Free roof checks before solar panels in Sussex
A good solar installation starts with the roof underneath it.
Let us check the roof before the panels go on. We assess accessible roof details, use drone views where suitable and check safely accessible loft spaces. You get clear advice on any concerns, with no obligation to book repairs.
Free visual check · No obligation · Repairs quoted separately
Get the roof sorted while it is easy to reach
A small roof repair can become a much bigger job once panels sit above it. Getting to a cracked tile, worn flashing or tired section of roof lining may then involve another trade, panel removal and fresh access arrangements.
Our free pre-solar roof check gives you a chance to deal with visible problems before installation. We look at the planned panel area and the roof details around it, because leaks do not always start directly above the place where water appears inside.
A roof does not need replacing just because it is older. We consider its condition, previous repairs and the work needed to keep it serviceable. If the visible evidence is not enough, we explain what needs a closer look.
Checking the roof from above and inside the loft
Drone roof assessments
We use drone photography where suitable to get a clearer view of roof coverings, ridges, chimneys, leadwork and valleys. It helps us assess areas that are difficult to see from the ground and explain visible defects before panels restrict access.
Drone use depends on the property, weather and whether a flight can be carried out safely and within local restrictions. We confirm the best approach when arranging your free check.
Explore our drone roof surveysLooking inside the loft
Where there is safe access, we also check the loft space for visible signs of leaks, water staining, torn underlay and concerns with exposed roof timbers. Damp, condensation and ventilation clues can tell us things an outside view cannot.
Let us know about the loft hatch and access when booking. We assess what can be safely seen without lifting coverings or disturbing concealed materials.
The two views work together: drone images help us understand the outside, while loft observations help us trace signs of trouble inside.
This remains a free visual roof-condition check. Drone photographs and loft observations do not replace structural calculations or the assessments your solar installer needs for their system.
The details worth checking before installation
These examples show the kinds of roof faults we look for. Their significance depends on the condition of the surrounding roof, access and what can actually be seen.
Cracked or displaced tiles and slates
A fracture or slipped covering can interrupt the roof’s weather protection. We look at the affected area and neighbouring courses before recommending a local repair.
Open ridge, hip and verge joints
Weathered mortar, gaps and loose roof-edge materials deserve attention before access becomes restricted. We consider both bedding and visible fixing condition.
Lifted leadwork and open junctions
Flashing should work with the roof covering to shed water at chimneys and walls. Gaps, splits or movement can leave vulnerable routes for rain.
Torn roof lining and timber concerns
Where the loft is safely accessible, we look for damaged underlay, staining and visible timber deterioration. Concealed battens and fixings need further access to assess.
Valleys that cannot drain freely
Leaves, moss and damaged valley details can interrupt drainage. We check the visible channel and its adjoining coverings, rather than assuming clearing alone will solve a leak.
Flat-roof laps, edges and ponding
Lifted seams, blisters, damaged upstands and persistent standing water can point to maintenance needs. The covering and its drainage should be considered together.
Gutters, outlets and eaves
Debris, displaced joints and poor eaves details can send water where it should not go. We check the accessible drainage route and signs of overflow.
Chimney pointing and flaunching
Open mortar joints, damaged flaunching and loose pots can need attention even when the proposed panels are elsewhere on the roof. We explain the relevant repair options.
Each roof is assessed on its own condition. These are examples of the details to check; finding one defect does not automatically mean the whole roof needs replacing.
What we look for before your solar panels go on
Tiles, slates and previous repairs
Visible cracks, displacement, wear, missing coverings and the condition of earlier patch repairs.
Ridges, hips and verges
Visible mortar, dry-fix details, movement and concerns about the security of roof edges.
Chimneys and masonry
Accessible pointing, flaunching, pots, cappings and signs of deterioration.
Leadwork and roof junctions
Visible flashings, abutments, chimney junctions and details around adjoining roofs.
Felt, battens and roof timbers
Underlay, staining and timber concerns where exposed and safely accessible; concealed parts need further investigation.
Valleys, gutters and eaves
Obstructions, visible drainage defects, outlets, gutter joints and roof-edge support details.
Flat roofs and extensions
Visible covering wear, laps, edges, upstands, outlets and signs of persistent ponding.
Roof windows, dormers and parapets
Accessible flashings, coverings, wall junctions and surrounding drainage details.
Leaks, moisture and ventilation
Reported leaks, visible damp or condensation clues and accessible ventilation details.
Roof condition and future access
Overall visible wear, the proposed panel area and roofing work worth considering before access changes.
A simple way to get the roof checked
Send the address
Tell us the postcode, any known roof problems and your proposed installation date. A panel layout is useful if you already have one.
Arrange the free check
We agree the visit, assess the accessible roof areas and check the loft where safe access is available. We use drone views where suitable, safe and permitted.
Understand the findings
We explain visible concerns, anything that could not be checked and the next steps. Roofing work is quoted separately.
Plan any work
If you choose to proceed, we can discuss roofing repairs and access with your solar installer before panels are fitted.
What happens after the check?
No obvious roofing defects
We explain the areas checked and any limits to the view. A visual check cannot rule out hidden defects.
Repairs worth doing first
You receive a clear explanation and a separate quotation for roofing work we can define.
Something needs a closer look
We identify the concern and explain what further access or specialist assessment is needed.
Free pre-solar roof checks across Sussex
We welcome enquiries throughout East Sussex, West Sussex and Brighton and Hove. Use the town links below or send your postcode. We will confirm availability and how the roof can be checked safely.
