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BUYING GUIDE

What Happens in a Roof Survey? A Salisbury Guide

📅 Updated 2026-02-25 🕐 6 min read 📍 Salisbury, Wiltshire

A roof survey in Salisbury checks tiles, ridges, lead work, guttering, chimneys, flat roofs and the loft space. It takes 45–90 minutes with roof access, and you receive a written report within 24 hours. Our surveys are completely free with no obligation. Call 0172 223 9611.

If you are thinking of having a professional roof survey but are not sure what it involves, this guide explains the process from call to written report.

What We Check in a Roof Survey

A thorough survey covers every accessible element:

  • Tiles/slates: Condition, fixings, displacement, surface erosion, moss coverage
  • Ridge and hips: Mortar condition, tile seating, movement
  • Lead work: Valleys, chimney flashings, any repairs or patching
  • Guttering: Condition, fall, blockage, fascia damage
  • Chimney stacks: Mortar, flaunching, pot security, lead flashing
  • Flat roof sections: Membrane condition, drainage, upstand height
  • Loft space: Felt condition, water staining, structural timber assessment
  • Velux and dormers: Flashing condition, frame integrity

The RICS notes that standard HomeBuyer Reports assess roofs only in general visual terms — an independent specialist roof survey provides the close-range detail needed for repair-cost decisions.

— RICS survey guidance

How Long a Survey Takes

A thorough survey on a standard 3-bed semi takes 45-90 minutes. We access the roof surface — we do not conduct surveys using binoculars from the ground. If any area is physically inaccessible, we note this in the report.

What You Receive After a Survey

A written report within 24 hours covering all identified issues with: priority rating (urgent / recommended / monitor), recommended action, and associated costs. You are under no obligation to proceed — the report is yours to act on as you choose, with any contractor.

Are Our Surveys Really Free?

Yes. No call-out fees, no hidden charges, no obligation. We do not charge survey fees as a barrier to getting unbiased professional advice.

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Last reviewed: 21 July 2026 by Salisbury Roofing Experts

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Roofing Guides

Pre-Purchase Roof Surveys in Salisbury

Why a Pre-Purchase Survey Is Worth It

A pre-purchase roof survey is one of the most cost-effective surveys you can commission before buying a Salisbury property. The standard RICS HomeBuyer Report covers roof condition only in general terms — it will note visible defects but will not access the roof surface or loft space thoroughly. An independent roofer survey gives you specific, actionable information: the extent of any nail sickness, the condition of lead work, whether the felt is serviceable, and what the next 5 years of maintenance is likely to cost.

We carry out pre-purchase surveys across Salisbury and surrounding Wiltshire areas. The report we provide is written in plain language and gives you a repair cost estimate for any identified issues — usable for negotiation or for making an informed decision about whether to proceed with the purchase.

What Makes a Good Survey Report

A useful survey report does not just list what is wrong — it tells you what it means in practical terms. We prioritise every identified issue: urgent (needs addressing before or immediately after purchase), recommended (should be planned within 1-2 years), and monitor (watch on the next inspection). We also give a realistic 5-year maintenance budget so you can factor ongoing roof costs into your purchase decision. Every report includes photographs of identified defects.

Surveying Specific Property Types in Salisbury

Victorian and Edwardian Properties

The Victorian and Edwardian terrace and semi-detached stock across Fisherton, St Paul's, Castle Road and Harnham requires specific survey focus. Lead valleys at rear return junctions, chimney lead flashing condition, tile type and mortar specification for any repair work, and the condition of original felt underlay (where fitted) are the priority survey elements for this stock. We carry out detailed close-range assessment rather than ground-level observation only.

Post-War and Estate Housing

For the 1960s-70s concrete tile estate housing across Bishopdown, Bemerton Heath, Durrington and Laverstock, the survey priority is nail sickness assessment across every slope, ridge and hip mortar condition, flat roof condition on rear extensions, and gutter and fascia condition. We assess the extent of nail sickness across the whole roof surface — not just the easily visible slopes — and give you a specific percentage estimate of affected tiles, which directly determines whether repair or replacement is the appropriate recommendation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — we cover Salisbury and all surrounding areas across Wiltshire, Hampshire and north Dorset. Free survey, no call-out fee. Call 0172 223 9611.

Costs vary by property and scope. We provide free surveys and written fixed-price quotes across Salisbury and surrounding areas. Call 0172 223 9611 to arrange.

Yes — all surveys and quotes are completely free with no obligation. We assess, confirm the issue, and give you a written quote. Call 0172 223 9611.

Yes. NFRC registered, fully insured with £5m public liability, 10-year written workmanship guarantee on all work. Call 0172 223 9611.

Yes — 24/7 emergency cover across Salisbury and all surrounding areas. No call-out fee. Call 0172 223 9611.

Over 20 years covering Salisbury and surrounding Wiltshire areas. We know the local housing stock well. Free survey — call 0172 223 9611.

We are Salisbury-based and can reach most of the city within 20 minutes. Surrounding villages within 30-45 minutes. 24/7 emergency attendance. Call 0172 223 9611.

Last updated: August 2026

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