Roof inspections are a process used to assess the condition of a roof and identify any issues or problems. By inspecting the roof, specialists can detect potential risks and provide expert recommendations to prolong its lifespan. Roof inspections are typically performed before buying or selling a home, after a significant weather event, or as part of a regular maintenance schedule. By detecting issues early, roof inspections help maintain structural integrity, prolong the lifespan of the roof, and minimize costly damages.

Insurance companies request roof surveys to assess property conditions and minimize risks. If you're a homebuyer looking for insurance coverage, a roof survey might be mandatory. This inspection helps the insurance provider verify that the roof is in good shape and free from major defects. 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. 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.

Roof inspections and roof surveys both check a roof’s condition, but their methods and detail levels differ. Roof inspections focus on surface-level issues, evaluating the overall state of the roof through visual analysis. Roof inspections include checking flashing, roofing materials, and structural elements such as skylights and chimneys. The inspection focuses on spotting issues such as leaks, deterioration, or structural weaknesses that might affect the roof. The primary goal of a roof inspection is to detect existing issues and suggest necessary repairs or upkeep. Unlike roof surveys, inspections do not usually include in-depth testing, focusing instead on current visible conditions. A roof survey offers a far more thorough and technical analysis compared to a standard inspection. In addition to visual examinations, roof surveys often include technical analysis and in-depth condition reporting. Surveyors may use specialised tools to check for trapped moisture, structural weaknesses, or invisible defects. Because surveys involve more extensive testing, they take longer to complete and may cost more than standard inspections. They are particularly beneficial for large-scale or intricate roofing structures that need a deeper evaluation.

If you are buying or selling a home: Understanding the condition of the roof before a transaction helps avoid unexpected repair costs. Following extreme weather conditions: 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 more than 20 years old: As a roof ages, it is more likely to develop problems or wear out. If your roof is more than 20 years old, it is a good idea to have it inspected to identify any issues that need to be addressed. Seeing signs of roof deterioration? If your roof shows signs of distress, an inspection ensures that necessary fixes are identified and addressed quickly.

Roof inspection report turnaround times depend on multiple factors, including roof structure, workload, and complexity. Generally, a standard roof inspection takes a few hours, though the time required depends on roof size and the extent of the assessment. Following the survey, we take time to analyze the data and prepare a detailed report for you. 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. For most domestic properties, we can provide a preliminary report on the same day as the inspection.