Roof survey and insurance reports

What a roof inspection covers

We look at the roof as a whole, not just the spot you are worried about. That means the covering itself, ridges and hips, verges, valleys, lead flashings, chimneys, gutters and any flat sections. Where there is loft access we also check the underside for damp staining, daylight and the state of the felt or membrane.

You then get a plain-English written summary of what we found and a no-obligation quotation for anything that needs doing. If the roof is sound, we say so.

• Tiles, slates and ridges
• Flashings, valleys and verges
• Chimneys and abutments
• Flat roof coverings and outlets
• Loft-side signs of water getting in

Reports for insurance claims

After a storm or a sudden leak, insurers usually want evidence of what happened before they agree a claim. We carry out insurance inspections and write up an insurance-friendly report describing the damage, what we believe caused it and the repair needed, supported by photographs taken on the roof.

The decision on your claim is always your insurer's. What we can do is give them a clear, factual account from someone who has been up on the roof, which saves back and forth and helps get repairs moving.

Making the roof safe first

If water is coming in, you should not have to wait for paperwork. Where it is needed we can carry out temporary weatherproofing and record the damage at the same visit, so the property is protected while the claim is considered. Our emergency call-out service is advertised 24/7.

Booking an inspection

Call 07437 005301 or use the contact form. We are based in Costessey and work across Norwich and Norfolk, Monday to Saturday, 08:00 to 17:00.

When an inspection is worth booking

Plenty of people call us only once water is dripping through a ceiling, but an inspection is useful long before that. Buying an older house, taking on a rental property, planning a loft conversion or simply noticing debris in the gutters after a gale are all good reasons to have someone check the roof.

It is also sensible to book one if a previous repair keeps failing. Repeated patching in the same spot often means the cause lies somewhere else, such as a valley, a flashing further up or condensation from the loft, and a thorough look across the whole roof is the quickest way to find it.

Give the survey a clear purpose

A roof survey for a buyer, a recurring leak and storm evidence are different enquiries even when they concern the same building. Explain what decision the findings need to support and whether the report is intended for you, a managing agent or an insurer. That keeps the conversation focused on the roof and the information you need.

Provide any earlier repair history, when the symptom occurs and whether loft access is available. A photograph of the ceiling mark can locate the concern, but the inspection still considers the covering and its junctions. Ask what access is possible and what the written findings will describe before relying on a report for a particular decision.

Keep insurance cover separate from the repair assessment

The roofing report describes the observed damage and proposed work; the policy determines whether your insurer will pay. Check the insurer’s evidence requirements and any instructions about authorising repairs. Retain the written report and photographs alongside the quotation so the scope being considered is clear.

For water actively entering, describe the immediate problem when calling rather than waiting to complete every insurance question. Temporary weatherproofing and permanent repair have different purposes and should be identified separately. A roof report cost enquiry should also distinguish the free inspection and quotation already offered from any particular documentation requirement you want to discuss.

Common questions

Is the roof inspection free?

Yes. Inspections and quotations are free and there is no obligation to go ahead.

Can your report guarantee my claim is paid?

No. The insurer makes that decision. Our report gives them clear evidence of the damage and the repair needed.

Do you include photographs?

Yes. Photographs taken on the roof support the written report.

Can I claim a new roof on house insurance?

That depends on your policy, the cause of the damage and your insurer’s decision. A roofing assessment can describe repair or replacement needs but cannot determine cover.

Is roof repair tax deductible?

Tax treatment depends on your circumstances and is separate from the roofing diagnosis. Ask your accountant how the proposed work should be treated.