A roof inspection is conducted to evaluate the roof's overall health and detect any existing or potential problems. Roof surveys focus on evaluating the existing state of a roof, finding weak points, and advising on repairs. Roof inspections are typically performed before buying or selling a home, after a significant weather event, or as part of a regular maintenance schedule. Roof inspections can help to protect the structural integrity of a building, extend the life of a roof, and prevent costly repairs down the line.

Insurance providers often request roof inspections for multiple purposes. If you're a homebuyer looking for insurance coverage, a roof survey might be mandatory. This inspection helps the insurance provider verify that the roof is in good shape and free from major defects. To process a claim, the insurer may conduct an inspection to confirm whether the damage resulted from a covered event like hail or storms. 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. In summary, roof inspections are essential for insurers to assess risks and decide on appropriate coverage.

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. During a roof inspection, experts visually assess the roof’s structure, materials, and general condition. During an inspection, the roofing materials, flashing, skylights, and chimneys are all checked for any visible damage or wear. We will look for signs of damage, wear and tear, and other issues that may affect the integrity and function of the roof. Through inspections, specialists diagnose roofing issues and provide actionable repair or maintenance advice. These inspections primarily assess the roof’s present condition and usually do not include extensive testing or measurements. On the other hand, a roof survey is a more detailed and comprehensive assessment of the roof and its condition. A roof survey may include a visual inspection, but it may also involve additional testing and measurements to gather more detailed information about the roof’s condition. Surveys can involve moisture testing, material thickness measurements, or using high-tech tools to detect hidden issues. 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.

Buying or selling a property? Understanding the condition of the roof before a transaction helps avoid unexpected repair costs. 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. If your roof is more than 20 years old: Older roofs are prone to leaks, structural issues, and general wear—an inspection can help detect these problems early. Seeing signs of roof deterioration? Roof inspections diagnose structural issues, leaks, and potential repair needs to prevent costly damage.

Several factors, such as roof size, inspection difficulty, and current workload, determine how long it takes to receive your report. Depending on the roof’s size and features, the inspection itself is usually done within a few hours. After the inspection is complete, we will typically need some time to compile the inspection report and document our findings. A more complex inspection will take additional time to analyze and document findings properly. Inspection reports are usually available within a few days, but this may vary based on the type of roof and findings. For residential properties, we often offer an initial inspection summary on the same day.