What Does a Roof Inspection Include? What Your Sheffield Roofer Will Check

AJR Roofing — Sheffield & South Yorkshire

Most homeowners don’t give their roof a second thought until water appears on the ceiling. But a roof inspection — even a straightforward one — can catch problems while they’re still small, saving significant money compared to dealing with the same issues after they’ve been developing unseen for a year or two.

If you’ve never had a roofer assess your property, or you’re wondering what an inspection actually involves, this guide explains what gets checked, what common problems are found, how long it takes, and how much it typically costs in Sheffield.

Why Would You Get a Roof Inspection?

There are several situations where getting a roofer to take a proper look makes good sense — not just when there’s an obvious leak.

After a storm

Wind, hail and heavy rain can shift tiles, crack ridge mortar, lift flashings and block gutters. Much of this damage isn’t visible from the ground, particularly on pitched roofs where the rear slope is out of view. An inspection after significant storm activity can catch issues before they become water ingress problems.

Before buying a property

A standard surveyor’s report will note the visible roof condition from ground level, but it won’t put a roofer on the roof. Getting an independent roofer to inspect before exchange can reveal issues — and provide repair cost estimates — that inform your negotiation.

When you notice warning signs

Damp patches on an upstairs ceiling, staining on external walls near the eaves, or cracked render above window openings are all signals worth investigating. A quick inspection often traces the cause and allows a straightforward repair rather than waiting for the situation to worsen.

Routine maintenance on an older property

For older Sheffield properties — particularly Victorian and Edwardian terraces with original or aging roofs — an occasional inspection every few years is reasonable preventive maintenance. Roofs that are regularly checked tend to have fewer emergency repairs.

Before or after renovation work

If you’re having work done nearby — a loft conversion, extension, or significant internal renovation — it makes sense to confirm the roof is in good shape beforehand. Building work can sometimes disturb roof details at the eaves or in party walls.

What Does a Roofer Look for During an Inspection?

A thorough inspection covers several distinct areas of the roof. Here’s what an experienced roofer will assess.

The Main Roof Surface: Tiles, Slates or Felt

The roofer will check the condition of the primary roof covering — whether that’s concrete or clay tiles, natural or artificial slates, or a felt/built-up system on flat sections.

• Missing tiles or slates — gaps in the covering are an obvious entry point for water
• Slipped or displaced tiles — tiles can work loose over time due to nail failure or mortar deterioration; they often slip but don’t fall, leaving a gap at the bottom
• Cracked or broken tiles — particularly on older concrete tiles that become brittle with age
• Condition of the underlay — if the outer covering is lifted or missing, the roofer checks whether the underlay beneath is still intact. Old bitumen felt underlay can become brittle and disintegrate
• General condition and remaining lifespan — a good roofer will give you an honest view of how much life is left in the surface and when replacement should be planned

Ridge Tiles and Pointing

The ridge is the highest point of the roof where two slopes meet, capped with large ridge tiles bedded in mortar. This is one of the most common problem areas on Sheffield properties.

• Cracked or open mortar — pointing that has cracked or receded allows water into the ridge bed, eventually loosening the tiles
• Loose or rocking ridge tiles — a clear sign that the mortar has failed
• Vegetation in the ridge line — moss and weeds growing in the ridge joints accelerate mortar deterioration

The roofer will also check verge mortar — the pointing along the sloping edges of gable-end roofs — which fails for the same reasons.

Flashings and Leadwork

Flashings are the metal (usually lead) seals where the roof meets a vertical surface — chimney bases, dormer walls, valley lines and roof window surrounds. They are one of the most common sources of roof leaks.

• Lifted or cracked lead — lead moves with temperature changes; over decades it can crack or lift away from the wall
• Failed pointing over stepped flashings — where lead is tucked into brickwork joints, the mortar securing it can fail
• Bodged or makeshift repairs — mastic, roofing felt or bitumen tape used as a temporary fix is a common finding on older properties
• Valley condition — valley flashings where two roof slopes meet carry significant water volumes; any deterioration here will show as a leak relatively quickly

Guttering and Roofline

Guttering is inspected as part of any thorough roof check. The roofer looks at joints, brackets, fall and the condition of the fascia beneath.

