Skip to content

Clear communicationFree inspections

Sheffield, South Yorkshire 0114 496 0063
Roofer on a ladder photographing slates and lead flashing on a semi

Roof surveys in Sheffield

Roof inspection in Sheffield, with photos and written notes

Find out the real condition of your roof before you buy, sell, claim or spend money on repairs.

  • Covering, flashings, chimneys and gutters checked
  • Photos and a plain written summary
  • Useful before a purchase or an insurance claim

Step 1 of 3

What do you need?

What is a roof inspection, and what does it check?

A roof inspection is a close look at the outside of the roof and, where possible, the inside of the loft. The aim is to tell you what condition the roof is in and what, if anything, needs attention. It is a roofer's check of the covering and the parts that keep water out. It is not a full building survey, which looks at the whole property and is carried out by a chartered surveyor.

A roof inspection in Sheffield will normally cover:

  • slates, stone slates or tiles, including slips, cracks and moss
  • ridges, hips, verges and valleys
  • lead flashings and mortar fillets at chimneys and walls
  • chimney stacks, pots and pointing
  • gutters, downpipes, fascias and soffits
  • the loft side, such as felt, timbers, insulation and ventilation
  • flat roof coverings, outlets and upstands where they exist

When is a roof inspection worth having?

Many owners only think of the roof when water comes through. A check at the right moment can save money and worry.

  • Buying a house. A survey may say the roof is old, but not how long it has left.
  • Selling. A written report helps if a buyer's survey raises roof concerns.
  • After a storm. A roofer can spot damage you cannot see from the ground.
  • Before a re-roof. Knowing the true state of timbers helps you compare quotes properly.
  • Landlords and managing agents. A record of condition supports planned maintenance.
  • After neighbouring work. Scaffold, chimney or extension work next door can disturb a shared roof line.

If the roof is already leaking, you may need a roof repair rather than a check alone, and the inspector will say so.

What will I receive after the inspection?

You should get a written summary and photographs, set out in plain English. It lists what was seen, how serious each point is and what work, if any, is advised. Items are normally sorted into things that need attention soon, things to monitor, and things that are fine. Photos make it easy to understand, and they are useful to show a builder, buyer, insurer or managing agent.

An inspection describes the condition on the day. It is not a guarantee of how the roof will perform in future. The UK also has no single official roof certificate in the way some countries do. If a lender, buyer or insurer asks for a roof report, tell us who it is for and what they need, and we will explain what we can provide. Only claim what the report actually says.

The cost depends on the size and type of the building, the roof covering, how easy it is to reach and how detailed a report you need. A small terrace is quicker than a large villa with several roof levels, dormers and chimneys. Access that needs a tower or scaffold is a separate matter and is not part of a basic inspection.

A visit to an ordinary house often takes an hour or two, with the written summary following afterwards. A commercial or multi-roof building takes longer. We confirm what is included before the visit, so there are no surprises. If the inspection shows that major work is needed, you can read about roof replacement and decide what to do next.

What do inspections usually find on Sheffield roofs?

The findings vary with the age of the house, but a few patterns come up often. On Victorian and Edwardian homes, rusted nails behind slates, perished felt, failed lead and blocked parapet gutters are typical. On 1930s semis, cracked ridge mortar, worn valley linings and tired chimney pointing are common. Post-war concrete tile roofs often show mossy, porous tiles, loose verge cement and sagging gutters.

Wind-exposed hillside homes also show more slipped slates and lifted flashings. Flat roof extensions tend to show ponding water, cracked felt or poor details at the wall. None of these faults is unusual, and most can be handled if caught early. Ask us anything about a specific roof via the home page.

Clear communication
Free inspections
Written estimates
Local crew

Request roof inspection

Tell us what you need and we call you back.

No obligation.

Step 1 of 3

What do you need?

Questions about roofing in Sheffield

Is a roof inspection the same as a building survey?

No. A building survey looks at the whole property, including structure, damp, drainage and services, and is carried out by a chartered surveyor. A roof inspection concentrates on the roof and its parts. It can be a useful extra if a survey flags the roof as a concern.

Do I need to be at home during the inspection?

It helps if someone can let the inspector into the loft, but it is not always essential. The outside of the roof can be checked without access to the house. If you are selling or letting, agree arrangements with the agent or tenant before the visit.

Can you provide a roof report for a buyer or lender?

We can write up what we find on the day, with photographs. Whether a particular buyer, lender or insurer accepts it is their decision. Tell us who the report is for and what they asked for, so we can explain what we are able to include.

How do I know if I need an inspection or a repair?

If water is coming in now, you need a repair as soon as possible, and the repairer will look at the cause. If you are unsure of the roof's condition, or you are buying, selling or planning work, an inspection gives you the facts. Many people start with an inspection and move on to a repair if it is needed.

How often should I have my roof checked?

There is no fixed rule, but many owners check by eye each spring and autumn, from the ground or the loft, and arrange a professional look every few years on an older roof. Always have a check after a major storm or if you spot slipped slates, stains or damp in the loft.

How it works

  1. Step 1

    Call or request a quote

    Tell us what is happening with the roof.

  2. Step 2

    Free inspection

    A roofer checks the roof and gives a written price.

  3. Step 3

    Work done right

    Clean crew, nail sweep, warranty in writing.

Ready when you are

Call now or request a quote online.

0114 496 0063

Get my free quote