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. People usually request roof inspections when purchasing or selling a property, following storms, or as part of routine maintenance. Roof inspections can help to protect the structural integrity of a building, extend the life of a roof, and prevent costly repairs down the line.

A roof inspection may be required by an insurance company to evaluate potential risks. When insuring a newly purchased home, an inspection ensures the roof meets policy requirements. A roof check allows the insurer to assess whether immediate repairs are necessary before issuing coverage. If you submit an insurance claim for roof damage, the insurer may need an inspection to verify the cause and severity of the issue. For ongoing insurance coverage, periodic roof inspections help insurers adjust risk assessments. This helps the insurance company assess the roof’s condition and determine the risk of insuring the property. Ultimately, roof inspections help insurers assess property risks and ensure fair policy pricing.

Both roof inspections and roof surveys evaluate a roof’s condition, but they vary in their depth and purpose. A standard roof inspection involves visually checking the roof and its key elements for any visible issues. The inspection process covers various components, including roofing materials, flashing, and additional features like skylights and chimneys. Visible signs of wear, damage, and possible leaks are assessed to ensure the roof remains structurally sound. Through inspections, specialists diagnose roofing issues and provide actionable repair or maintenance advice. Roof inspections are usually focused on the immediate condition of the roof and do not typically involve detailed measurements or testing. On the other hand, a roof survey is a more detailed and comprehensive assessment of the roof and its condition. Roof surveys combine traditional inspections with advanced evaluations to obtain in-depth data on roof conditions. Surveys can involve moisture testing, material thickness measurements, or using high-tech tools to detect hidden issues. A full roof survey is typically a more in-depth process, requiring more time and investment than an inspection. They are particularly beneficial for large-scale or intricate roofing structures that need a deeper evaluation.

Before finalizing a home purchase or sale: A roof inspection can help you understand the roof’s condition and identify any potential issues that may need to be addressed before buying or selling 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. Noticing leaks or water damage? 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. Most roof inspections are completed within hours, but more detailed assessments may extend the process. After gathering all necessary details, we document our findings and compile a professional inspection report. A more complex inspection will take additional time to analyze and document findings properly. In general, you should receive your roof inspection report within a few days of the inspection being completed. For smaller domestic roofs, we can usually provide an initial report on the day of the inspection.