When a building inspection report says a roof should be checked by a licensed roofer, it does not always mean there is a major problem. It usually means the inspector has seen enough to recommend a closer look from someone who works with roofs every day.
This is common during pre-purchase inspections. A building inspector can identify visible warning signs, but their inspection is usually limited to what can be safely accessed and seen on the day. Roofs are often high, steep, slippery, partly hidden or unsafe to walk on without the right equipment.
A building inspection is usually a visual inspection
Most building inspections are non-invasive. The inspector is not pulling apart the roof, lifting sheets, removing flashings or testing every hidden section. They are looking for visible signs of defects, water entry, movement, deterioration and safety concerns.
In a real pre-purchase inspection report we reviewed, the roof was not walked on because of access, pitch and height restrictions. The inspector viewed the roof from ladders and noted that some areas may have been visually restricted. The report also said a licensed roofer should be contacted if a more detailed roof report was required.
That is a sensible recommendation. It means the roof needs a more specific assessment before the buyer relies on the general building report alone.
What a roofer can check more closely
A roofer looks at a roof differently from a general building inspector. They are more likely to focus on how the roof is performing, how it is fixed, how water moves across it and whether the current condition is likely to become a bigger problem.
A licensed roofer may check:
- metal roof sheets
- surface rust and corrosion
- roof screws and washers
- flashings and joins
- valleys and penetrations
- guttering and drainage
- signs of water entry
- storm or hail damage
- whether repair or replacement is more practical
This gives the buyer a clearer idea of what they are dealing with before settlement.
Rust is a good reason to get a second look
If the inspection report mentions roof rust, corrosion or ageing metal sheets, it is worth getting a roofer’s opinion. Surface rust can sometimes be managed with maintenance, but it can also be an early sign of a roof that is starting to deteriorate.
In the same inspection report, several galvanised iron roof sheets were noted as having surface rust. The inspector said maintenance and coating with a rust guard product may help prevent further deterioration, but warned that failure to maintain the roof could result in replacement being needed.
That is exactly the kind of finding a roofer should assess. The question is not just “is there rust?” The better question is “how bad is it, where is it, and what is the most sensible next step?”
Limited access can hide roof problems
One of the most important lines in a building report is often the one buyers skim over: limited access.
If an inspector could not fully access the roof, there may be sections that were not closely viewed. This does not mean there is definitely hidden damage. It simply means there is uncertainty.
For a buyer, that uncertainty matters. A roof replacement can be a major cost, so it is better to understand the likely condition before signing off on the purchase.
Should you organise a roof inspection before settlement?
If the building report mentions rust, leaks, damaged flashing, old roofing, possible asbestos materials or restricted roof access, a roof inspection is a smart next step.
It can help you decide whether to:
- proceed with confidence
- ask for repairs
- negotiate the purchase price
- budget for maintenance
- prepare for future roof replacement
It is much better to know this before settlement than after you have moved in.
Need a roofer to check a building report?
If your building inspector has recommended a roofing contractor, Brisbane Roofing Co can inspect the roof and explain what the findings mean in plain English.
We can help you understand whether the issue is minor maintenance, a repair job or something that may need replacement. Roof Replacement Brisbane – Upgrade Your Home the Smart Way
Roof Replacement Brisbane: What You Need to Know Before Taking the Next Step
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