A roof inspection is conducted to evaluate the roof's overall health and detect any existing or potential problems. Roof surveys focus on evaluating the existing state of a roof, finding weak points, and advising on repairs. 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.

Insurance companies request roof surveys to assess property conditions and minimize risks. For example, suppose you are purchasing a new home and need insurance coverage. 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. A roof survey might be necessary during policy renewal to confirm the roof remains in good condition. An inspection gives the insurance company insight into the roof’s durability and potential risks. Ultimately, roof inspections help insurers assess property risks and ensure fair policy pricing.

A roof inspection and a roof survey are both methods used to assess the condition of a roof, but they differ in scope and level of detail. Roof inspections are primarily visual assessments performed by roofing professionals to check for surface-level problems. Inspectors examine the roofing surface, flashing, skylights, and chimneys to detect any visible problems. Visible signs of wear, damage, and possible leaks are assessed to ensure the roof remains structurally sound. A roof inspection aims to identify any problems or areas of concern and provide recommendations for repairs or maintenance as needed. Basic roof inspections check for surface damage and defects but do not delve into advanced structural assessments. 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. Surveys can involve moisture testing, material thickness measurements, or using high-tech tools to detect hidden issues. A full roof survey is typically a more in-depth process, requiring more time and investment than an inspection. They are particularly beneficial for large-scale or intricate roofing structures that need a deeper evaluation.

Buying or selling a property? Understanding the condition of the roof before a transaction helps avoid unexpected repair costs. Following extreme weather conditions: A roof inspection is essential after severe weather to assess storm damage and necessary repairs. Older roofs require inspections: Older roofs are prone to leaks, structural issues, and general wear—an inspection can help detect these problems early. Struggling with roofing issues? 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.

Several factors, such as roof size, inspection difficulty, and current workload, determine how long it takes to receive your report. 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. A more complex inspection will take additional time to analyze and document findings properly. Most customers receive their roof inspection report within a few days after the assessment. For smaller domestic roofs, we can usually provide an initial report on the day of the inspection.