Question 1

What is the difference between an Inspection and a Survey?

Accepted Answer

The terms Inspection and Survey tend to be interchangeable, there is a slight difference between the two types of roof or building assessments. Inspections are usually carried out to examine the health and integrity of the building fabric to ensure everything conforms to Current Building Regulations and is fit for purpose. This is normally a requirement for a property purchase, a lease agreement, if there is a legal dispute or for insurance purposes. A Survey is more in depth than an Inspection including carrying out flat roof core samples and measurements with the intention of carrying out a refurbishment project.

Question 2

How often and why should a roof be inspected?

Accepted Answer

We recommend all property owners roofs are inspected twice a year. In our experience we have found it to be more beneficial being proactive rather than reactive. By being proactive and preventing potential water damage to the building fabric is far more cost effective and less inconvenient than waiting until something eventually goes wrong. In our opinion the best times of year to inspect a roof and associated roofline products are; after winter around March and before the winter weather sets in around November.

Question 3

Why would I employ the services of a Roofing Surveyor/Consultant when I could just ask a Roofing Contractor to inspect my roof?

Accepted Answer

An Independent Roofing Surveyor/Consultant's role is to provide impartial professional advice based on unbiased observations of your roof coverings for an agreed fixed fee and to the best of their abilities. A Roofing Contractor repairs or replaces roof coverings and as such cannot be regarded as unbiased and impartial as there will always be the potential for additional financial gain from roofing works based on their recommendations.

Question 4

Why not just employ the services of an RICS Chartered Building Surveyor to carry out a roof inspection?

Accepted Answer

A Chartered Building Surveyor is qualified to inspect and provide condition reports on all components of a building's design including the roof coverings. A Roofing Consultant/Surveyor is a specialist in the field of roofing. We work closely with Chartered Building Surveyors providing our specialist advice and also seek their advice on non-roofing related building issues when required.

Question 5

Should a Roofing Surveyor/Consultant have Public Liability Insurance cover?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Even though a surveyor is not actually carrying out 'works' at a property, they should still have adequate Public Liability Insurance cover for when accidents happen. Examples could be; a foot through a ceiling while inspecting a loft space or property is damaged while carrying a ladder.

Question 6

How do you determine which method you will use to inspect/survey a roof or structure?

Accepted Answer

When we receive an customer enquiry we initially carry out a desktop feasibility study based on the customer's requirements, building location and design to determine the safest and most cost effective method of carrying out an inspection or survey. The methods we use range from using a drone or telescopic mast camera to the requirement for a general purpose scaffolding to be erected. Using the study results we will provide an estimate for carrying out the inspection or survey.

Question 7

How do you ensure your Inspections and Surveys are carried out safely, minimising the risks to both yourself, property users and the general public?"

Accepted Answer

All our site 'work' is carried out in strict accordance with current Health and Safety Executive Regulations. In addition to carrying out a desktop feasibility study, we carry out Risk Assessments and Method Statements for every project to ensure risks are minimised to all parties.

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