Roof surveys help assess the state of a roof, uncovering issues that may require attention. 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. By detecting issues early, roof inspections help maintain structural integrity, prolong the lifespan of the roof, and minimize costly damages.

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. The insurer will likely request an inspection to confirm that the roof is structurally sound and doesn’t require urgent maintenance. 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. A thorough roof evaluation allows the insurer to gauge potential liabilities and adjust coverage accordingly. In summary, roof inspections are essential for insurers to assess risks and decide on appropriate coverage.

Roof inspections and roof surveys both check a roof’s condition, but their methods and detail levels differ. Roof inspections focus on surface-level issues, evaluating the overall state of the roof through visual analysis. During an inspection, the roofing materials, flashing, skylights, and chimneys are all checked for any visible damage or wear. We will look for signs of damage, wear and tear, and other issues that may affect the integrity and function of the roof. Roof inspections help identify roofing concerns and offer expert recommendations for maintenance or fixes. 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. Roof surveys combine traditional inspections with advanced evaluations to obtain in-depth data on roof conditions. 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. Since surveys require detailed analysis, they tend to be lengthier and pricier than basic roof inspections. For larger buildings or roofs with structural concerns, surveys provide the detailed insights needed for long-term maintenance planning.

If you are buying or selling a home: 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: A roof inspection is essential after severe weather to assess storm damage and necessary repairs. If your roof is reaching 20 years or older: A roof that has surpassed two decades should be inspected to avoid unexpected failures. 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. Most roof inspections are completed within hours, but more detailed assessments may extend the process. After the inspection is complete, we will typically need some time to compile the inspection report and document our findings. 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. For residential properties, we often offer an initial inspection summary on the same day.