Roof inspections are a process used to assess the condition of a roof and identify any issues or problems. Roof surveys focus on evaluating the existing state of a roof, finding weak points, and advising on repairs. People usually request roof inspections when purchasing or selling a property, following storms, or as part of routine maintenance. Getting a roof inspection safeguards a building’s structure, increases roof longevity, and reduces the risk of expensive future repairs.

An insurance company may require a roof inspection for a variety of reasons. If you're a homebuyer looking for insurance coverage, a roof survey might be mandatory. In that case, the insurance company may require a roof inspection to ensure that the roof is in good condition and not in need of immediate repairs. Roof inspections during claims help insurers distinguish between covered damages and pre-existing issues. Insurance providers sometimes require roof inspections when renewing a home insurance policy to review potential risks. Evaluating the roof condition helps insurers decide on policy terms and possible premium adjustments. A roof survey plays a crucial role in helping insurance providers determine coverage terms and potential liabilities.

A roof inspection and a roof survey are both methods used to assess the condition of a roof, but they differ in scope and level of detail. Roof inspections are primarily visual assessments performed by roofing professionals to check for surface-level problems. During an inspection, the roofing materials, flashing, skylights, and chimneys are all checked for any visible damage or wear. Inspectors identify any potential weak points, leaks, or damage that could compromise the roof’s function. Through inspections, specialists diagnose roofing issues and provide actionable repair or maintenance advice. A standard roof inspection is more surface-level and does not typically involve advanced diagnostic tests. In contrast, a roof survey provides a more in-depth evaluation of the roof's overall state. Roof surveys combine traditional inspections with advanced evaluations to obtain in-depth data on roof conditions. Surveyors may use specialised tools to check for trapped moisture, structural weaknesses, or invisible defects. Because surveys involve more extensive testing, they take longer to complete and may cost more than standard inspections. More detailed roof surveys are typically conducted for complex properties or when specific repair insights are required.

Before finalizing a home purchase or sale: A roof inspection can help you understand the roof’s condition and identify any potential issues that may need to be addressed before buying or selling a home. Post-storm roof assessment: Extreme weather can weaken roofing structures, and a survey helps detect any critical issues. If your roof is reaching 20 years or older: A roof that has surpassed two decades should be inspected to avoid unexpected failures. Noticing leaks or water damage? If you are noticing leaks, water damage, or other issues with your roof, a roof inspection can help to identify the cause of the problem and suggest repair solutions.

The length of time it takes to receive your roof inspection report will depend on a number of factors, including the size and complexity of your roof, our current availability, and workload. Generally, a standard roof inspection takes a few hours, though the time required depends on roof size and the extent of the assessment. After the inspection is complete, we will typically need some time to compile the inspection report and document our findings. The length of time this takes will depend on the complexity of the inspection. In general, you should receive your roof inspection report within a few days of the inspection being completed. For most domestic properties, we can provide a preliminary report on the same day as the inspection.