, wet timbers or insulation gaps. Where access is difficult, drone imagery can provide safe high level visuals, subject to local guidance. Good practice is to add captions or simple annotations so you can see what is being recommended and why.
Measurements that make quotes accurate
Accurate measurements turn a survey into a dependable plan. Expect the following as standard:
Roof pitch in degrees taken with a digital gauge. This informs material choice and the calculation of true roof area. Plan areas in square metres for each slope, adjusted for pitch, so material quantities and waste allowances are realistic.
Linear metres for eaves, verges, ridges, hips and valleys so tiles, ridge units, hip trays and valley liners can be priced properly. Flashing lengths at abutments and chimney sides, with notes on lead codes where replacement is advised.
Gutter runs and downpipe positions measured in metres, including outlet locations to set correct falls. Soffit and fascia lengths recorded for timber or uPVC replacements. Openings sized for roof windows or sun tunnels, and details taken for any parapets or party walls.
Loft insulation coverage in square metres and actual depth in millimetres. Scaffold dimensions including elevations, heights and anticipated ties, plus any temporary roof spans where weather protection is recommended. If waste removal is needed, a note on estimated skip volumes keeps costs transparent.
Clear reporting and next steps
The finished survey should arrive as a structured report with a summary you can read in minutes and full detail in the appendix. A simple traffic light system for condition is helpful, along with photos beside each recommendation. You should receive options for repair or replacement with itemised pricing, expected timescales and warranty notes. This clarity means you can plan works around your diary and the seasons.
Local expertise in Arundel
Arundel’s mix of listed buildings, clay tile roofs and slate in conservation streets calls for a sensitive approach. We understand local planning needs, the effect of wind driven rain along the Arun valley and the care required around flint and brick gables. If you want a survey that is careful, accurate and tailored to your home, contact the team at Roofing Arundel and we will be happy to help.