Roof inspections are a process used to assess the condition of a roof and identify any issues or problems. Roof surveys focus on evaluating the existing state of a roof, finding weak points, and advising on repairs. Whether you're selling a house, dealing with storm damage, or maintaining your property, a roof inspection is crucial. Regular roof assessments help preserve the strength of a property, extend roof durability, and prevent financial strain due to major repairs.

Insurance companies request roof surveys to assess property conditions and minimize 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. Similarly, if you are filing a claim with your insurance company, they may require a roof inspection to determine the extent of the damage and whether the damage was caused by a covered event (such as a storm or hail). In some cases, insurance companies may also require a roof inspection as part of the renewal process for an existing policy. This helps the insurance company assess the roof’s condition and determine the risk of insuring the property. Insurance companies rely on roof inspections to make informed decisions about policy approvals and renewals.

Roof inspections and roof surveys both check a roof’s condition, but their methods and detail levels differ. A roof inspection is a visual examination of the roof and its components conducted by one of SNR Roofing’s professional contractors. During an inspection, the roofing materials, flashing, skylights, and chimneys are all checked for any visible damage or wear. Inspectors identify any potential weak points, leaks, or damage that could compromise the roof’s function. 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. A roof survey may include a visual inspection, but it may also involve additional testing and measurements to gather more detailed information about the roof’s condition. 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 often used for larger or more complex roofs or when more detailed information about the roof’s condition is needed for repair or maintenance purposes.

If you are buying or selling a home: A professional roof survey ensures you are aware of any roofing problems before buying or selling a property. After a storm, hail, or other severe weather: If your area has experienced a storm, hail, or other weather events that may have damaged your roof, a roof inspection can help to determine the extent of the damage and identify any repairs that may be needed. If your roof is reaching 20 years or older: A roof that has surpassed two decades should be inspected to avoid unexpected failures. 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.

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. Following the survey, we take time to analyze the data and prepare a detailed report for you. 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. In many cases, homeowners receive a preliminary inspection overview immediately after the survey.