A professional roof inspection determines the condition of a roof and highlights any defects or weaknesses. Roof surveys focus on evaluating the existing state of a roof, finding weak points, and advising on repairs. A roof assessment is commonly carried out during property transactions, after severe weather conditions, or to ensure ongoing maintenance. 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. 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. If you submit an insurance claim for roof damage, the insurer may need an inspection to verify the cause and severity of the issue. As part of policy renewal, insurers may mandate a roof inspection to reassess coverage eligibility. By assessing the roof’s current state, insurance companies can calculate the level of risk associated with the property. Ultimately, roof inspections help insurers assess property risks and ensure fair policy pricing.

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. The inspection process covers various components, including roofing materials, flashing, and additional features like skylights and chimneys. Our experts check for any wear and tear, damage, or structural concerns that could impact the roof’s performance. Roof inspections help identify roofing concerns and offer expert recommendations for maintenance or fixes. Basic roof inspections check for surface damage and defects but do not delve into advanced structural assessments. A roof survey offers a far more thorough and technical analysis compared to a standard inspection. 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. Because surveys involve more extensive testing, they take longer to complete and may cost more than standard inspections. More detailed roof surveys are typically conducted for complex properties or when specific repair insights are required.

Selling or acquiring a house? A roof inspection provides clarity on structural issues that may affect the value of a home. If your roof has been exposed to severe weather: Extreme weather can weaken roofing structures, and a survey helps detect any critical issues. If your roof is reaching 20 years or older: 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. If you suspect your roof has problems: 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.

The length of time it takes to receive your roof inspection report will depend on a number of factors, including the size and complexity of your roof, our current availability, and workload. A typical roof survey lasts a few hours, though larger or more complex roofs may take longer. 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. Typically, reports are delivered within a few days, depending on the survey complexity. For most domestic properties, we can provide a preliminary report on the same day as the inspection.