Roof inspections are essential for analyzing the roof's condition and spotting areas that may need repairs. 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. 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. When securing home insurance for a newly purchased property, insurers may require a roof check. 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. A roof survey might be necessary during policy renewal to confirm the roof remains in good condition. By assessing the roof’s current state, insurance companies can calculate the level of risk associated with the property. Overall, a roof inspection is typically required by an insurance company to evaluate the roof’s condition and determine the risk of insuring the property.

While a roof inspection and a roof survey serve similar functions, they differ in how comprehensive they are. A roof inspection is a visual examination of the roof and its components conducted by one of SNR Roofing’s professional contractors. 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. A roof inspection aims to identify any problems or areas of concern and provide recommendations for repairs or maintenance as needed. 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. 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. They are particularly beneficial for large-scale or intricate roofing structures that need a deeper evaluation.

Before finalizing a home purchase or sale: Understanding the condition of the roof before a transaction helps avoid unexpected repair costs. If your roof has been exposed to severe weather: 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: Over time, roofs become more vulnerable to damage, making routine inspections important for maintenance. If you are experiencing roof-related problems: Persistent leaks, water stains, or missing shingles indicate it’s time for a professional roof assessment.

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 the inspection is complete, we will typically need some time to compile the inspection report and document our findings. How long it takes to prepare the report is influenced by the complexity of the survey and required documentation. Inspection reports are usually available within a few days, but this may vary based on the type of roof and findings. For residential properties, we often offer an initial inspection summary on the same day.