Roof inspections are a process used to assess the condition of a roof and identify any issues or problems. A roof inspection aims to determine the roof’s current condition, identify any potential problems or areas of concern, and provide recommendations for repairs or maintenance as needed. People usually request roof inspections when purchasing or selling a property, following storms, or as part of routine maintenance. Regular roof assessments help preserve the strength of a property, extend roof durability, and prevent financial strain due to major repairs.

Insurance providers often request roof inspections for multiple purposes. If you're a homebuyer looking for insurance coverage, a roof survey might be mandatory. By evaluating the roof’s condition, the insurer can determine if the home qualifies for coverage without additional risks. When making a roof-related insurance claim, a survey is often required to assess the extent of the damage and its cause. A roof survey might be necessary during policy renewal to confirm the roof remains in good condition. A thorough roof evaluation allows the insurer to gauge potential liabilities and adjust coverage accordingly. A roof survey plays a crucial role in helping insurance providers determine coverage terms and potential liabilities.

Both roof inspections and roof surveys evaluate a roof’s condition, but they vary in their depth and purpose. Roof inspections focus on surface-level issues, evaluating the overall state of the roof through visual analysis. A roof inspection typically involves thoroughly examining the roof surface, including the roofing material, flashing, and other components such as skylights and chimneys. The inspection focuses on spotting issues such as leaks, deterioration, or structural weaknesses that might affect the roof. A key purpose of roof inspections is to pinpoint defects and propose repair or maintenance solutions. 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. Beyond visual checks, roof surveys may involve structural testing and detailed material assessments. This may include testing the roof deck’s moisture content, measuring the roofing material’s thickness, or using specialised equipment to identify problems that are not visible to the naked eye. Due to their detailed nature, roof surveys generally take longer and are more costly than regular inspections. For larger buildings or roofs with structural concerns, surveys provide the detailed insights needed for long-term maintenance planning.

If you are buying or selling a home: A professional roof survey ensures you are aware of any roofing problems before buying or selling a property. After a major weather event: If your area has experienced a storm, hail, or other weather events that may have damaged your roof, a roof inspection can help to determine the extent of the damage and identify any repairs that may be needed. Aging roofs need professional evaluation: Older roofs are prone to leaks, structural issues, and general wear—an inspection can help detect these problems early. If you are experiencing roof-related problems: If your roof shows signs of distress, an inspection ensures that necessary fixes are identified and addressed quickly.

Roof inspection report turnaround times depend on multiple factors, including roof structure, workload, and complexity. In most cases, our roof inspections should take a few hours to complete, depending on the size of the roof and the number of components that need to be inspected. After the inspection is complete, we will typically need some time to compile the inspection report and document our findings. For intricate roof assessments, compiling the final report may take longer than usual. On average, you can expect to receive your full report a few days after the inspection is carried out. For residential properties, we often offer an initial inspection summary on the same day.