A roof inspection is conducted to evaluate the roof's overall health and detect any existing or potential problems. The purpose of a roof inspection is to assess its structural integrity, detect possible concerns, and suggest necessary maintenance. A roof assessment is commonly carried out during property transactions, after severe weather conditions, or to ensure ongoing 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 providers often request roof inspections for multiple purposes. When insuring a newly purchased home, an inspection ensures the roof meets policy requirements. By evaluating the roof’s condition, the insurer can determine if the home qualifies for coverage without additional risks. 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. This helps the insurance company assess the roof’s condition and determine the risk of insuring the property. A roof survey plays a crucial role in helping insurance providers determine coverage terms and potential liabilities.

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. A roof inspection typically involves thoroughly examining the roof surface, including the roofing material, flashing, and other components such as skylights and chimneys. The inspection focuses on spotting issues such as leaks, deterioration, or structural weaknesses that might affect the roof. A key purpose of roof inspections is to pinpoint defects and propose repair or maintenance solutions. A standard roof inspection is more surface-level and does not typically involve advanced diagnostic tests. In contrast, a roof survey provides a more in-depth evaluation of the roof's overall state. While surveys include visual assessments, they also incorporate technical measurements and diagnostic tests. 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. They are particularly beneficial for large-scale or intricate roofing structures that need a deeper evaluation.

Buying or selling a property? 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. 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: Older roofs are prone to leaks, structural issues, and general wear—an inspection can help detect these problems early. If you are experiencing roof-related problems: Roof inspections diagnose structural issues, leaks, and potential repair needs to prevent costly damage.

The time required to receive your roof inspection report varies based on factors like roof size, inspection complexity, and our scheduling. In most cases, our roof inspections should take a few hours to complete, depending on the size of the roof and the number of components that need to be inspected. 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. A preliminary assessment for home roofs is often available right after the inspection is completed.