Roof Inspection
Case Studies
Real examples of how A1 Roof Repairs independent inspections have protected homeowners, buyers and businesses across Colchester and Essex.
Victorian Terrace — Hidden £8,500 Defect Found Before Purchase
Pre-purchase inspection of a Victorian terrace revealed severe nail sickness in the original Welsh slate, requiring complete re-roofing. The buyer used our report to negotiate a £8,500 price reduction.
The property had been recently decorated throughout and looked immaculate. The estate agent's description mentioned 'recently maintained roof'. The standard homebuyer survey provided only a brief, non-committal comment about the roof.
Our specialist inspection using close-up inspection cameras identified extensive nail sickness in the original Welsh slates — approximately 60% of slates were at risk of failure. The ridge mortar was cracking throughout and the lead flashings had failed.
The buyer received our report before exchange and used it to negotiate a £8,500 reduction from the asking price — significantly exceeding the £199 cost of the inspection. The roof was subsequently re-slated within the first year of ownership.
Commercial Flat Roof — Planned Maintenance Programme Saves £40,000
Annual survey of a 2,000m² commercial flat roof identified developing membrane failures at early stage, allowing targeted repairs instead of full replacement.
The 12-year-old EPDM flat roof on a large commercial unit was showing no obvious signs of failure internally. The business owner had received a quote for full replacement from a contractor who had inspected the roof.
Our independent survey identified localised membrane failures at roof penetrations and at the perimeter edge detail — but found the main roof field in acceptable condition. We produced a prioritised maintenance schedule identifying the areas requiring immediate repair and those that could wait 12–18 months.
Targeted repairs costing approximately £4,500 were carried out, compared to a full replacement quote of £44,000. Annual surveys have since maintained the roof in good condition for two further years.
Storm Damage Claim — Full £12,000 Insurance Settlement
Emergency assessment following storm damage enabled a full £12,000 insurance settlement after the insurer's loss adjuster had initially suggested a much lower figure.
Following a significant storm, the homeowner submitted a claim for roof damage. The insurer's loss adjuster visited briefly and assessed the damage as minor, offering a settlement of £1,800 — far below the actual repair costs needed.
We carried out a comprehensive emergency inspection documenting all damage with high-resolution photography, thermal imaging showing concealed moisture ingress and a detailed professional assessment of the extent of storm damage and consequential water ingress.
Our independent report was submitted to the insurer with a formal dispute. The claim was reassessed and settled in full at £12,000 within three weeks. Our report was described by the claimant's solicitor as 'decisive evidence'.
Persistent Leak Located After Two Failed Contractor Attempts
Thermal imaging investigation located a persistent roof leak that two separate roofing contractors had failed to identify over an 18-month period.
A damp patch had appeared in the first floor bedroom of a 1960s detached house. Two separate roofing contractors had carried out repairs targeting what they believed were the entry points, but the leak continued through two winters.
We carried out a specialist leak investigation using thermal imaging and moisture mapping. The thermal survey identified a moisture track running from a concealed cold bridge at the eaves — not related to any of the repair areas targeted by the previous contractors. The actual entry point was 3.2 metres from where contractors had been working.
The leak source was identified precisely and communicated clearly to the homeowner with annotated thermal images. A targeted repair by their chosen contractor resolved the issue permanently at a cost of approximately £320 — after £1,400 of ineffective repairs.
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Book an independent roof inspection and see what we find. From £149 across Colchester and Essex.