Roof inspections are essential for analyzing the roof's condition and spotting areas that may need repairs. 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. Regular roof assessments help preserve the strength of a property, extend roof durability, and prevent financial strain due to major repairs.

An insurance company may require a roof inspection for a variety of reasons. If you are buying a new house and seeking insurance, an inspection may be necessary. The insurer will likely request an inspection to confirm that the roof is structurally sound and doesn’t require urgent maintenance. Roof inspections during claims help insurers distinguish between covered damages and pre-existing issues. For ongoing insurance coverage, periodic roof inspections help insurers adjust risk assessments. By assessing the roof’s current state, insurance companies can calculate the level of risk associated with the property. Overall, a roof inspection is typically required by an insurance company to evaluate the roof’s condition and determine the risk of insuring the property.

Both roof inspections and roof surveys evaluate a roof’s condition, but they vary in their depth and purpose. During a roof inspection, experts visually assess the roof’s structure, materials, and general condition. The inspection process covers various components, including roofing materials, flashing, and additional features like skylights and chimneys. Visible signs of wear, damage, and possible leaks are assessed to ensure the roof remains structurally sound. Through inspections, specialists diagnose roofing issues and provide actionable repair or maintenance advice. A standard roof inspection is more surface-level and does not typically involve advanced diagnostic tests. 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. A full roof survey is typically a more in-depth process, requiring more time and investment than an inspection. They are particularly beneficial for large-scale or intricate roofing structures that need a deeper evaluation.

If you are buying or selling a home: Understanding the condition of the roof before a transaction helps avoid unexpected repair costs. 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. If your roof is more than 20 years old: Aging roofing materials can deteriorate, so a professional survey helps identify weak spots. If you suspect your roof has problems: If your roof shows signs of distress, an inspection ensures that necessary fixes are identified and addressed quickly.

How quickly you get your roof inspection report depends on the size of the roof, the level of assessment needed, and our availability. Generally, a standard roof inspection takes a few hours, though the time required depends on roof size and the extent of the assessment. Following the survey, we take time to analyze the data and prepare a detailed report for you. 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.