What does a roof inspection letter look like? (sample outline)
Short answer. A roof inspection letter is a short, signed summary of a roof's condition, usually requested by an insurer, a home buyer, or a lender. A solid one lists the property and inspection date, the roof type, approximate age and number of layers, specific findings, estimated remaining life, recommended repairs, and the inspector's name and company, with photos attached.
Who asks for one
- Insurers: at renewal or when writing a new policy on an older roof, some carriers ask for proof of condition.
- Buyers and lenders: during a home sale, especially when the inspection report flags the roof.
- HOAs: occasionally, to confirm repairs were completed.
Sample outline
- Header: company name, address, phone, and the inspector's name.
- Property: owner name and address.
- Inspection details: date, method (walked the roof, drone, attic access), and weather.
- Roof description: material and product type if known, approximate age, number of layers, predominant pitch, ventilation type.
- Findings: a bulleted list, for example: "Two cracked pipe boot collars on the rear slope." "Granule loss consistent with age on the south slope." "No evidence of active leaks in the attic at the time of inspection."
- Estimated remaining service life: a range, with the reasons.
- Recommendations: repairs needed now and items to monitor.
- Limitations: areas not accessible, and a note that the letter reflects conditions on the inspection date only.
- Photos and signature.
Letters to be wary of
A letter written without anyone getting on the roof or flying it, one that guarantees the roof will not leak, or one with no photos carries little weight. If the roof needs repairs, the honest letter says so. For what a thorough inspection involves, see what to expect from a roof inspection, and for realistic remaining life, how long a roof lasts in Georgia.