New Roof, Now What? Why You Need a Final Inspection and Sign-Off
- Steve Roofer
- Jun 7
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 29
You’ve just had a new roof installed. It looks great—fresh tiles, no leaks, everything seems spot on. Job done, right? Not quite. Before you relax and forget about it, there’s one more crucial step: getting a proper roof inspection and sign-off.
This isn’t just a box-ticking exercise. It’s your insurance that the work was done properly, and a safeguard against nasty surprises down the line.
Here’s what’s involved, why it matters, and what Roof Local checks before signing off on any new roofing job.
What Is a New Roof Sign-Off?
A roof sign-off is a final inspection done after the installation of a new roof. It's carried out by an experienced surveyor (or third-party inspector, depending on who did the work) to confirm that everything meets current building regulations, manufacturer guidelines, and general best practices.
At Roof Local, we perform this inspection on every roof we install—and often for customers who’ve used other contractors and want a second opinion.
Why It Matters More Than You Think
It might be tempting to skip this part, especially if the roof looks fine. But appearances can be deceiving. We’ve inspected roofs that looked flawless from the street but had issues like:
Incorrect underlayment installation
Poor ventilation (leading to future damp and mould)
Faulty flashing around chimneys and dormers
Improperly nailed tiles that won’t survive winter storms
A sign-off ensures these things are caught—and corrected—early.
When Should the Inspection Happen?
Ideally, within a few days of the roof being finished. That allows time for minor issues to be addressed while the team and materials are still accessible.
If you're hiring Roof Local to do the inspection for another contractor's work, we’ll coordinate a time that works for everyone and make sure nothing gets overlooked.
What We Check During a New Roof Inspection
1. External Review:
Tile/slate alignment and fixing
Ridge and hip tile installation
Flashing condition
Soffits, fascia, and guttering
Valley and joint sealing
2. Internal Review (if accessible):
Underlayment and insulation
Signs of daylight or gaps
Ventilation adequacy
Evidence of leaks or trapped moisture
3. Compliance Checks:
Building regulations (Part L and Part C)
Manufacturer installation guidelines
Local planning requirements (if applicable)
What You Receive After Sign-Off
Once the inspection is complete, we provide:
A written report of all findings
A checklist of items reviewed
Confirmation of compliance (or a list of issues to resolve)
Photos and documentation for your records or warranty
This paperwork is especially helpful if you’re planning to sell the property in future – it proves your roof was done right.
What If We Find Problems?
If we installed the roof, we’ll fix them—no charge. If another contractor did the job, we’ll explain what needs attention and can quote for any necessary repairs (with no pressure).
The goal isn’t to scare you—it’s to give you clarity and confidence.
Final Thought: It’s the Roof Over Your Head
Your roof protects everything beneath it. A proper sign-off ensures that protection is solid from day one.
Think of it as the final stamp of quality. One last check to make sure your investment is secure, your warranty is valid, and your peace of mind is intact.
Need a final roof inspection? Whether we built it or someone else did, Roof Local provides detailed sign-off inspections so you can rest easy. Book yours today.
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