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. Regular roof assessments help preserve the strength of a property, extend roof durability, and prevent financial strain due to major repairs.

There are several reasons why an insurer may need a professional roof inspection. When securing home insurance for a newly purchased property, insurers may require a roof check. The insurer will likely request an inspection to confirm that the roof is structurally sound and doesn’t require urgent maintenance. When making a roof-related insurance claim, a survey is often required to assess the extent of the damage and its cause. Insurance providers sometimes require roof inspections when renewing a home insurance policy to review potential risks. An inspection gives the insurance company insight into the roof’s durability and potential risks. Insurance companies rely on roof inspections to make informed decisions about policy approvals and renewals.

Both roof inspections and roof surveys evaluate a roof’s condition, but they vary in their depth and purpose. During a roof inspection, experts visually assess the roof’s structure, materials, and general condition. A roof inspection typically involves thoroughly examining the roof surface, including the roofing material, flashing, and other components such as skylights and chimneys. We will look for signs of damage, wear and tear, and other issues that may affect the integrity and function of the roof. Roof inspections help identify roofing concerns and offer expert recommendations for maintenance or fixes. These inspections primarily assess the roof’s present condition and usually do not include extensive testing or measurements. A full roof survey goes beyond a visual inspection, incorporating advanced testing methods. 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. Surveyors may use specialised tools to check for trapped moisture, structural weaknesses, or invisible defects. Roof surveys are often more thorough and time-consuming than roof inspections, which may be more expensive. More detailed roof surveys are typically conducted for complex properties or when specific repair insights are required.

Before finalizing a home purchase or sale: A roof inspection provides clarity on structural issues that may affect the value of a home. After a major weather event: 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. For roofs aging 20+ years: Older roofs are prone to leaks, structural issues, and general wear—an inspection can help detect these problems early. Struggling with roofing issues? Roof inspections diagnose structural issues, leaks, and potential repair needs to prevent costly damage.

The length of time it takes to receive your roof inspection report will depend on a number of factors, including the size and complexity of your roof, our current availability, and workload. A typical roof survey lasts a few hours, though larger or more complex roofs may take longer. After the inspection is complete, we will typically need some time to compile the inspection report and document our findings. How long it takes to prepare the report is influenced by the complexity of the survey and required documentation. Typically, reports are delivered within a few days, depending on the survey complexity. A preliminary assessment for home roofs is often available right after the inspection is completed.