A roof inspection is conducted to evaluate the roof's overall health and detect any existing or potential problems. By inspecting the roof, specialists can detect potential risks and provide expert recommendations to prolong its lifespan. 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.

Insurance companies request roof surveys to assess property conditions and minimize risks. When insuring a newly purchased home, an inspection ensures the roof meets policy requirements. The insurer will likely request an inspection to confirm that the roof is structurally sound and doesn’t require urgent maintenance. 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. A roof survey plays a crucial role in helping insurance providers determine coverage terms and potential liabilities.

Roof inspections and roof surveys both check a roof’s condition, but their methods and detail levels differ. 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. Inspectors identify any potential weak points, leaks, or damage that could compromise the roof’s function. 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. Unlike inspections, roof surveys deliver a detailed, comprehensive assessment of the entire roofing structure. In addition to visual examinations, roof surveys often include technical analysis and in-depth condition reporting. Advanced testing such as thermal scanning or moisture assessments helps reveal hidden roofing concerns. 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.

Before finalizing a home purchase or sale: Understanding the condition of the roof before a transaction helps avoid unexpected repair costs. After a storm, hail, or other severe weather: After severe weather, a roof inspection ensures that no unseen damage threatens your property. 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. If you suspect your roof has problems: A roof inspection helps pinpoint the root cause of roofing problems and offers expert repair recommendations.

Roof inspection report turnaround times depend on multiple factors, including roof structure, workload, and complexity. Depending on the roof’s size and features, the inspection itself is usually done within a few hours. Following the survey, we take time to analyze the data and prepare a detailed report for you. The length of time this takes will depend on the complexity of the inspection. On average, you can expect to receive your full report a few days after the inspection is carried out. In many cases, homeowners receive a preliminary inspection overview immediately after the survey.