What Happens After a Roof Survey? From Report to Remedial Works

A roof survey is often the first step in resolving leaks, safety concerns, or long-term maintenance issues - particularly on public sector and commercial buildings. But once the inspection is complete and the report lands in your inbox, what actually happens next?

This guide explains the typical journey after a roof survey, from understanding the findings to planning and carrying out remedial works.

1. Reviewing the Roof Survey Report

Following a roof inspection, you’ll usually receive a written report outlining:

• The current condition of the roof or balcony

• Identified defects or areas of concern

• Photographic evidence (often including drone imagery)

• Recommended remedial actions

• An indication of urgency (immediate, short-term, or planned maintenance)

At this stage, it’s important to distinguish between:

• Active defects (e.g. water ingress, unsafe surfaces)

• Preventative issues that may not yet be causing problems but will deteriorate over time

2. Understanding Priority Levels

Most professional roof survey reports categorise issues by priority. This helps asset managers, councils, and managing agents decide what needs addressing first.

Typical priorities include:

• Immediate safety risks – loose materials, fall hazards, structural concerns

• Water ingress risks – failed waterproofing, blocked drainage, pooling

• Planned maintenance items – ageing membranes, detailing nearing end of life

Clear prioritisation is essential when budgets, access, or operational constraints are involved.

3. Translating Recommendations into Scope of Works

Once the findings are reviewed, the next step is turning recommendations into a defined scope of works.

This may involve:

• Clarifying repair vs replacement options

• Identifying access requirements (scaffold, MEWP, edge protection)

• Confirming whether works can be phased

• Aligning repairs with compliance or lifecycle plans

For public sector buildings, this stage often feeds directly into tender documentation or internal approvals.

4. Considering Compliance, Safety & Occupied Buildings

Roof works rarely happen in isolation - especially on schools, housing blocks, or operational buildings.

Before works begin, considerations usually include:

• Health & Safety planning

• Working on live or occupied sites

• Safeguarding requirements

• Noise, access, and disruption management

• Compliance with CDM regulations

This is where early coordination between survey findings and delivery planning makes a significant difference.

5. Quotation, Tender or Budget Approval

Depending on the client and scale of works, the next step may be:

• A formal quotation for remedial works

• Inclusion within a competitive tender process

• Budget sign-off for reactive or planned repairs

Accurate surveys help avoid scope creep at this stage, ensuring pricing reflects real site conditions.

6. Carrying Out Remedial Works

Once approved, remedial works can be scheduled. These might include:

• Localised waterproofing repairs

• Drainage improvements

• Balcony or walkway upgrades

• Overlay systems

• Full roof replacement (where required)

Clear reporting at survey stage helps ensure works are targeted, proportionate, and cost-effective.

7. Post-Works Sign-Off & Ongoing Maintenance

After completion, good practice includes:

• Visual sign-off and photographic records

• Confirmation works align with survey recommendations

• Updating asset or maintenance records

In many cases, survey findings also inform ongoing maintenance plans, helping prevent repeat issues.

Why a Clear Survey Process Matters

A roof survey isn’t just about identifying defects - it’s about enabling informed decision-making, managing risk, and planning works efficiently.

When surveys, reporting, and remedial works are properly aligned, clients benefit from:

• Fewer unexpected costs

• Reduced disruption

• Improved safety and compliance

• Longer asset lifespan