START WITH YOUR REASON
When is a roof inspection useful?
You do not need to know which repair is required before making an enquiry. Start with what you have observed and what you need to decide.
On a small screen, scroll the table sideways to read every column.
Reasons to arrange a roof inspection
| Situation |
What to establish |
Related Burnaby service |
| A leak or storm damage |
The reported entry point, surrounding condition, immediate concerns and limits of a local repair. |
Roof repair. If water is entering now, discuss emergency roof repair
and current availability. |
| Planning a replacement |
Whether deterioration is isolated or widespread and what each repair or replacement option would leave in place. |
Roof replacement
|
| Buying or selling a home |
Roof concerns raised in the home inspection, accessible condition and possible roofing work. |
Start with an enquiry about the specific roof concern. A roofing assessment does not replace a whole home inspection. |
| Strata planning |
Roof areas and buildings included, known leaks, access permissions and the records needed for council review. |
Strata roofing
|
| Routine care |
Debris, drainage concerns, visible wear and maintenance suited to the roof material. |
Roof maintenance
|
An active leak needs a different conversation.
Tell us immediately if water is coming inside. Keep clear of electrical hazards and damaged ceilings. An inspection booking is not a promise of immediate emergency attendance.
TURN FINDINGS INTO A PLAN
Agree on the records you need
Explain how you intend to use the assessment before booking. A homeowner deciding on a repair may need different documentation from a strata council comparing several roof areas.
Discuss photographs, written findings, priorities and repair options as part of the agreed scope. Confirm the report format and delivery arrangements; do not assume a particular checklist, colour rating or turnaround applies to every visit.
Condition and limitations
Useful records identify the areas reviewed, the visible findings and any parts that were inaccessible. They should distinguish an observed issue from a suspected cause that needs further investigation.
Priorities and options
Separate items needing prompt attention from planned maintenance and longer term work. If repairs are proposed, ask what they address, what remains outside the scope and whether alternatives are reasonable.
Keep the history together
Retain dated photographs, previous repair invoices, product information and assessment records. Share recurring leak locations and changes you have noticed between visits. This gives the next assessment useful context.
Insurance, warranty and other uses
If an insurer, warranty provider, buyer or property manager has requested a report, obtain their requirements before arranging the visit. Confirm the required author, format and scope with them. A roofing assessment does not guarantee acceptance, coverage or a warranty outcome.
PLAN AROUND YOUR ROOF
Seasonal checks and changing conditions
Spring and autumn can be useful planning points, but the right timing depends on the roof, exposure, previous findings and maintenance guidance. A new leak or storm damage should prompt an enquiry rather than waiting for a calendar date.
Before the wetter season
Discuss debris, gutters, valleys, roof openings and any unresolved repairs. Nearby trees and shaded areas can affect what needs attention. Access and weather determine whether the planned inspection can proceed safely.
After winter or a significant storm
Report any newly visible damage, overflow, interior staining or change in how the roof drains. Existing photographs help explain what has changed. Avoid treating every mark as proof of roof failure or assuming an absence of drips means there is no issue.
An inspection identifies concerns. Cleaning, sealing, refastening or replacing components are separate work unless expressly included in the agreed visit.
PRICE FOLLOWS THE SCOPE
What affects the inspection cost?
Roof size and complexity, height, pitch, access, the number of buildings and the documentation requested all affect the scope. A targeted roof concern differs from a broader assessment of multiple roof areas.
Before booking, ask what the fee includes and whether attic access, photographs, a written report or a return visit are included. Discuss any additional investigation separately. We confirm the arrangements for the property rather than applying an advertised figure to every roof.
Information that helps us prepare
- The property address and whether it is a home, strata or commercial building.
- The concern, when it started and whether water is entering now.
- Roof material and previous repairs, if known.
- Available photographs, reports and any third party documentation requirements.
- Roof and attic access, keys, parking and contact details for the person providing access.
- Any relevant decision deadline or resident access arrangements.
For strata buildings, identify the authorised contact and which roofs or units are included. Our Burnaby strata roofing guide
provides broader planning information.
A CLEAR SEQUENCE
From enquiry to the next roofing decision
-
Describe the concern
Tell us what you have noticed and why you need the assessment. Share existing records without going onto the roof.
-
Agree on the visit
Confirm the areas to review, safe access, documentation, fee and scheduling. Identify any requirements that fall outside a roofing contractor’s assessment.
-
Review the findings
Discuss visible issues, inaccessible areas and the need for further investigation. Ask how the findings relate to the original concern.
-
Decide on any work
Review maintenance, repair or replacement recommendations. Agree a separate written work scope and any changes before work proceeds.
This page is part of our Burnaby roofing services. For broader planning topics, explore the Burnaby roofing guides.
QUICK ANSWERS
Roof inspection questions
What does a roof inspection include?
The scope can cover the roof surface, flashings, valleys, ridges, vents and drainage, with an attic review where safe access allows. Confirm the areas, access limitations and documentation for your property before booking.
Do you inspect the attic?
Discuss attic access when arranging the visit. Where the agreed scope and safe access allow, visible moisture concerns, ventilation and the underside of the roof can add useful context. Inaccessible areas should be recorded.
Will I receive photographs and a written report?
Tell us what documentation you need before booking. Agree the photographs, written findings, priorities, format and delivery arrangements as part of the inspection scope, especially when a strata council or another party has specific requirements.
Is a roof inspection the same as a home inspection?
No. This is a roof assessment by a roofing contractor. A whole home inspection considers other building systems as well. If you are buying a property, arrange an appropriate home inspection and seek a roofer’s assessment of any roof concerns it identifies.
How much does a roof inspection cost in Burnaby?
The fee depends on the roof, access, number of buildings and the assessment and documentation required. Contact us with the property details to confirm what is included and how any additional investigation would be handled.
Will you repair problems during the inspection?
Do not assume repair or cleaning work is included. The inspection and any proposed work should have a clear scope. Discuss authorisation, price and access before repairs proceed.
Does a leak mean I need a new roof?
Not necessarily. A local repair may be suitable where the issue is isolated and the surrounding roof remains serviceable. The assessment should explain the findings, repair limitations and reasons for considering replacement where relevant.
Can an inspection tell me exactly how long my roof will last?
A condition assessment helps with planning, but it cannot guarantee an exact remaining lifespan or that future leaks will not occur. Material, installation, exposure, care and concealed conditions all affect the decision.
Can a strata arrange an inspection before planning work?
Yes. Identify the buildings and roof areas, known concerns, access permissions and council contact. Agree the documentation needed to compare maintenance, repair and replacement options.
What if water is entering now?
Tell us when you contact us so we can discuss the situation and current availability. Stay off the roof and keep clear of damaged ceilings and electrical hazards. Do not wait for a routine inspection to report an active leak.
START WITH THE PROPERTY
Discuss your Burnaby roof inspection
Send the property details and the question you need answered. We can discuss the appropriate next step, from investigating a concern to planning maintenance or reviewing replacement options.
Call 604 358 3436
or use the form below. Include any access or documentation requirements with your enquiry.
