Rain Coming In? Here’s How a Roof Survey Pinpoints That Leak Fast

One minute, everything’s dry and quiet. The next, you’re laying down towels and Googling “how to stop a roof leak in the middle of the night.”

Sound familiar?

Leaks aren’t just annoying—they’re stressful, unpredictable, and can cause major damage if left unchecked. That’s where a roof survey for leak detection makes all the difference.

Let’s look at how it works, what’s involved, and how it can save you time, money, and a whole lot of headache.

What Is a Leak Detection Roof Survey?

Unlike a general roof inspection, a leak detection survey is focused on finding the exact source of water ingress. This isn’t guesswork. It’s a methodical investigation using visual checks, drone imaging, moisture meters, and a bit of good old-fashioned experience.

At Roof Local, we combine tech with expertise to get to the bottom of the problem – fast.

Why Leaks Are Tricky (and Dangerous)

The problem with roof leaks is that water rarely travels in a straight line. It might enter near your chimney, run down a beam, and show up as a ceiling stain halfway across the room.

Meanwhile, the damage continues silently:

• Rotting timber and roof supports

• Mould growth in insulation

• Damaged electrics

• Soaked plaster or paintwork

By the time you notice it, the leak could have been there for weeks.

Signs You Might Need a Leak Detection Survey

Call us in if you’ve noticed:

• Damp patches on ceilings or upper walls

• Musty smells in loft spaces

• Water running down interior walls during rain

• Gutter overflow or pooling on flat roofs

• Stains around chimneys, rooflights, or vents

Even if you’re not sure, it’s better to check than to wait.

What Happens During the Survey?

Here’s what to expect when you book a leak detection survey with Roof Local:

1. Initial Interview: You tell us what you've seen, when it happens, and any patterns you’ve noticed (e.g. only leaks during wind-driven rain).

2. Visual Inspection: We check the roof surface, flashing, valleys, gutters, chimneys – anywhere water could sneak in.

3. Drone Imagery: For hard-to-reach areas, we capture high-res aerial shots.

4. Loft & Interior Check: We look for moisture, insulation damage, staining, or active drips.

5. Moisture Detection Tools: Pinpoint moisture with professional-grade meters.

We then provide a clear diagnosis and recommendations for next steps.

Is This Just for Big Leaks?

Not at all. In fact, small leaks are often the most damaging long term—because they go unnoticed. You don’t need buckets on the floor to take action.

If you’ve had a leak in the past and want to make sure it’s truly sorted, this is the way to find out.

What Happens After?

We give you:

• A written summary of findings

• Annotated photos if needed

• A plan of action (repair, monitoring, or replacement if extensive damage is found)

No pressure. Just the facts, clearly explained.

Don’t Let a Leak Linger

Leaks won’t fix themselves. The sooner you find the source, the easier (and cheaper) it is to fix. Get in touch with Roof Local today.

We’ve helped hundreds of London homeowners uncover hidden leaks and avoid bigger problems down the road. Let us do the same for you.

DO I HAVE A ROOF LEAK?