Your roof is arguably the most important feature of your property, and ensuring your roof is well-maintained is essential. Many common roofing issues start small, like a cracked or loose tile, but end up large and costly when left unaddressed, such as rotten timber or damp.
Roof inspections identify these issues in their infancy while they’re still easy to handle (and often cheap to fix). Inspections should be carried out once a year, although this can vary depending on the frequency of adverse weather you experience, the age of your roof, and many other factors that can increase the need for more frequent roof inspections.
What Does a Roof Inspection Involve?
A roof inspection involves a detailed analysis of your roof’s internal and external structure by a trained professional. They will assess whether there are any new or persisting issues, such as loose tiles, damaged flashing, debris in the roof valley, or blocked gutters. Once the inspection has been completed, you’ll be provided with an actionable report of the findings, helping you to promptly address any issues before they become more widespread.
Traditionally, roof inspections involve a professional climbing onto your roof and taking photographs of their findings, as well as hand-testing certain roofing components. However, the use of drones to safely complete this task has become a more popular option for many property owners. The drone, manned by a qualified pilot on the ground, will fly over your roof and capture high-resolution images from multiple angles to gain valuable insights about your roof.
This avoids the need for potentially expensive scaffolding, is much safer than a traditional roof inspection, and eliminates the risk of damage to your property. And if you’re a commercial business, it will prevent any impacts on your business operations
How Often Should You Get a Roof Inspection?
Ideally, you should get a roof inspection every year, either before winter or after winter. This is because winter is typically the most problematic time of the year for your roof; heavier winds, more frequent rain, and heavy snowfall can all cause significant damage to your roof.
However, there are some circumstances where you should arrange more regular inspections, such as:
- If you have any concerns or worries about damage, roof leaks, or similar issues.
- Post-storm or severe weather events, particularly following strong winds.
- After noticeable damage or general wear and tear.
- If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan.
- If you’re buying a home; you should have the roof surveyed as part of your home survey.
How Much Does a Roof Inspection Cost?
This depends on the type of roof inspection that you choose. Traditional inspections are typically more expensive since they involve greater planning and the installation of scaffolding. Drones, on the other hand, need less preparation, have reduced safety considerations, and they’re significantly quicker, which can also lower total costs.
Here’s a rough guide, based on our expertise in years of providing both traditional and drone roof inspections here at Full View:
| Type of Property | Traditional Inspection Cost | Drone Inspection Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | £500+ | £400+ |
| Commercial | £800+ | £700+ |
| Heritage / Listed | £600+ | £500+ |
For a more detailed explanation of costs, read our dedicated costs guide!
Should I Conduct My Own Roof Inspection?
The simple answer is no - unless you can safely do so from the ground (e.g. if you have a bungalow). You should never climb onto your roof, as this could pose a risk to your life in the event of an accident.
To be safe, you should always contact a professional to conduct your roof inspection for you. They will be able to identify issues that an untrained individual could easily miss. With specialist technology like thermographic drones, we can uncover hidden issues that the naked eye simply cannot see, like areas of heat loss, hidden dampness, and sections of damaged insulation.
Common Roof Problems to Look Out For
There are several common roofing issues which you may notice over time, including:
-
Damaged roof tiles.
-
Moss or algae on the roof surface.
-
Roof leaks.
-
Poorly installed or damaged flashing.
-
Clogged gutters.
-
Damaged solar panels.
-
Debris in gutter valleys.
-
Shrinkage or roof materials.
-
Rotten timber beams or rafters.
-
Pests in chimneys.
Here's an example of how some of our roof inspections and surveys have been helpful for identifying issues, getting them solved promptly, and helping with insurance purposes. If you’ve noticed a similar problem (or any of the above), please don’t hesitate to contact us.
-
"Alex arrived punctually and was very friendly and polite. After checking conditions in our attic and two areas of water ingress, he began his thorough drone inspection externally.
Following the inspection, he took time to show me areas of concern. This was followed up with photos and a full inspection report a few days later.
Alex was professional throughout and I have no hesitation in recommending him if you need an independent roof inspection."
-
"I contacted Full View as I was concerned I had a leak in my roof, and Alex was able to get out to me within a day. Within a few hours of coming to my property, he sent over a detailed report which identified where the issue was on the roof.
I was able to use this report to give to my insurance company, which assisted with getting the issue progressed and resolved far quicker than other insurance claims I have made in the past. It was also really helpful to pass onto the roofing company who then resolved the issue."
-
"I recently had a roof inspection carried out by Alex at Full View Limited. The images and reporting were amazing, and any work that was required was so clearly defined. The result is that any contractor I employ can see immediately what has to be done. I would not hesitate to recommend Full View Limited."
How Can I Keep My Roof in Great Shape All-Year-Round?
If you’re wondering how to keep your roof in the best shape throughout the seasons, here are some of our top tips:
- Cutting back overhanging branches to prevent them from falling on your roof in heavy winds.
- Cleaning out blocked gutters and downspouts, as these can cause rainwater to pool.
- Replacing broken roofing tiles quickly, since they can create areas for water ingress.
- Arrange for your roof to be professionally cleaned, removing moss and debris promptly.
- Arranging regular inspections as recommended, so you can monitor any changes over time.
Contact Us to Schedule a Thorough Roof Inspection
By organising regular roof inspections, you can save money in the long run, since small issues will be detected before they become expensive problems.
At Full View, our expert roof surveys and inspections can help monitor the condition of your roof over time, and our drone inspections are accurate in finding even the smallest of matters. Since we don’t offer repairs ourselves, we have no interest in finding issues that simply aren’t there - just honest, clear reporting of your roof’s current condition.
If you want to find out more about our roof inspection services or book a roof inspection, click below!