• Leaking or blocked joints
• Sagging sections where the fall has been lost
• Condition of fascia boards behind the guttering — rot here is common and needs addressing
• Downpipe connections and any signs of overflow or overflow damage to the wall

Chimneys and Stacks

Chimneys are exposed to the elements on all sides and are a frequent source of roofing problems. The inspection covers:

• Repointing condition — the mortar between chimney bricks deteriorates over time. On Sheffield’s older terrace stock, many chimneys haven’t been repointed in decades
• Flashing at the base — the lead flashing sealing the junction between chimney and roof is checked for lifting, cracking or failure
• Chimney pot condition — cracked or displaced chimney pots allow water directly into the stack
• Cap or cowl — on unused chimneys, an unsealed pot is an open invitation for water ingress and nesting birds

Flat Roof Areas

Where the property has flat roof sections — over extensions, bay windows or garages — these are inspected separately.

• Blistering, cracking or crazing of the surface
• Ponding water or visible deformation
• Condition of edge details, upstands and flashings
• Any roof lights and their surrounding details

Inside the Loft (where accessible)

If access is available, a loft inspection adds significant value. From inside, a roofer can see what isn’t visible from outside:

• Daylight visible through the roof covering — indicates gaps that aren’t obvious from below
• Staining or tide marks on rafters — these indicate past or ongoing water ingress, even if the source has temporarily dried
• Condition of the underlay — bitumen felt underlay that has sagged or disintegrated is a warning sign
• Evidence of condensation problems — particularly relevant in properties where the loft has been converted or partially insulated

How Long Does a Roof Inspection Take?

For a typical semi-detached or terraced Sheffield property, an experienced roofer will complete a thorough inspection in 30–60 minutes. Larger or more complex properties — detached houses, properties with multiple roof levels or large chimney stacks — may take longer.

If the roofer is also quoting for specific repairs, allow additional time for them to measure up, photograph the issues and put together an accurate quote. The inspection and quoting visit are often combined into a single appointment.

What Happens After the Inspection?

A good roofer will explain their findings clearly — what they found, what needs doing soon, what can wait, and what to keep an eye on. You should receive either a verbal summary on the day or a written quote for any recommended work.

Not every inspection results in a recommendation to carry out work immediately. Sometimes the outcome is “everything looks in reasonable shape — keep an eye on the ridge pointing in a year or two.” That’s a legitimate and useful outcome.

If work is recommended, a reputable roofer will explain what’s involved, why it matters and give you a clear quote before any work begins. You’re under no obligation to proceed.

How Much Does a Roof Inspection Cost in Sheffield?

Many roofing companies in Sheffield — including AJR Roofing — offer free inspections as part of a no-obligation quote visit. This is the norm when a homeowner has a specific concern or is considering repair or replacement work.

A standalone roof condition survey — where a written report is produced with photographs and recommendations — typically costs £100–£200 for a standard residential property. This is more comprehensive than a quote visit and produces a document you can keep or use for insurance or pre-sale purposes.

If you’re unsure which type of inspection you need, call and describe the situation — a good roofer will advise you on the most appropriate option.

How Often Should You Get Your Roof Inspected?

There’s no single right answer — it depends on the age of the roof, the property type and whether there have been any concerning signs. A practical guide for Sheffield homeowners:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be home for the inspection?

For an external inspection, the roofer only needs access around the property. You don’t need to be present, though being there means you can ask questions and get a direct verbal summary at the end. If a loft inspection is part of the visit, you’ll need to be in to grant access.

Will the roofer go on my roof?

For a thorough inspection of a pitched roof, yes — the roofer will use a ladder to get eyes on the surface and check details like ridge pointing, flashing and tile condition. Some initial assessments are done from the ground with binoculars, but this limits what can be confirmed. AJR Roofing always gets up and takes a proper look.

Can a drone be used instead of a roofer getting up?

Drone inspections are used in some situations — particularly for large or complex roofs where traditional access is difficult. For most residential Sheffield properties, a roofer on a ladder provides a faster and more detailed assessment. Drone surveys can be arranged for specific situations; ask us if this is relevant to your property.

What if the roofer finds something serious?

If a significant problem is found — structural damage, widespread tile failure, or active water ingress — the roofer will explain what they’ve found, give you a clear quote for the repair, and advise on urgency. You’re never obliged to proceed, and a reputable roofer will give you an honest view on what can wait and what can’t.

I’ve just had a survey done as part of a house purchase. Do I still need a roofer’s inspection?

A homebuyer or RICS survey provides a general condition assessment but is typically limited to what’s visible from ground level or from inside the loft via the hatch. The surveyor is not a specialist roofer and won’t walk the roof surface. If the survey flags roof concerns or recommends “further investigation by a specialist,” that’s a clear signal to get a roofing contractor to take a closer look.

How quickly can you come out for an inspection in Sheffield?

For non-emergency inspections, we typically aim to visit within a few days of your call. For suspected active leaks or storm damage, call us directly and we’ll prioritise accordingly.