Documenting Roof Damage for Insurance: Photo & Video Tips

In This Guide:

✓ Complete photo checklist for roof damage
✓ Video documentation best practices
✓ Written record templates and tips
✓ Professional contractor inspection reports
✓ Common documentation mistakes to avoid
✓ Timing: When to document and file
✓ FAQ: 4 common questions answered

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1. Why Documentation Matters for Claims
2. Complete Photo Checklist for Roof Damage
3. Video Documentation Tips
4. Creating Written Records
5. Professional Contractor Inspection Reports
6. Common Documentation Mistakes to Avoid
7. Timing: When to Document and File
8. Frequently Asked Questions
9. Get Professional Documentation Help

Why Documentation Matters for Insurance Claims

Insurance claims are won or lost on evidence. When you file a roof damage claim, you're essentially making a legal case that storm damage occurred and your policy covers it. Without proper documentation, adjusters may:

Attribute damage to wear and tear rather than the storm
Claim damage was pre-existing
Underestimate the scope or severity of damage
Deny the claim entirely due to lack of evidence

Real Example from Myrtle Beach

Last year, a homeowner in Carolina Forest had significant hail damage but waited three weeks to file a claim without taking photos. By the time the adjuster arrived, some damage had been obscured by debris, and the insurance company reduced the settlement by 40%. Homeowners who document immediately see claims processed faster and with better outcomes.

The Three Pillars of Documentation

Photos

Visual proof of damage from multiple angles with date/time stamps

Video

Narrated walkthrough showing scope and context of all damage

Written Records

Timeline, descriptions, and professional inspection reports

Complete Photo Checklist for Roof Damage

Thorough photo documentation is your most important tool. Here's a complete checklist of what to photograph:

Before You Start: Camera Settings

Enable These Settings on Your Phone:

✓
Location Services: Enable GPS tagging for photos to prove where they were taken
✓
Date/Time Display: Use a timestamp camera app if your default camera doesn't embed visible date/time
✓
High Resolution: Set camera to highest quality for clear, detailed images
✓
Cloud Backup: Enable automatic backup so photos aren't lost if phone is damaged

Exterior Roof Photo Checklist

Wide-Angle Overview Photos:

□ Full front view of roof from street
□ Full back view of roof
□ Left side view of entire roof
□ Right side view of entire roof
□ 45-degree angle views from each corner of property
□ Photo showing roof in context with neighboring homes

Specific Damage Close-Ups:

□ Each area of missing shingles (multiple angles)
□ Dented or punctured areas
□ Cracked or split shingles
□ Granule loss areas (show bare spots)
□ Lifted or curled shingle edges
□ Damaged ridge caps
□ Damaged or displaced flashing
□ Damaged or clogged gutters
□ Debris on roof (branches, hail stones if present)
□ Damaged vents, skylights, or chimneys

Interior Damage Photo Checklist

Document All Interior Signs:

□ Water stains on ceilings (with ruler for scale)
□ Active leaks or dripping water
□ Damaged drywall or paint bubbling
□ Wet insulation visible in attic
□ Daylight visible through roof from attic
□ Water damage to personal property
□ Mold or mildew growth

Supporting Evidence Photos

Additional Documentation:

□ Damaged siding, windows, or outdoor structures
□ Fallen branches or debris in yard
□ Damage to vehicles showing storm severity
□ Neighbors' visible roof damage (with permission)
□ Hail stones with ruler for size reference
□ Dented mailbox, AC unit, or car showing impact

Safety Warning

Never climb on a damaged roof. Take photos from ground level using zoom, from windows or a ladder at roof edge, or use a drone if available. The risk of injury from walking on storm-damaged roofing isn't worth any photo. Leave roof-level documentation to professionals.

Video Documentation Tips

Video provides context that photos can't capture. A well-narrated walkthrough video can be the difference-maker in disputed claims.

Creating an Effective Walkthrough Video

Video Recording Best Practices:

1.
Start with the date and address: Begin by saying the date, time, and your address. "This is January 12, 2026, at 123 Main Street, Myrtle Beach, documenting storm damage from last night's storm."
2.
Show the overall scene: Pan slowly across your entire property and roof, establishing the scope of damage.
3.
Narrate as you go: Describe what you're seeing. "Here you can see three shingles missing from the north slope. There's debris in the gutter from the broken branch."
4.
Show reference points: Include landmarks, house numbers, or other identifying features in the video.
5.
Document weather conditions: Note if it's still raining, show water flow, or mention storm aftermath conditions.
6.
Move slowly: Quick movements create blurry footage. Pause on each damage area for 5-10 seconds.

What to Include in Your Video

Exterior walk around entire property (5-10 minutes)
Close-up footage of each damaged area
Interior walkthrough showing any leaks or water damage
Attic footage if safely accessible
Neighbor damage (with permission) to show storm scope

Pro Tip

Don't delete any footage, even if you think you made a mistake. Raw, unedited video is more credible than polished clips. Save multiple copies to cloud storage immediately.

Creating Written Records

Written documentation provides context and creates a paper trail that supports your photo and video evidence.

