A professional roof inspection determines the condition of a roof and highlights any defects or weaknesses. 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 providers often request roof inspections for multiple purposes. If you're a homebuyer looking for insurance coverage, a roof survey might be mandatory. The insurer will likely request an inspection to confirm that the roof is structurally sound and doesn’t require urgent maintenance. To process a claim, the insurer may conduct an inspection to confirm whether the damage resulted from a covered event like hail or storms. A roof survey might be necessary during policy renewal to confirm the roof remains in good condition. This helps the insurance company assess the roof’s condition and determine the risk of insuring 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.

Both roof inspections and roof surveys evaluate a roof’s condition, but they vary in their depth and purpose. Roof inspections are primarily visual assessments performed by roofing professionals to check for surface-level problems. 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. The primary goal of a roof inspection is to detect existing issues and suggest necessary repairs or upkeep. 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. In addition to visual examinations, roof surveys often include technical analysis and in-depth condition reporting. 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. More detailed roof surveys are typically conducted for complex properties or when specific repair insights are required.

Selling or acquiring a house? Understanding the condition of the roof before a transaction helps avoid unexpected repair costs. Post-storm roof assessment: Extreme weather can weaken roofing structures, and a survey helps detect any critical issues. Older roofs require inspections: 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? 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.

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. Once the assessment is completed, we carefully review the findings before finalizing your inspection report. A more complex inspection will take additional time to analyze and document findings properly. 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.