Brighton & Hove
Brighton · Hove · Portslade · Rottingdean · Saltdean · Ovingdean · Woodingdean · Patcham · Preston Park · Hanover · Kemptown · Hollingbury · Bevendean · Moulsecoomb · Westdene · Withdean
Worthing, Adur & the Downs
Worthing · Goring-by-Sea · Durrington · Broadwater · Tarring · Salvington · Findon · Findon Valley · Lancing · Sompting · Shoreham-by-Sea · Southwick · Fishersgate · Steyning · Bramber · Upper Beeding · Henfield · Small Dole · Ashurst · Partridge Green
Arun & the western coast
Arundel · Littlehampton · Rustington · Angmering · East Preston · Ferring · Climping · Ford · Yapton · Walberton · Barnham · Eastergate · Aldingbourne · Bognor Regis · Felpham · Middleton-on-Sea · Pagham · Slindon · Amberley · Houghton
Chichester & the western villages
Chichester · Selsey · East Wittering · West Wittering · Bracklesham Bay · Birdham · Itchenor · Bosham · Chidham · Nutbourne · Southbourne · Emsworth (West Sussex side) · Fishbourne · Lavant · Goodwood · Boxgrove · Tangmere · Singleton · West Dean · East Dean (West Sussex)
Pulborough, Horsham & rural West Sussex
Pulborough · Storrington · West Chiltington · Thakeham · Ashington · Washington · Coldwaltham · Fittleworth · Bury · Billingshurst · Wisborough Green · Kirdford · Petworth · Midhurst · Easebourne · Lodsworth · Lurgashall · Fernhurst · South Harting · Rogate · Horsham · Southwater · Broadbridge Heath · Warnham · Slinfold · Rudgwick · Cowfold · Nuthurst · Mannings Heath · West Grinstead
Mid Sussex, Crawley & the northern villages
Haywards Heath · Lindfield · Cuckfield · Burgess Hill · Hassocks · Hurstpierpoint · Albourne · Twineham · Bolney · Ansty · Scaynes Hill · Ardingly · Balcombe · Handcross · Slaugham · Staplefield · Pease Pottage · Crawley · Ifield · Crawley Down · Copthorne · Turners Hill · East Grinstead · Forest Row · West Hoathly · Sharpthorne · Horsted Keynes
Lewes district & the eastern coast
Lewes · Ringmer · Glynde · Firle · Kingston near Lewes · Rodmell · Southease · Piddinghoe · Barcombe · Hamsey · Cooksbridge · Plumpton · Plumpton Green · Ditchling · Westmeston · Streat · Chailey · Newick · Newhaven · Peacehaven · Telscombe · Telscombe Cliffs · Seaford · Bishopstone
Wealden & the High Weald
Uckfield · Crowborough · Hailsham · Heathfield · Wadhurst · Mayfield · Rotherfield · Buxted · Maresfield · Nutley · Danehill · Fletching · Isfield · Framfield · Blackboys · Hadlow Down · Five Ashes · Cross in Hand · Horam · Hellingly · Herstmonceux · Polegate · Willingdon · Alfriston · Berwick · East Hoathly · Chiddingly · Laughton · Ripe · Ninfield · Frant · Groombridge (East Sussex side)
Eastbourne, Rother & the eastern towns
Eastbourne · Meads · Hampden Park · Langney · Pevensey · Pevensey Bay · Westham · East Dean (East Sussex) · Friston · Bexhill-on-Sea · Little Common · Hastings · St Leonards-on-Sea · Battle · Crowhurst · Sedlescombe · Westfield · Fairlight · Pett · Icklesham · Winchelsea · Rye · Rye Harbour · Camber · Northiam · Bodiam · Robertsbridge · Etchingham · Burwash · Hurst Green · Ticehurst · Stonegate · Brede · Beckley · Iden · Playden
Your village or hamlet is not listed? Every Sussex postcode is welcome. Send us the address and we will confirm availability and suitable access.
Arrange a free check in your area
Sussex roof check questions
Is the pre-solar roof check really free?
Yes. The visual roof-condition check is free and there is no obligation to instruct repairs. Any roofing work, specialist investigation or additional access that would carry a cost is discussed and agreed separately before it proceeds.
Do you use a drone and check inside the loft?
Yes. We use drone views where suitable and inspect safely accessible loft spaces as part of assessing the roof. Drone use depends on weather, the site and flight restrictions. Please tell us about loft access before the visit. We explain anything we cannot see or safely reach.
Do you cover my part of Sussex?
We welcome enquiries from across both counties and Brighton and Hove, including towns and surrounding villages. Send the property postcode so we can confirm an appointment and suitable access.
Will you tell me I need a new roof?
We explain what the roof’s condition supports. A sound roof may only need a local repair, while widespread deterioration may justify more work. Age alone is not the deciding factor.
Can you work with my chosen solar installer?
Yes. With your permission we can discuss the roofing findings, planned repairs and access requirements with your installer. Their system design and installation responsibilities remain with them.
Is this structural approval for solar panels?
No. This is a visual roofing check. Your solar installer must arrange the checks and calculations needed for the proposed system, with a suitably qualified structural specialist where necessary.
What if panels are already booked?
Tell us the installation date when you get in touch. We will confirm availability. Booking the roof check early gives you more time to arrange any necessary work.
Planning solar? Start with a free roof check.
Send your address, postcode and proposed installation date. We will take it from there.
Photographs and a proposed panel layout are helpful if you have them. Only send photos taken from a safe position.
WhatsApp opens a message for you to review and send. Appointment times depend on availability and safe access.