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. Regular roof inspections are important when buying a home, post-storm, or as part of annual upkeep. 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 securing home insurance for a newly purchased property, insurers may require a roof check. 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. Roof inspections during claims help insurers distinguish between covered damages and pre-existing issues. 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. 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. A roof inspection is a visual examination of the roof and its components conducted by one of SNR Roofing’s professional contractors. Inspectors examine the roofing surface, flashing, skylights, and chimneys to detect any visible problems. Our experts check for any wear and tear, damage, or structural concerns that could impact the roof’s performance. A key purpose of roof inspections is to pinpoint defects and propose repair or maintenance solutions. These inspections primarily assess the roof’s present condition and usually do not include extensive testing or measurements. In contrast, a roof survey provides a more in-depth evaluation of the roof's overall state. 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. 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.

Selling or acquiring a house? 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: A roof inspection is essential after severe weather to assess storm damage and necessary repairs. 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: 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. Generally, a standard roof inspection takes a few hours, though the time required depends on roof size and the extent of the assessment. After gathering all necessary details, we document our findings and compile a professional inspection report. How long it takes to prepare the report is influenced by the complexity of the survey and required documentation. Inspection reports are usually available within a few days, but this may vary based on the type of roof and findings. For residential properties, we often offer an initial inspection summary on the same day.