As a local roofer working right here in Leatherhead. Over the years, I’ve worked on countless roofs across Leatherhead and the surrounding areas. One thing I’ve come to learn is just how important it is to check the condition of the roof when you’re buying a home.
If you’re planning a move to Leatherhead — first off, welcome! It’s a lovely part of Surrey with a great mix of period properties, family homes, and modern developments. But whether you’re buying a charming Victorian terrace or a newer build on the outskirts, the roof above your head is something you can’t afford to overlook.
In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly what I recommend checking on a roof before you buy a property. These are the things I look for when I’m called in to do pre-purchase roof inspections — and they can save you thousands in repairs and a whole lot of stress down the line.
Why the Roof Deserves a Closer Look
When buying a house, most people focus on the interior layout, the kitchen, the garden, or the local schools. But the roof is what protects all of that. It’s your home’s first line of defence against the elements. And unfortunately, a roof in poor condition can lead to problems like leaks, damp, heat loss, and even structural issues.
Most homebuyer surveys will offer a basic overview of the roof, but they’re not usually done by roofing specialists. That’s where I come in — if you’re serious about a property, getting a proper roof check can give you peace of mind (or bargaining power if there’s an issue).
1. Check the Age and Type of Roof Covering
Tiles, Slates, or Flat Roofing?
The first thing I always assess is what kind of roof covering the property has. In Leatherhead, you’ll find all sorts — from natural slate roofs on older properties, to clay tiles, concrete tiles, and flat felt roofs on extensions or garages.
Why it matters: Different materials have different lifespans. For example:
- Natural slate can last up to 100 years if well maintained
- Clay tiles typically last 60–80 years
- Concrete tiles can last 40–60 years
- Flat felt roofing may only last 10–20 years
If you can find out when the roof was last replaced or overhauled, that’s a big bonus. Otherwise, I can usually make an educated estimate based on wear and tear.
Visible Damage or Wear
Look out for signs of age like discolouration, surface erosion, moss growth, or missing tiles. These can all point to the roof nearing the end of its life. Even if it’s not leaking today, an old roof can become a money pit a few years down the line.
2. Look for Broken or Missing Tiles
This is one of the most common issues I find during inspections. Tiles may have slipped, cracked, or gone missing over time — especially after winter storms, which we get plenty of in Surrey.
Signs to look for:
- Gaps in the roofline
- Broken tile fragments in the garden
- Visible cracks or sagging areas
Even one missing tile can allow water to enter and damage the underlay or loft timbers. If there are several, it may indicate ongoing maintenance has been neglected.
3. Inspect Flashing and Roof Junctions
Roof flashing — usually made of lead, zinc or aluminium — is used around chimneys, valleys, skylights and where the roof meets walls. I pay particular attention to these areas during inspections, because they’re a common source of hidden leaks.
Look for:
- Loose, lifted, or missing flashing
- Signs of patch repairs (which may or may not have been done well)
- Damp stains on interior ceilings or walls near junction points
Replacing or repairing flashing isn’t a huge job — if caught early. Left too long, though, it can lead to damp, rotting timbers, and mould growth.
4. Examine the Gutters and Downpipes
The condition of the gutters can tell you a lot about the roof. In Leatherhead, I often find blocked or sagging gutters on older homes, particularly if the property has been vacant or unoccupied for a while.
Check for:
- Blocked gutters (look for plants or moss growing out of them)
- Leaking joints or rusty sections
- Downpipes that aren’t connected properly
Poor drainage leads to water spilling down walls, which can cause damp and even affect foundations if left long enough. During a roof inspection, I also check the fascia and soffit boards for rot or pest damage.
5. Check the Chimney (If There Is One)
Many properties in Leatherhead have traditional chimneys, which can be a weak spot if they’ve been neglected. I’ve repaired everything from leaning stacks to crumbling mortar in the past — and they’re not always easy (or cheap) fixes.
What to look for:
- Leaning or cracked chimney stacks
- Missing or damaged chimney pots
- Brickwork that looks loose or deteriorated
If the chimney is shared with a neighbouring property, it’s worth asking when it was last inspected or repointed. I also check that any flashing around the chimney is watertight and properly sealed.
6. Look Inside the Loft
If you get a chance to look inside the loft space during a viewing or survey, take it. This is often where the signs of a bad roof first appear.
In the loft, check for:
- Damp insulation or wet patches on timbers
- Signs of daylight through the roof (where it shouldn’t be)
- Fungal growth or mould
- Unusual smells (which can suggest hidden leaks)
I’ve done many inspections where the roof looked fine from the outside, but inside, the loft was showing signs of water ingress. This kind of issue might not appear on a basic survey, so it’s worth asking for a specialist opinion.
7. Ask About Previous Repairs or Maintenance
If you can, speak with the current owner or estate agent about the roof’s history. Useful questions include:
- When was the roof last replaced or refurbished?
- Has there been any roof-related insurance claims?
- Have there been recent repairs (and who carried them out)?
Many sellers will disclose this information if asked directly — and if they’ve kept records or receipts, that’s even better. If the roof was recently redone, check that the work was carried out by a qualified professional and includes a guarantee.
8. Don’t Forget Flat Roofs on Extensions or Garages
Lots of homes in Leatherhead have single-storey extensions, garages, or dormers with flat roofs. These need checking just as carefully as the main pitched roof.
Flat roofs are more prone to water pooling, UV damage, and leaks. If the flat roof is covered in felt, GRP, or EPDM rubber, ask how old it is and whether it’s under warranty. I’ve seen many flat roofs that look fine until the next heavy rainfall — and then it’s a different story.
9. Consider a Full Roof Inspection Before You Buy
If you’re serious about buying a property, especially an older one, I highly recommend booking a proper roof inspection before you exchange contracts. It’s a small investment compared to the potential cost of post-purchase repairs.
When I carry out a pre-purchase inspection, I look at all the points listed above and provide a clear report with photos. I’ll give you an honest view of the roof’s current condition, any repairs needed, and rough cost estimates if work is required.
Why Work With a Local Roofer in Leatherhead?
Because I live and work in the Leatherhead area, I know the common issues that affect local homes — from clay tile displacement on period properties to flat roof pooling on newer extensions. I’ve also built relationships with local suppliers, so I can source quality materials quickly if repairs are needed.
I’m always happy to speak directly with homebuyers, estate agents, or solicitors to explain any findings or offer professional advice.
Ready to Book a Roof Check?
If you’re in the process of buying a home in Leatherhead and want peace of mind about the roof, feel free to get in touch. I offer thorough inspections, honest advice, and no-pressure quotes.
You can learn more or request an inspection through my Leatherhead Roof Repair page.
Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make — and the last thing you want is to move in and discover costly roof problems. With just a little extra attention before you buy, you can avoid nasty surprises and start your new chapter in Leatherhead with confidence.
If you’d like help inspecting your future home’s roof, visit my Leatherhead roofing page. I’m always happy to help new homeowners get started on the right foot.
Thanks for reading — and best of luck with your move to Leatherhead!
