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Frequently Asked Questions 

You will find our most commonly asked questions here, but please reach using the enquiry form if we can help further. 

What does Assure Roof Surveys offer?

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We carry out independent roof surveys and inspections. Our job is to identify defects, deterioration, and risks — not to repair or sell roofing work.

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Are you independent from roofing contractors?

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Yes. 100% independent.  We do not carry out repairs, replacements, or endorse contractors. This means our reports are impartial and unbiased.

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What survey levels does Assure offer? 

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We offer a range of survey levels, including:​

  • Visual roof surveys

  • Invasive / detailed inspections (where safe access allows)

  • Drone roof surveys using professional UAV equipment

 

Each option is clearly explained below, on our website and within our T&Cs.

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Do you use drones for roof inspections?

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Yes — as a specialist service, where required. We commission professional, fully insured, CAA-approved drone operators to safely inspect areas of the roof that cannot be accessed by traditional means.

 

Unlike many drone survey services that provide images only, Assure Roof Surveys fully interprets the drone footage. We assess the condition of the roof, explain the implications of what is observed, and provide clear, impartial recommendations on appropriate next steps.

 

This ensures the imagery is translated into meaningful, practical advice rather than left for the client to interpret.

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What is an Assure Visual Roof Survey?

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An Assure Visual Roof Survey is a roof-level inspection carried out from ladder access using a structured 14-point condition check.  It focuses on identifying visible defects, wear, deterioration, and areas that should be monitored.

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What’s included:

  • Site Visit

  • Roof-level visual inspection (no lifting of coverings)

  • Structured holistic 14-point condition check, which include roof coverings, chimney stacks, valleys, verges, dormers, flashings, gutters etc. 

  • Identification of visible defects and concerns

  • Photographs of identified issues, shared with you

  • Clear, understandable feedback on our findings and recommendations, recorded in a concise summary table report.

  • A full formal survey report is available as an optional add-on.

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What is an Assure Invasive Roof Survey?

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An Assure Invasive Roof Survey is a hands-on inspection that involves physical access onto the roof to investigate specific areas of concern in greater detail.

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What’s included:

  • Site Visit

  • Full physical access onto the roof

  • Targeted lifting of roof coverings, where required and suitable

  • Inspection down to sub-deck and supporting elements, where required an suitable 

  • Full reinstatement of any lifted materials before completion

  • Photographs of identified issues, shared with you

  • Clear, understandable feedback on our findings and recommendations, recorded in a concise summary table report.

  • A full formal survey report is available as an optional add-on.

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What is the difference between an Assure Visual and Invasive Roof Survey?

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The key difference is access and depth of investigation.

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  • Visual Roof Survey 

    • Non-invasive

    • Observations from ladder height or other safe vantage point

    • Visual internal inspection of loft areas, where access is available 

    • No lifting of roof coverings

    • Identifies visible defects only

    • Ideal for general condition checks, maintenance planning, or early investigation

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  • Invasive Roof Survey

    • Physical access onto the roof

    • Allows lifting of coverings where necessary

    • Provides deeper insight into concealed defects

    • Best suited where leaks, persistent defects, or structural concerns are suspected

    • Visual internal inspection of loft areas, where access is available 

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Do you offer professional survey reports?

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Yes. We provide professionally prepared survey reports as an add-on service, available by request at the point of booking.

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Assure Roof Surveys has extensive experience producing reports for mediation, dispute resolution, and legal proceedings. Our reports are suitable for civil, legal, and insurance purposes and are written to withstand external scrutiny.

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Where instructed, the report will:

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  • Set out clear factual observations and professional opinion based on the roof’s condition at the time of inspection.

  • Include technical data and repair specifications, where relevant.

  • Be supported by annotated photographs and inspection imagery, providing an independent, contemporaneous record of condition.

  • The report does not include cost estimates, valuations, or contractor pricing as this is outwith the scope of our service. ​

  • Sample reports are available on request.​

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Would I benefit from adding a formal survey report? ​

 

That depends on how you plan to use the findings.  

 

You should consider adding a formal report if:​

  • You need a written record for legal, insurance, or dispute purposes

  • The survey is being used for mediation or professional advice

  • You want a clear, independent document you can rely on or share

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A formal report:

  • Is professionally written and clearly structured

  • Includes annotated photographs and imagery

  • Provides factual observations and professional opinion

  • Does not include repair specifications or cost estimates unless agreed in writing

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If you only need a simple written overview of findings and recommendations, along with photographs for your own understanding, a formal survey report is unlikely to be necessary.

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Do you provide repair quotes or cost estimates?

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No. Providing repair costs is outside the scope of our service. Our role is to assess condition and highlight issues so you can obtain informed quotes from contractors of your choosing. 

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Is your survey a RICS Home Survey?

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No. Our surveys are specialist roof inspections, not RICS HomeBuyer or Building Surveys.

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Do you inspect attic or loft spaces?

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Yes.  This service is included where the client is present on site and safe internal access is available.​​

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Who are your services suitable for?

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Our surveys are commonly used by:

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  • Homeowners

  • Buyers and sellers

  • Landlords

  • Property Managers / Factors 

  • Architects 

  • Commercial clients

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Anyone who needs clarity about roof condition before making decisions.

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What locations do you cover?

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Whilst our registered office is in Edinburgh, our operations run from Stirling in the central belt of Scotland. 

We work across the whole of Central Scotland including:  Stirling, Perth, Clackmannanshire, Fife, Edinburgh, Lothians, Glasgow & West ​​and can travel further, subject to location and survey type.

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How long does a roof survey take?

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Site inspections usually take 1–2 hours, depending on property size and survey type.  Reports are typically issued within an agreed timeframe after inspection.

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Do I need to be present during the survey?

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Not always. We’ll confirm access requirements in advance and advise if attendance is needed.

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How much does a roof survey cost?

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Assure Roof Surveys operates a standard pricing structure covering most domestic properties. Fees may vary depending on property size, complexity and location, survey type, and access requirements.  All quotations are bespoke. The price you are quoted is the price you will pay — with no hidden costs

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Fees @ Jan 2026

  • Visual Roof Survey from £275

  • Invasive Roof Survey from £325

  • Drone Roof Surveys from £375

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Can you re-inspect a roof after repairs are completed?

 

Yes.  We offer post-repair inspections to our existing clients to independently confirm whether works have been completed as expected.

 

The independent post-repair inspection is carried out after works are completed to review visible workmanship, reinstatement, and the condition of repaired areas.

 

Photographs are taken and shared with the client to provide a clear record of the outcome.

 

This service offers independent reassurance at the time of inspection and does not constitute a warranty, guarantee or certification of repairs. 

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Do you offer annual roof checks? 

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Yes.  Existing survey clients, can book an annual roof health check which includes the same 14-point roof inspection they received, combined with a review of previously recorded survey data.

 

Annual checks offer a focused reassessment of roof condition, helping to track changes, confirm ongoing issues, and identify any new areas of concern since the original Roof Survey.

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Why should I use Assure instead of a roofing or building contractor?

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Because we have no financial interest in the outcome.
You get facts, not sales — giving you the right knowledge and confidence to work with contractors. 

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