Storm Damage Journal Template

STORM DAMAGE DOCUMENTATION LOG

Date of Storm: _______________

Time Storm Started: _______________

Time Storm Ended: _______________

Weather Conditions: _______________

(Hail size, wind direction, rainfall intensity)

Date Damage Discovered: _______________

Time Damage Discovered: _______________

Who Discovered Damage: _______________

Description of Damage:

________________________________

Emergency Repairs Made:

________________________________

Date Claim Filed: _______________

Claim Number: _______________

Adjuster Name/Contact: _______________

Important Records to Gather

Supporting Documentation:

□ National Weather Service storm reports for your area
□ Local news coverage of the storm
□ Social media posts about local damage (screenshot them)
□ Hail reports from weather apps or websites
□ Wind speed data for your area during the storm
□ Previous roof inspection reports showing good condition
□ Maintenance records and receipts
□ Original roof installation documents
□ Your insurance policy declarations page

Keep a Communication Log

Document every interaction with your insurance company:

Date and time of every phone call
Name and title of person you spoke with
Summary of what was discussed
Any commitments or next steps promised
Reference numbers provided

Professional Contractor Inspection Reports

While your own documentation is valuable, a professional contractor's inspection report carries significant weight with insurance adjusters.

Why Contractor Reports Matter

1.
Expert Credibility: Licensed contractors are recognized experts whose assessments carry more weight than homeowner observations.
2.
Hidden Damage: Professionals identify damage that homeowners miss—underlayment issues, compromised decking, subtle hail impacts.
3.
Industry Terminology: Reports use specific terms adjusters understand and respect.
4.
Detailed Measurements: Precise square footage, counts, and specifications for accurate estimates.
5.
Adjuster Meetings: Good contractors meet with adjusters to ensure all damage is documented.

What a Good Inspection Report Includes

Complete roof measurements and specifications
Detailed description of all damage found
Professional photos with annotations
Material identification and condition assessment
Repair scope and methodology
Code compliance requirements
Written estimate with line-item breakdown

What WeatherShield Provides

Our free storm damage inspections include:

• Complete roof inspection by licensed professionals
• Detailed written report with photos
• Drone footage when appropriate
• Xactimate estimate matching insurance formats
• Adjuster meeting support if requested

Common Documentation Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common errors that can weaken your claim:

Mistakes to Avoid:

1.
Waiting too long to document: Damage can worsen, debris gets cleaned up, and insurers question timing.
2.
Only taking close-ups: Without wide shots, adjusters can't understand scope or verify location.
3.
Forgetting date/time stamps: Photos without timestamps can be questioned or dismissed.
4.
Making repairs before documenting: Always photograph damage before any repairs, even temporary ones.
5.
Throwing away debris: Save hail stones, broken shingles, and debris as physical evidence.
6.
Not documenting interior damage: Roof damage often causes interior issues that should be claimed together.
7.
Relying only on phone memory: Back up all photos and videos to cloud storage immediately.

Timing: When to Document and File

Timing is critical for both documentation and claim filing.

Documentation Timeline

Timeframe	Action
During Storm	Stay safe inside. Note time, conditions, sounds of impacts.
0-24 Hours After	Initial photo/video documentation when safe. Save hail stones in freezer.
24-48 Hours After	Complete documentation. Make emergency repairs if needed. Contact insurance.
48-72 Hours After	Schedule professional roof inspection. Gather weather reports.
1-2 Weeks After	Receive contractor report. Prepare for adjuster visit.

South Carolina Filing Deadlines

While SC law generally allows 1 year to file claims, most policies require "prompt" reporting. We recommend filing within 30 days of discovering damage. Waiting longer makes it harder to prove storm-related causation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What photos do I need for a roof insurance claim?

For a roof insurance claim, you need: wide-angle photos of your entire roof from all sides, close-up photos of specific damage (missing shingles, dents, cracks), photos of debris or fallen items, interior damage photos (water stains, leaks), and damage to related areas (gutters, siding, vents). All photos should have date/time stamps enabled.

Should I take video of roof damage for insurance?

Yes, video documentation is highly valuable for insurance claims. Create a narrated walkthrough pointing out all damage, show the overall scope of damage, and capture details that photos might miss. Video with audio narration helps adjusters understand the extent of damage and can support your claim if disputed.

How soon after storm damage should I document my roof?

Document roof damage as soon as safely possible after the storm passes, ideally within 24-48 hours. Early documentation proves the damage was storm-related and prevents further deterioration from being mistaken as the original damage. Make temporary repairs only after thoroughly documenting existing damage.

Do I need a professional roof inspection for an insurance claim?

While not always required, a professional roof inspection significantly strengthens your claim. Licensed contractors can identify hidden damage, provide detailed written reports using industry terminology, and often meet with insurance adjusters on your behalf. Their documentation carries more weight than homeowner photos alone.

Get Professional Documentation Help

Proper documentation is the foundation of a successful insurance claim. At WeatherShield Roofing, we provide comprehensive documentation services that give you the best chance at a fair settlement.

Our documentation services include:

Free storm damage inspection by licensed professionals
Detailed written reports with annotated photos
Drone documentation for hard-to-access areas
Xactimate estimates in insurance-preferred format
Adjuster meeting support to ensure all damage is captured

Free Storm Damage Inspection & Documentation

Don't leave your claim to chance. Get professional documentation that insurance companies trust. Call now for a free inspection.

Call: (843) 877-5539 Schedule Online

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Roof Damage DocumentationInsurance ClaimsStorm DamagePhoto EvidenceInsurance PhotosClaim TipsMyrtle BeachContractor Inspection