Commercial roof surveys. Every survey method, and what each one tells you.
Roofcheck offers eight ways to survey a commercial or industrial roof, anywhere in the UK. Each method answers a different question, from where a leak is getting in to how much of the insulation is wet. Explore each one below, or tell us what you need to find out and we’ll recommend the right approach.
Our roof surveys
Roof condition surveys
Every defect found, photographed and prioritised, with an estimate of remaining service life.
About this surveyMoisture mapping
Where water is trapped in the roof build-up, plotted on a scaled drawing of the roof.
About this surveyThermographic surveys
Hidden moisture, heat loss and insulation defects beneath the membrane.
About this surveyElectronic leak detection
The exact point where water gets through the membrane, including pinholes too small to see.
About this surveyCore sampling
What the roof is made of, layer by layer down to the deck, and whether it is wet.
About this surveyDrone roof surveys
The whole roof from above, including the areas that cannot be reached safely.
About this surveyRAAC surveys
Where RAAC is, what condition it is in, and a risk rating for every panel.
About this surveyMeasured surveys
Accurate CAD roof plans, drawn from the roof itself rather than old drawings.
About this survey
Compare the surveys
What each survey finds, whether it is intrusive, and what it needs on the day.
| Survey | What it finds | Intrusive? | What it needs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roof condition surveys | Visible defects, drainage, details, earlier repairs and safety issues | No | Safe access to the roof |
| Moisture mapping | Moisture trapped in the insulation and earlier layers | No, apart from any core samples | A dry roof for surface scanning |
| Thermographic surveys | Hidden moisture, heat loss and insulation defects | No, apart from any core samples | Moisture: after a sunny day, once the sun is down. Heat loss: a cold day with the building heated |
| Electronic leak detection | Pinholes, punctures, failed seams and breaches at details | No | High voltage: a dry membrane. Low voltage: a wetted surface |
| Core sampling | The build-up, insulation, vapour control layer, deck and moisture | Yes, at small cores sealed straight afterwards | Warranty checked before cores are taken |
| Drone roof surveys | The whole roof from above, as photographs and a mapped image | No | Dry weather, light winds and Civil Aviation Authority rules |
| RAAC surveys | Where RAAC is, with cracking, deflection, bearing and water damage | Mainly a visual check from inside; some opening up may be needed | Access to the rooms below the roof |
| Measured surveys | The shape of the roof, levels, falls and every feature on it | No | Access to the roof or safe viewpoints |
Which survey do I need?
Start with the problem. These are the surveys your quote will suggest for each one.
A leak that can’t be traced
Thermography and moisture mapping show how far water has spread. Leak detection finds where it gets in.
Get a quote for thisPlanning a refurbishment or overlay
Shows what has failed, what can be kept and what the roof is made of.
Get a quote for thisConcerns about RAAC
Confirms whether RAAC is present, how serious the risk is, and the state of the roof above it.
Get a quote for thisSolar going on the roof
Records the roof’s condition, and any work it needs, before the panels go on.
Get a quote for thisPlanned maintenance or budgeting
Prioritised repairs, set out on an accurate plan of the roof.
Get a quote for thisBuying, selling or a lease ending
A dated record of the roof’s condition before the deal is done.
Get a quote for thisAn insurance claim
Dated evidence of the damage, and of where water is getting in.
Get a quote for this
Questions about roof surveys
Can surveys be combined?
Yes, and they often are. Thermography or moisture mapping shows how far water has spread, leak detection finds where it gets in, and core samples confirm the build-up. One quote can cover several methods.
Do I need to know my roof type?
No. Tell us what you know. If you are not sure what the roof is made of, the survey will find out.
Are surveys carried out across the UK?
Yes. Roofcheck provides surveys on commercial and industrial buildings nationwide.
How much does a roof survey cost?
Cost depends on the survey method, the roof area and access. Call 0113 868 0097 or start a quote online, and you’ll receive a written quote.
Find the right survey for your roof
Whether you’re investigating a problem or planning ahead, we’ll help you choose the right survey for your roof. Get in touch for a free quote.
Free quote
A few details about the building and what you need to find out. It commits you to nothing.
Start your quote