Roof and chimney checks before buying a London home help you spot costly problems early, and this guide from IQSURV, a RICS regulated firm, explains what to look for in plain English.
Why roof and chimney checks before buying matter
A survey can comment on the visible condition of the roof covering, flashings, chimney stacks and gutters, and note where further investigation is sensible. Roofs are often only partly visible from the ground, so it helps to have a surveyor look closely rather than rely on a quick glance.
A roof is one of the most expensive parts of a home to repair, and problems are often hard to spot from the street. If you are buying in London, where many homes are older and have been altered over the years, it pays to understand what a surveyor looks at on the roof and chimney before you commit.
Why roofs and chimneys matter when buying
Water getting into a roof space can lead to rotting timber, damp ceilings and insulation that no longer works. Chimneys are exposed to wind and rain on every side, so their brickwork, mortar and flashings tend to wear faster than the rest of the building. Problems here can be costly to put right, partly because of the access needed.
What a surveyor typically looks at
A RICS surveyor will inspect the roof covering from the ground and, where safe and accessible, from other vantage points. They will usually consider the following:
- Slipped, cracked, missing or worn tiles and slates, and signs of patch repairs.
- The ridge, hips and verges, including how well they are bedded and pointed.
- Flashings and valleys where the roof meets walls, chimneys or dormers, which are common leak points.
- Gutters, downpipes and fascias, and whether water is being carried away from the walls properly.
- Chimney stacks, including cracked or crumbling brickwork, loose pots, failed pointing and leaning.
- Where accessible, the loft space, looking at timbers, signs of past or current leaks, ventilation and insulation.
Chimney issues to be aware of
Many London homes have chimney stacks that are no longer used. Redundant chimneys can still cause problems if they are not capped and ventilated correctly, as trapped moisture can show up as damp patches on internal walls. Some stacks have been partly removed inside the house, so it is worth asking whether any structural alterations were carried out and whether the work was properly signed off.
What you can check yourself
Before instructing a surveyor, take a look at the property from the pavement with binoculars if you have them. Look for uneven roof lines, sagging, moss build-up, stained ceilings or chimney breasts, and gutters that overflow or look neglected. These are only visual clues, but they can help you decide what to raise with your surveyor.
Level 2 or Level 3 for older roofs?
A RICS Level 2 Home Survey suits many conventional homes in reasonable condition. If the property is older, has a complex roof, has been heavily altered or you are planning major works, a RICS Level 3 Building Survey gives a more detailed look at the construction and likely defects. If you are unsure which suits your purchase, we are happy to talk it through.
Get in touch
IQSURV is a RICS regulated firm serving buyers across London. If you would like roof and chimney condition checked as part of your purchase, get in touch to request a quote for a RICS Level 2 or Level 3 survey. Where a roof or chimney needs specialist investigation, your surveyor will explain what further inspection is advisable before you exchange contracts.
Next steps after reading about roof and chimney checks before buying
If this guide on roof and chimney checks before buying raises questions about your own property, you may find our guides on Level 2 or Level 3 survey guide and damp checklist for London homes useful. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors sets professional standards for the industry, and you can read more on the RICS website. To discuss your situation, get in touch or request a quote through our home page, or call 020 3780 5386.