Roof Surveys
Your roof does a lot of quiet, unglamorous work. It is also one of the most expensive parts of a house to put right when something goes wrong. A roof survey from Tate Surveying Services gives you an accurate, independent picture of your roof’s condition without the guesswork or the scaffolding bill.
We carry out roof surveys across Sussex and the South East, using drone technology where access is difficult or where a closer look would simply give you better information.
“Would not hesitate to use Tate again”
Very thorough survey, including use of a drone to see the roof of a tall residential building.
We have had a number of surveys over the years and this is the most thorough survey we have ever had at a great value for money price, all dealt with very quickly and easily.
Mr & Mrs Asquith-Evans
When would you need a roof survey?
A roof survey is a good idea if any of the following apply:
- You are buying a property and your home survey has flagged roofing concerns
- You have noticed damp patches, staining or daylight in your loft
- Your roof has been damaged by a storm, fallen tree or debris
- You are planning an extension, loft conversion or significant repair and need an accurate picture before work begins
- Your property is older or has not been surveyed in a number of years
You are making a buildings insurance claim and need an independent assessment of damage
Drone roof surveys
Tate Surveying carries out drone roof surveys – also known as aerial roof surveys – across Brighton, Hove and throughout Sussex and the South East. Many roofs are difficult or unsafe to access without scaffolding. Drone surveys let our surveyors inspect your roof from above at close range, capturing high-resolution images and video of the entire surface, including areas that would be impossible to assess from the ground or a ladder.
A drone inspection is not a replacement for a full survey, but it is a practical, cost-effective way to get detailed evidence of your roof’s condition without the time and expense of erecting scaffolding. We will let you know on booking whether a drone inspection is appropriate for your property and location.
What a roof survey covers
Our roof surveys look at the full picture, including:
- Roof coverings – tiles, slates, flat roof membranes, lead, felt
- Flashings, valleys and verges
- Gutters, downpipes and outlets
- Ridge, hip and parapet details
- Chimney stacks and flaunching
- Visible rafters, beams and roof structure (where accessible from the loft)
- Signs of water ingress, moss growth, cracked or slipped materials
You will receive a clear written report with photographs, an assessment of the roof’s current condition, any repairs recommended and an indication of priority and urgency.
Roof survey FAQs
Not necessarily – but it depends on what was found. A Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey or Level 3 Building Survey will flag visible roofing defects, but neither involves a detailed close-up inspection of the whole roof surface. If your surveyor has recommended further investigation, or if the property is older and the roof has not been surveyed recently, a dedicated roof survey will give you a much more accurate picture of what needs doing and how urgently.
A drone survey uses an unmanned aerial vehicle fitted with a high-resolution camera to capture detailed images and video of your roof at close range. It allows us to inspect areas that would otherwise require scaffolding to reach safely.
For most roof inspections, drone footage provides an excellent level of detail – clear enough to identify cracked or slipped tiles, failed flashings, blocked gutters and similar defects.
That said, some issues do need hands-on access to assess fully – a flat felt roof where the seams are opening, for example. We’ll always tell you if we think closer physical inspection is needed.
One practical limitation is line-of-sight: CAA regulations require the drone operator to maintain visual contact with the aircraft at all times, which can restrict coverage on complex roof layouts or where parts of the building are inaccessible from the ground.
Drone roof surveys offer a number of practical advantages over traditional inspection methods:
- No scaffolding required – saving time and cost before any repair work has even been scoped
- Safer for surveyors – no working at height on potentially unstable or steep roof surfaces
- Better coverage – a drone can reach chimneys, valleys, ridges and rear slopes that a ladder or walkway cannot
- Photographic evidence – high-resolution images are included in your report, useful for insurance claims, contractor quotes and planning decisions
No. As surveyors using a drone for a professional inspection of a specific property, we operate within current Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations. We will confirm the details on booking and carry out any necessary checks as part of our standard process.
Most residential roof surveys – including any drone work – take between one and two hours on site. The written report is usually with you within five to seven working days. If you need a quicker turnaround, for example if a transaction is time-sensitive, let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you.
We survey all common residential roof types, including pitched roofs (tiles, slates, clay and concrete), flat roofs (felt, EPDM, GRP and asphalt), mansard roofs and timber-framed structures. Some roof surveys are better suited to drone inspection than others; we will advise on the right approach for your property when you get in touch.
The cost depends on the size and complexity of the property and whether a drone inspection is included. We provide a fixed-fee quote before you commit, so there are no surprises. Call us on 01273 031646 or use the contact form to request a quote.
Yes. An independent roof survey report from a RICS-regulated surveyor is exactly the kind of evidence insurers and loss adjusters expect to see.
If your roof has been damaged and you need professional documentation to support a claim, we can carry out the inspection and provide a report suitable for that purpose. We also offer a Buildings Insurance Claims Assistance service if you need broader help managing the repair process.
Speak to a surveyor
For advice on whether a roof survey is right for you, or to book an inspection, call us today on 01273 031646.
