Professional roof surveys across Canterbury and East Kent. Pre-purchase reports, insurance surveys and annual condition checks. Written report with photographs. From £80.
A survey is worth it before buying a period property, after a leak you cannot trace, or when a roof’s age makes its condition a question. Here is when to book one.
When it is not the answer: If the problem is obvious and visible — a single slipped tile — you need a repair, not a paid survey. Read the full guide.
We arrange a convenient time, including pre-exchange deadlines for buyers.
We assess the covering, timber, flashings and detailing on your stock’s known weak points.
A clear report with photographs, condition and any recommended work and costs.
The survey fee is credited against any repair work you then book with us.
| Job | Typical duration |
|---|---|
| Visual + written report | 1–2 hours on site |
| Drone inspection | 1 hour on site |
| Pre-purchase / full condition | Half a day |
Drone surveys need calm, dry conditions; we rebook if the weather is unsafe to fly.
We inspect from a ladder, tower or drone — no scaffold needed for a survey. Scaffold is specified for: never for a survey; only if follow-up repair work requires it - always itemised in your written quote, never a hidden extra, and we arrange it.
Canterbury’s medieval core and the Victorian terraces off Wincheap and St Dunstan’s often mean tight frontages, shared rear access and conservation-street constraints, so scaffold and skip placement take planning. Pavement scaffold and skip permits go through Canterbury City Council; allow a few working days on streets like Palace Street, Burgate, St Dunstan’s Street where space is tight.
Pre-purchase · Insurance · Annual condition check · From £80
Canterbury's period housing stock has one particular characteristic that makes pre-purchase and annual surveys more valuable here than in many other Kent towns: what looks acceptable from street level is frequently not. Victorian and Edwardian plain clay tile roofs in St Dunstan's, Wincheap and along the Old Dover Road present a neat, intact appearance to the street while concealing failed lead valleys, eroded ridge mortar, corroded nail fixtures and deteriorated felt underlay that only become visible from scaffold height or drone.
We carry out pre-purchase surveys for buyers and solicitors, insurance surveys for claim support and condition documentation, and annual condition surveys for homeowners who want to catch problems before they become expensive. Our surveys are carried out by experienced roofers, not generalist surveyors — we know exactly what to look for on Canterbury's specific housing stock and can give you an accurate repair cost estimate alongside the condition report.
Before purchasing any pre-1960 property in Canterbury, after storm damage for insurance documentation, when taking out or renewing buildings insurance on a period property, as part of annual maintenance planning, when preparing a property for sale to demonstrate condition, or when you have noticed early signs of a problem (damp patches, slipped tiles, debris in gutters) and want to understand the full scope before instructing repair work.
“Pre-purchase survey on a Victorian terrace in Wincheap flagged failing valley lead and deteriorated ridge mortar — neither visible from the street. Used the report to negotiate a price reduction. Worth every penny.”
“Insurance claim after storm damage. Canterbury Roofing surveyed the roof the next day, produced a clear photographic report. Insurer accepted it without question. Very professional service.”
“Had an annual survey done on our Victorian terrace as part of general maintenance. Report identified a section of pointing failing behind the chimney that would have caused a leak within a winter. Fixed it immediately.”
| Job | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visual survey + written report | £150–£250 | Credited against work booked |
| Drone roof inspection | £120–£200 | Calm, dry conditions |
| Pre-purchase / condition report | £250–£400 | Full written report |
| Leak investigation | £120–£250 | Trace and report |
| Damp / thermal check | from £150 | Where needed |
Worked example: A pre-purchase survey with drone and written report on a period terrace in St Dunstan’s: about £320, credited if you book the work.
Survey fee credited in full against any repair work you then book. Itemised VAT invoice.
Covering CT1, CT2, CT3, CT4 and surrounding postcodes.
The report reflects the roof’s condition on the day; any work we then carry out is guaranteed 10 years.
If a fault appears in covered work, we come back and put it right. No quibbling, no re-charge.
A quiet inspection with no mess; you receive a written report afterwards. You do not need to stay home for external work - we just need power and access agreed in advance.
Surveys run year-round; drone flights are calm-weather only. The Stour valley holds humidity, so drying times lengthen in autumn and moss returns fast on north-facing and tree-shaded roofs.
A standard visual roof survey in Canterbury costs £80–£150 and includes a written report with photographs. A full drone survey with thermal imaging costs £180–£300. Pre-purchase surveys are priced at £120–£200 and include a written condition report suitable for use in property negotiations. All survey costs are deducted from the cost of any subsequent repair or replacement work we carry out.
Strongly recommended, especially on pre-1950 stock in St Dunstan's, Wincheap, the Old Dover Road corridor and conservation area properties. Canterbury's Victorian and Edwardian housing often has 80–130 year old lead work, deteriorating ridge mortar and original clay tile that can look acceptable from street level but have significant issues visible only from scaffold or drone. A pre-purchase roof survey can save thousands in unexpected repairs after completion.
A visual inspection of all accessible roof surfaces, ridge and hip condition, valley and flashing condition, chimney stack and pot assessment, guttering and roofline condition, and an assessment of any moss or vegetation impact. We photograph all defects and produce a written condition report with a priority-rated repair schedule and indicative cost ranges. Drone surveys additionally cover thermal imaging to identify hidden moisture ingress.
Yes. Our written survey reports include photographic evidence, a description of identified defects, and an assessment of the probable cause of any damage. These are accepted by most UK home insurers for claim support and condition evidence purposes. Call us on 0122 763 4920 to discuss your specific requirements.
A standard visual survey of a 3-bed terraced or semi-detached property takes 45–90 minutes on site. The written report is typically issued within 2 working days. Drone surveys take slightly longer on site and reports are issued within 3 working days. Emergency surveys for insurance or sale purposes can usually be accommodated within 48 hours.
Yes — we cover the surrounding towns and villages across East Kent:
No call-out fees. No obligation. An honest quote from a local Canterbury roofer who turns up when they say they will.
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