Roof surveys help assess the state of a roof, uncovering issues that may require attention. By inspecting the roof, specialists can detect potential risks and provide expert recommendations to prolong its lifespan. Roof inspections are typically performed before buying or selling a home, after a significant weather event, or as part of a regular maintenance schedule. A properly conducted roof survey ensures that a building remains secure, prevents major repair expenses, and keeps the roof in top condition.

There are several reasons why an insurer may need a professional roof inspection. For example, suppose you are purchasing a new home and need insurance coverage. 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. This helps the insurance company assess the roof’s condition and determine the risk of insuring the property. Insurance companies rely on roof inspections to make informed decisions about policy approvals and renewals.

Roof inspections and roof surveys both check a roof’s condition, but their methods and detail levels differ. A roof inspection is a visual examination of the roof and its components conducted by one of SNR Roofing’s professional contractors. 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. These inspections primarily assess the roof’s present condition and usually do not include extensive testing or measurements. Unlike inspections, roof surveys deliver a detailed, comprehensive assessment of the entire roofing structure. While surveys include visual assessments, they also incorporate technical measurements and diagnostic tests. 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. Roof surveys are often more thorough and time-consuming than roof inspections, which may be more expensive. 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. Following extreme weather conditions: 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. Seeing signs of roof deterioration? 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.

How quickly you get your roof inspection report depends on the size of the roof, the level of assessment needed, and our availability. Depending on the roof’s size and features, the inspection itself is usually done within a few hours. After gathering all necessary details, we document our findings and compile a professional inspection report. How long it takes to prepare the report is influenced by the complexity of the survey and required documentation. In general, you should receive your roof inspection report within a few days of the inspection being completed. A preliminary assessment for home roofs is often available right after the inspection is completed.