A roof inspection is conducted to evaluate the roof's overall health and detect any existing or potential 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. 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. When insuring a newly purchased home, an inspection ensures the roof meets policy requirements. 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. 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. Insurance companies rely on roof inspections to make informed decisions about policy approvals and renewals.

The key difference between a roof inspection and a roof survey is the level of assessment and testing involved. Roof inspections focus on surface-level issues, evaluating the overall state of the roof through visual analysis. Inspectors examine the roofing surface, flashing, skylights, and chimneys to detect any visible problems. 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. Basic roof inspections check for surface damage and defects but do not delve into advanced structural assessments. On the other hand, a roof survey is a more detailed and comprehensive assessment of the roof and its condition. Beyond visual checks, roof surveys may involve structural testing and detailed material assessments. Advanced testing such as thermal scanning or moisture assessments helps reveal hidden roofing concerns. Since surveys require detailed analysis, they tend to be lengthier and pricier than basic roof inspections. Roof surveys are often used for larger or more complex roofs or when more detailed information about the roof’s condition is needed for repair or maintenance purposes.

Selling or acquiring a house? Understanding the condition of the roof before a transaction helps avoid unexpected repair costs. After a major weather event: A roof inspection is essential after severe weather to assess storm damage and necessary repairs. Older roofs require inspections: As a roof ages, it is more likely to develop problems or wear out. If your roof is more than 20 years old, it is a good idea to have it inspected to identify any issues that need to be addressed. Struggling with roofing issues? Roof inspections diagnose structural issues, leaks, and potential repair needs to prevent costly damage.

Roof inspection report turnaround times depend on multiple factors, including roof structure, workload, and complexity. Generally, a standard roof inspection takes a few hours, though the time required depends on roof size and the extent of the assessment. After gathering all necessary details, we document our findings and compile a professional inspection report. A more complex inspection will take additional time to analyze and document findings properly. 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.