Roof inspections are essential for analyzing the roof's condition and spotting areas that may need repairs. An inspection helps identify wear and tear, structural issues, and any required maintenance to keep the roof in good shape. People usually request roof inspections when purchasing or selling a property, following storms, or as part of routine maintenance. 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.

A roof inspection may be required by an insurance company to evaluate potential risks. When insuring a newly purchased home, an inspection ensures the roof meets policy requirements. A roof check allows the insurer to assess whether immediate repairs are necessary before issuing coverage. When making a roof-related insurance claim, a survey is often required to assess the extent of the damage and its cause. 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. Ultimately, roof inspections help insurers assess property risks and ensure fair policy pricing.

While a roof inspection and a roof survey serve similar functions, they differ in how comprehensive they are. A roof inspection is a visual examination of the roof and its components conducted by one of SNR Roofing’s professional contractors. A roof inspection typically involves thoroughly examining the roof surface, including the roofing material, flashing, and other components such as skylights and chimneys. We will look for signs of damage, wear and tear, and other issues that may affect the integrity and function of the roof. The primary goal of a roof inspection is to detect existing issues and suggest necessary repairs or upkeep. Unlike roof surveys, inspections do not usually include in-depth testing, focusing instead on current visible conditions. On the other hand, a roof survey is a more detailed and comprehensive assessment of the roof and its condition. In addition to visual examinations, roof surveys often include technical analysis and in-depth condition reporting. 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. Because surveys involve more extensive testing, they take longer to complete and may cost more than standard inspections. For larger buildings or roofs with structural concerns, surveys provide the detailed insights needed for long-term maintenance planning.

Before finalizing a home purchase or sale: A professional roof survey ensures you are aware of any roofing problems before buying or selling a property. After a major weather event: A roof inspection is essential after severe weather to assess storm damage and necessary repairs. Aging roofs need professional evaluation: Aging roofing materials can deteriorate, so a professional survey helps identify weak spots. If you suspect your roof has problems: Persistent leaks, water stains, or missing shingles indicate it’s time for a professional roof assessment.

Roof inspection report turnaround times depend on multiple factors, including roof structure, workload, and complexity. A typical roof survey lasts a few hours, though larger or more complex roofs may take longer. After the inspection is complete, we will typically need some time to compile the inspection report and document our findings. How long it takes to prepare the report is influenced by the complexity of the survey and required documentation. Inspection reports are usually available within a few days, but this may vary based on the type of roof and findings. A preliminary assessment for home roofs is often available right after the inspection is completed.