A professional roof inspection determines the condition of a roof and highlights any defects or weaknesses. By inspecting the roof, specialists can detect potential risks and provide expert recommendations to prolong its lifespan. Regular roof inspections are important when buying a home, post-storm, or as part of annual upkeep. 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.

Insurance providers often request roof inspections for multiple purposes. 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. Evaluating the roof condition helps insurers decide on policy terms and possible premium adjustments. 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. 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. Inspectors identify any potential weak points, leaks, or damage that could compromise the roof’s function. Through inspections, specialists diagnose roofing issues and provide actionable repair or maintenance advice. These inspections primarily assess the roof’s present condition and usually do not include extensive testing or measurements. On the other hand, a roof survey is a more detailed and comprehensive assessment of the roof and its condition. 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. Because surveys involve more extensive testing, they take longer to complete and may cost more than standard inspections. 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: Extreme weather can weaken roofing structures, and a survey helps detect any critical issues. Aging roofs need professional evaluation: 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. Seeing signs of roof deterioration? A roof inspection helps pinpoint the root cause of roofing problems and offers expert repair recommendations.

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 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. In general, you should receive your roof inspection report within a few days of the inspection being completed. A preliminary assessment for home roofs is often available right after the inspection is completed.