A professional roof inspection determines the condition of a roof and highlights any defects or weaknesses. A roof inspection aims to determine the roof’s current condition, identify any potential problems or areas of concern, and provide recommendations for repairs or maintenance as needed. 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.

Insurance companies request roof surveys to assess property conditions and minimize risks. If you are buying a new house and seeking insurance, an inspection may be necessary. By evaluating the roof’s condition, the insurer can determine if the home qualifies for coverage without additional risks. If you submit an insurance claim for roof damage, the insurer may need an inspection to verify the cause and severity of the issue. A roof survey might be necessary during policy renewal to confirm the roof remains in good condition. Evaluating the roof condition helps insurers decide on policy terms and possible premium adjustments. In summary, roof inspections are essential for insurers to assess risks and decide on appropriate coverage.

The key difference between a roof inspection and a roof survey is the level of assessment and testing involved. A standard roof inspection involves visually checking the roof and its key elements for any visible issues. 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. Roof inspections are usually focused on the immediate condition of the roof and do not typically involve detailed measurements or testing. 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. Due to their detailed nature, roof surveys generally take longer and are more costly than regular inspections. More detailed roof surveys are typically conducted for complex properties or when specific repair insights are required.

Selling or acquiring a house? Before purchasing or selling, a roof inspection helps identify any necessary repairs or concerns. 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. If your roof is reaching 20 years or older: 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. Noticing leaks or water damage? Roof inspections diagnose structural issues, leaks, and potential repair needs to prevent costly damage.

Roof inspection report turnaround times depend on multiple factors, including roof structure, workload, and complexity. Depending on the roof’s size and features, the inspection itself is usually done within a few hours. 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. On average, you can expect to receive your full report a few days after the inspection is carried out. For residential properties, we often offer an initial inspection summary on the same day.