What should a commercial roof condition survey tell you?

A useful commercial roof condition survey identifies what was inspected, where the faults are, what is likely causing them and which decisions need more evidence. Ask for a report you can use to prioritise work, brief contractors and explain the budget internally.

What to expect in the report

• Scope and limitations. Which roof areas, coverings, gutters, rooflights and internal spaces were examined? Which areas were inaccessible or remained concealed?
• A location record. Look for a marked-up plan or numbered locations linked to dated photographs, so the team can find the same points again.
• Defects and likely causes. Ask the surveyor to distinguish what they observed from what they infer, especially where water enters in one place and appears in another.
• Priorities and options. Ask what needs prompt attention, what can go into planned works and what can be monitored. Where options differ, ask what would lead to repair, overlay or replacement.
• Further investigation. Identify the checks or specialist reports that would change the specification, estimate or decision to proceed.

Give the surveyor the right starting information

Share records of previous repairs and leaks, drawings, warranties, existing asbestos information and plans for rooftop equipment or Solar PV. Explain how the building operates and whether anyone will need access below the roof. Ask the survey team to propose a safe way to inspect it.

Turn the report into a brief

Give bidders the same roof plan, defect list and requested outcome. Ask them to explain any variation from the survey’s recommendations. If an intrusive investigation or specialist assessment is required, agree who commissions it and how its findings will be circulated before work is priced.

For a property portfolio, ask for a consistent priority scale across buildings. That makes it easier to distinguish an urgent issue from a recurring maintenance item and to revisit the same assumptions at the next budget review.

References. HSE guidance on roof work and HSE guidance on asbestos surveys.