Roof in property surveys: what you need to know before you buy

The roof? You can't handle the roof!

All jokes aside, when it comes to assessing a property you're planning to buy, the roof is one of the most critical parts of the building. It protects everything beneath it from rain, wind and weather damage so any structural issue here could mean major headaches (and costs) down the line.

Over recent decades, many homeowners have extended their living spaces upwards by converting lofts into bedrooms, studies, or even en suites. While these additions add value, they also place new stresses on a property's roof structure.

One frequent issue is the appearance of cracks where rafters meet, especially if new rooms or roof windows have added load. These cracks may indicate that the roof trusses and rafters are under too much strain, potentially compromising the structure's integrity.

High winds and extreme weather, increasingly common due to climate change, can further strain weakened roofs, potentially leading to distortion or, in the worst cases, collapse.

When you hire a RICS-registered chartered surveyor, they'll carry out a comprehensive inspection of the property (without causing any damage). In terms of the roof, they will:

• Check for structural cracking, sagging, or bowing
  
• Assess the quality of previous loft conversions
  
• Look for missing or damaged restraints and ties
  
• Flag risks from additional loads or poor modifications
  

If needed, they may recommend retrofitting metal straps or cross-members to improve roof stability. Surveyors will also suggest a timeframe for any urgent repairs and recommend budgeting for future maintenance.

If the property you're interested in has had a loft conversion, your conveyancing solicitor should verify whether the proper Building Regulation Approval was obtained. This ensures:

• Structural integrity of the roof and floor
  
• Safe fire escape routes
  
• Properly designed stair access
  
• Adequate sound insulation
  

Surveyors can't always verify compliance themselves, so they may recommend your solicitor makes further legal enquiries.

Your surveyor will provide a detailed report that includes photographs, descriptions, and clear recommendations. This insight gives you confidence when negotiating the property price and planning future repairs.

If you're buying a home and want a clear understanding of potential structural issues especially with the roof, trust the experts at Surveyor Local.

At Surveyor Local, we work exclusively with RICS-qualified chartered surveyors. They'll carry out a professional, reliable building survey to help you make a confident property decision.

From roof truss issues to hidden flood damage, we uncover the problems before they become yours.

Call  to get your no-obligation survey quote today, or use our easy online quote tool. Just enter your name, postcode, property value, and contact info, and get an instant estimate sent to your inbox.

Let Surveyor Local help you buy smart—from the roof down.