Roof surveys help assess the state of a roof, uncovering issues that may require attention. 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. A properly conducted roof survey ensures that a building remains secure, prevents major repair expenses, and keeps the roof in top condition.

A roof inspection may be required by an insurance company to evaluate potential risks. When insuring a newly purchased home, an inspection ensures the roof meets policy requirements. A roof check allows the insurer to assess whether immediate repairs are necessary before issuing coverage. To process a claim, the insurer may conduct an inspection to confirm whether the damage resulted from a covered event like hail or storms. In some cases, insurance companies may also require a roof inspection as part of the renewal process for an existing policy. A thorough roof evaluation allows the insurer to gauge potential liabilities and adjust coverage accordingly. Insurance companies rely on roof inspections to make informed decisions about policy approvals and renewals.

While a roof inspection and a roof survey serve similar functions, they differ in how comprehensive they are. A roof inspection is a visual examination of the roof and its components conducted by one of SNR Roofing’s professional contractors. 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. A key purpose of roof inspections is to pinpoint defects and propose repair or maintenance solutions. Unlike roof surveys, inspections do not usually include in-depth testing, focusing instead on current visible conditions. In contrast, a roof survey provides a more in-depth evaluation of the roof's overall state. Beyond visual checks, roof surveys may involve structural testing and detailed material assessments. Roof surveys often include techniques like thermal imaging, moisture detection, and material integrity tests. Roof surveys are often more thorough and time-consuming than roof inspections, which may be more expensive. Roof surveys are ideal for commercial, industrial, or high-risk roofs that require in-depth analysis.

Before finalizing a home purchase or sale: A professional roof survey ensures you are aware of any roofing problems before buying or selling a property. 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: 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.

Several factors, such as roof size, inspection difficulty, and current workload, determine how long it takes to receive your report. A typical roof survey lasts a few hours, though larger or more complex roofs may take longer. After gathering all necessary details, we document our findings and compile a professional inspection report. For intricate roof assessments, compiling the final report may take longer than usual. In general, you should receive your roof inspection report within a few days of the inspection being completed. For smaller domestic roofs, we can usually provide an initial report on the day of the inspection.