A roof inspection is conducted to evaluate the roof's overall health and detect any existing or potential problems. 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. Regular roof inspections are important when buying a home, post-storm, or as part of annual upkeep. By detecting issues early, roof inspections help maintain structural integrity, prolong the lifespan of the roof, and minimize costly damages.

A roof inspection may be required by an insurance company to evaluate potential risks. 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. In some cases, insurance companies may also require a roof inspection as part of the renewal process for an existing policy. An inspection gives the insurance company insight into the roof’s durability and potential risks. In summary, roof inspections are essential for insurers to assess risks and decide on appropriate coverage.

Both roof inspections and roof surveys evaluate a roof’s condition, but they vary in their depth and purpose. 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. Inspectors identify any potential weak points, leaks, or damage that could compromise the roof’s function. A roof inspection aims to identify any problems or areas of concern and provide recommendations for repairs or maintenance as needed. A standard roof inspection is more surface-level and does not typically involve advanced diagnostic tests. A full roof survey goes beyond a visual inspection, incorporating advanced testing methods. Beyond visual checks, roof surveys may involve structural testing and detailed material assessments. Surveys can involve moisture testing, material thickness measurements, or using high-tech tools to detect hidden issues. Since surveys require detailed analysis, they tend to be lengthier and pricier than basic roof inspections. Roof surveys are ideal for commercial, industrial, or high-risk roofs that require in-depth analysis.

Buying or selling a property? A roof inspection provides clarity on structural issues that may affect the value of a home. After a major weather event: A roof inspection is essential after severe weather to assess storm damage and necessary repairs. If your roof is reaching 20 years or older: Older roofs are prone to leaks, structural issues, and general wear—an inspection can help detect these problems early. Noticing leaks or water damage? 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.

Roof inspection report turnaround times depend on multiple factors, including roof structure, workload, and complexity. 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. The length of time this takes will depend on the complexity of the inspection. 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.