In detail
Roof Reports Explained
What a report looks at
Typically: the roof covering, ridges and hips, valleys, flashing, chimneys, fascias, soffits, guttering and any flat roofs, along with visible signs of problems.
Reports and surveys
A roof report complements a building survey by giving a roofer's detailed view of the items raised.
Selling a property
If you're selling, a buyer's survey may raise questions about the roof. Having a roofer's appraisal to hand lets you answer them clearly, and if any work is genuinely needed, you can decide whether to have it done before the sale or reflect it in negotiations.
Either way, you're dealing with facts rather than a surveyor's cautious 'further investigation recommended', which helps keep a sale moving.
Garages, extensions and outbuildings
Where you'd like them included, garage roofs, single-storey extensions and outbuildings can be covered too. These are often flat-roofed and are commonly the first areas to need attention, so knowing their condition helps you plan and budget sensibly.
Let me know when you get in touch which parts of the property you want covered, and I'll confirm the fee before booking.
Who asks for a roof report
Most requests come from people buying a house whose survey has flagged the roof, from homeowners who want an honest view before spending money, and from people who have had conflicting opinions and want clarity. In each case the aim is the same: to understand the roof's real condition and what, if anything, it needs.
Why a roofer's view helps
General building surveys look at the whole property and often recommend that a roofer investigates further. A roofer spends every working day on roofs and can usually tell whether an issue is minor, needs attention soon, or points to a roof near the end of its life. That helps you decide whether to negotiate on price, plan work, or simply keep an eye on it.
Pitched roofs
On tiled and slate roofs, a report looks at the condition of the tiles or slates, slipped or missing pieces, ridge and hip tiles and their bedding, valleys, verges, the underlay where visible from the loft and signs of past leaks.
Flat roofs
On flat roofs, the report considers the type and age of the covering, splits, blisters, ponding, edge trims, upstands and the condition of the deck where it can be assessed.
Roof edges and drainage
Fascias, soffits, guttering and downpipes are also considered, as rotten boards and failing gutters are common and can lead to further damage if ignored.
Chimneys and junctions
Chimney stacks, pots, pointing and flashing, along with lead at walls and dormers, are frequent sources of leaks and are included where accessible.
What happens next
If the report shows work is needed, I can provide a fixed quote for it. Inspections and estimates for work are always free; the report itself is the only thing charged for before work. There's no obligation to use me for any work that follows.
Honest, not alarmist
The purpose of a report is to give you an accurate picture, not to sell you a new roof. If the roof is in reasonable condition, I'll tell you. Customers describe me as highly knowledgeable and transparent, which is exactly what you need when making a decision about a property.
Why homeowners choose Justin
I'm Justin Wigmore and I run J Wigmore Roofing Ltd on my own. There's no sales visit followed by a different crew: the person who inspects your roof is the person who quotes it, carries out the work and clears up afterwards. I've been listed on Checkatrade for 16 years with a 10/10 rating from 408 reviews, and the same themes come up again and again: excellent communication, daily updates, turning up when I say I will, a clean and tidy site every day, and a final price that matches the quote.
Every job is priced as a fixed quote after a free inspection. I hold £1 million public liability insurance, and payment is by BACS (preferred), cash or cheque.
Roof Reports across Aldershot and nearby towns
I'm based in Aldershot and regularly work across Farnborough, Ash and Ash Vale, Farnham and its surrounding villages, Fleet, Blackwater and Hawley, Godalming, Guildford and Odiham. Housing across North East Hampshire and West Surrey ranges from Victorian terraces and inter-war semis to post-war estates and modern homes with garages and extensions, so every roof is assessed on its own merits rather than priced from a list.
Before you get in touch
It helps to know roughly where the problem is, how long you've noticed it and whether water is getting inside. Photos taken from the ground are useful but not essential. Use the form below or call me, and I'll arrange a free inspection at a time that suits you. There's no obligation, and you'll get a fixed written quote so you can decide in your own time.