A roof inspection is conducted to evaluate the roof's overall health and detect any existing or potential problems. Roof surveys focus on evaluating the existing state of a roof, finding weak points, and advising on repairs. Roof inspections are typically performed before buying or selling a home, after a significant weather event, or as part of a regular maintenance schedule. 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. If you're a homebuyer looking for insurance coverage, a roof survey might be mandatory. By evaluating the roof’s condition, the insurer can determine if the home qualifies for coverage without additional risks. Similarly, if you are filing a claim with your insurance company, they may require a roof inspection to determine the extent of the damage and whether the damage was caused by a covered event (such as a storm or hail). A roof survey might be necessary during policy renewal to confirm the roof remains in good condition. Evaluating the roof condition helps insurers decide on policy terms and possible premium adjustments. 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.

A roof inspection and a roof survey are both methods used to assess the condition of a roof, but they differ in scope and level of detail. Roof inspections focus on surface-level issues, evaluating the overall state of the roof through visual analysis. Roof inspections include checking flashing, roofing materials, and structural elements such as skylights and chimneys. We will look for signs of damage, wear and tear, and other issues that may affect the integrity and function of 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. 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. Surveyors may use specialised tools to check for trapped moisture, structural weaknesses, or invisible defects. Since surveys require detailed analysis, they tend to be lengthier and pricier than basic roof inspections. For larger buildings or roofs with structural concerns, surveys provide the detailed insights needed for long-term maintenance planning.

Selling or acquiring a house? Understanding the condition of the roof before a transaction helps avoid unexpected repair costs. 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. If your roof is reaching 20 years or older: 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 your roof shows signs of distress, an inspection ensures that necessary fixes are identified and addressed quickly.

How quickly you get your roof inspection report depends on the size of the roof, the level of assessment needed, and our availability. In most cases, our roof inspections should take a few hours to complete, depending on the size of the roof and the number of components that need to be inspected. Following the survey, we take time to analyze the data and prepare a detailed report for you. The length of time this takes will depend on the complexity of the inspection. Typically, reports are delivered within a few days, depending on the survey complexity. For smaller domestic roofs, we can usually provide an initial report on the day of the inspection.