• Drone Roof Surveys for London Flats and Blocks

    In a converted house or a small block of flats, the roof is shared, hard to reach, and often the subject of disagreement. Leaseholders want to know why the top floor flat keeps getting wet. Freeholders and managing agents need to know whether a roof needs repair or replacement before they plan major works and consult leaseholders. We provide independent roof surveys for all of them.

    Who We Work For

    • Block managing agents who need an independent view of a roof before instructing contractors or planning major works
    • Freeholders and Right to Manage (RTM) companies responsible for the roof of a converted house or small block
    • Residents' management companies run by the leaseholders themselves
    • Leaseholders, particularly in top floor flats, who are dealing with leaks or want to understand the condition of the roof above them
    • Buyers of flats who want to know what roof work may be coming

    Why Use a Drone?

    Most London roofs on converted houses and small blocks cannot be reached safely without scaffolding or a cherry picker, which is expensive and slow to arrange just to find out what is wrong. We use a drone and a 10 metre pole mounted camera to inspect the roof closely from the ground. That means:

    • No scaffolding needed for the inspection in most cases
    • No need for access through a leaseholder's flat to reach the roof
    • Close up photographs of every slope, valley, gutter, chimney and parapet
    • Roofs hidden behind parapets, and butterfly and mansard roofs, can be seen properly

    What the Report Covers

    • The condition of the roof coverings, fixings and flat roof areas
    • Valleys, gutters, outlets and rainwater goods
    • Chimneys, parapets, copings and leadwork
    • The likely cause of reported leaks
    • Whether the roof is reasonably repairable or is reaching the end of its life
    • Our recommendations, with an outline of the work needed

    The report is written in plain English, delivered as a PDF, and is suitable for sharing with leaseholders, directors and the freeholder.

    Independent Advice

    Our advice is fully independent of any contractor. Each report gives an independent opinion on the condition of the roof and an outline of the work needed, ready to share with leaseholders, directors and the freeholder.

    Roof Leaks Between Flats

    When water appears in a top floor flat, it is often unclear whether it is coming from the roof, a gutter, a parapet, a neighbouring roof or condensation. A roof survey identifies the likely cause, which helps the managing agent and the freeholder decide what needs to be done and who is responsible under the lease. For buildings with a butterfly roof, see our guide to butterfly roofs and valley gutters.

    More London Roof Guides

    Arrange a Roof Survey for a Block or Converted House

    Prowle & Co LLP are residential building and roof surveyors covering every London borough and the Home Counties. Prowle & Co LLP is regulated by RICS. Managing agents and freeholders are welcome to call 07731 939956 or email lee@prowleco.co.uk with the building address and the issue. We confirm the fee and terms in writing before the inspection. Read more about our roof surveys.