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. Roof inspections are typically performed before buying or selling a home, after a significant weather event, or as part of a regular maintenance schedule. By detecting issues early, roof inspections help maintain structural integrity, prolong the lifespan of the roof, and minimize costly damages.

A roof inspection may be required by an insurance company to evaluate potential risks. If you're a homebuyer looking for insurance coverage, a roof survey might be mandatory. 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. As part of policy renewal, insurers may mandate a roof inspection to reassess coverage eligibility. This helps the insurance company assess the roof’s condition and determine the risk of insuring the property. Ultimately, roof inspections help insurers assess property risks and ensure fair policy pricing.

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. During a roof inspection, experts visually assess the roof’s structure, materials, and general condition. A roof inspection typically involves thoroughly examining the roof surface, including the roofing material, flashing, and other components 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. These inspections primarily assess the roof’s present condition and usually do not include extensive testing or measurements. A full roof survey goes beyond a visual inspection, incorporating advanced testing methods. 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. This may include testing the roof deck’s moisture content, measuring the roofing material’s thickness, or using specialised equipment to identify problems that are not visible to the naked eye. Because surveys involve more extensive testing, they take longer to complete and may cost more than standard inspections. 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.

Buying or selling a property? A professional roof survey ensures you are aware of any roofing problems before buying or selling a property. After a major weather event: Extreme weather can weaken roofing structures, and a survey helps detect any critical issues. If your roof is more than 20 years old: Aging roofing materials can deteriorate, so a professional survey helps identify weak spots. If you are experiencing roof-related problems: Roof inspections diagnose structural issues, leaks, and potential repair needs to prevent costly damage.

The time required to receive your roof inspection report varies based on factors like roof size, inspection complexity, and our scheduling. Generally, a standard roof inspection takes a few hours, though the time required depends on roof size and the extent of the assessment. After the inspection is complete, we will typically need some time to compile the inspection report and document our findings. 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 smaller domestic roofs, we can usually provide an initial report on the day of the inspection.