A roof inspection is conducted to evaluate the roof's overall health and detect any existing or potential problems. The purpose of a roof inspection is to assess its structural integrity, detect possible concerns, and suggest necessary maintenance. Roof inspections are typically performed before buying or selling a home, after a significant weather event, or as part of a regular maintenance schedule. Getting a roof inspection safeguards a building’s structure, increases roof longevity, and reduces the risk of expensive future repairs.

A roof inspection may be required by an insurance company to evaluate potential risks. If you are buying a new house and seeking insurance, an inspection may be necessary. In that case, the insurance company may require a roof inspection to ensure that the roof is in good condition and not in need of immediate repairs. If you submit an insurance claim for roof damage, the insurer may need an inspection to verify the cause and severity of the issue. 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. A roof survey plays a crucial role in helping insurance providers determine coverage terms and potential liabilities.

The key difference between a roof inspection and a roof survey is the level of assessment and testing involved. Roof inspections are primarily visual assessments performed by roofing professionals to check for surface-level problems. Inspectors examine the roofing surface, flashing, skylights, and chimneys to detect any visible problems. The inspection focuses on spotting issues such as leaks, deterioration, or structural weaknesses that might affect 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 roof survey offers a far more thorough and technical analysis compared to a standard inspection. 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. Roof surveys are often used for larger or more complex roofs or when more detailed information about the roof’s condition is needed for repair or maintenance purposes.

Purchasing or listing a home? A professional roof survey ensures you are aware of any roofing problems before buying or selling a property. After a storm, hail, or other severe weather: After severe weather, a roof inspection ensures that no unseen damage threatens your property. Aging roofs need professional evaluation: Older roofs are prone to leaks, structural issues, and general wear—an inspection can help detect these problems early. If you suspect your roof has problems: If your roof shows signs of distress, an inspection ensures that necessary fixes are identified and addressed quickly.

The time required to receive your roof inspection report varies based on factors like roof size, inspection complexity, and our scheduling. A typical roof survey lasts a few hours, though larger or more complex roofs may take longer. After gathering all necessary details, we document our findings and compile a professional inspection report. How long it takes to prepare the report is influenced by the complexity of the survey and required documentation. On average, you can expect to receive your full report a few days after the inspection is carried out. A preliminary assessment for home roofs is often available right after the inspection is completed.