Trace the junction between roof covering and granite fabric
A damp mark near an external wall may involve the roof covering, a lead abutment, chimney, parapet, skew, gutter or masonry joint. Photograph the interior position and the outside elevation from a safe viewpoint, then note whether the sign follows wind direction, prolonged rain or overflowing rainwater goods. Avoid deciding that stonework or slate alone is responsible before the junction has been inspected.
For a traditionally constructed granite building, include visible cracking, open joints or staining at the wallhead in the same brief as the roof concern. Historic Environment Scotland's traditional repair guidance begins with understanding the building and choosing work compatible with its construction. A coordinated survey can separate roofing work from masonry investigation while recording where one detail depends on the other.
Inspect exposed edges, fixings and high points as a system
For a property facing open ground or the coast, state which elevations take the weather rather than applying an exposure label to the whole city. Ridges, verges, eaves, perimeter trims and the first courses around an edge can respond differently from sheltered roof areas. Debris found below one elevation, rattling reported during wind or repeated lifting at a trim gives the inspection a more precise starting point.
The review should look beyond the item that has moved. Adjacent fixings, underlay condition where visible, lead junctions and safe water discharge may determine whether a local repair is credible. On a flat roof, an edge defect and an outlet problem need separate findings. On slate, record the surrounding slate and fixing pattern before proposing how much should be disturbed.
Plan inspection access around height, lanes and occupied entrances
Granite tenements, commercial frontages and detached properties present different access questions even on the same street. Give the building height, front and rear approach, lane width, gates, steps, basement voids, overhead services and the location of public or customer entrances. If an internal hatch exists, describe where it leads without entering an unsafe roof space to test it.
A proposal should state which roof areas can be seen from the selected access method and which remain excluded. That distinction is important on complex high-level roofs where a ground survey cannot confirm hidden valleys or rear slopes. The Health and Safety Executive requires roof work to be planned and treats roof surfaces as fragile until a competent person confirms otherwise, so photographs should come only from safe positions.
Match traditional materials before opening the roof
Colour alone is not enough to specify replacement slate, stone, mortar or lead detailing. Record dimensions, thickness, edge character, coursing and the condition of nearby materials. A small opening may reveal information about battens, underlay or previous patching, but any opening-up should be agreed, controlled and weather-protected rather than used as an exploratory shortcut during poor conditions.
Where listed status or conservation controls apply, confirm requirements before changing appearance or removing significant fabric. Historic Environment Scotland's roof guidance is a useful reference for the principles behind alterations to historic roofs. The repair brief should identify what is to be retained, what evidence supports replacement and how new work will meet the existing roof and granite details.
Send evidence that separates defect, exposure and access
An Aberdeen enquiry should include the full address, building type and height, roof covering if known, affected room or elevation and a dated sequence of events. Add safe photographs of internal staining, ground-level debris, gutters, chimneys and roof edges. State whether the site faces the coast, open ground or a sheltered court based on the actual property, not a general city description.
Include known access limitations, previous repair descriptions, planning status and any masonry report connected with the same junction. Ask whether the next need is urgent water control, close inspection or a condition-led repair schedule. Review of those details can clarify the appropriate route, but price, timing, site attendance and the final cause remain unconfirmed until the necessary assessment has taken place.
