How to Document Roof Damage
for Insurance Claims
Get your claim approved with proper documentation. Learn exactly what evidence insurance adjusters need to see.
Complete Documentation Checklist
Everything you need to document for a successful insurance claim
⚠️ Critical: Understanding your insurance policy before filing a claim can save you thousands. Many Myrtle Beach homeowners discovered too late that their policies shifted from Replacement Cost (RCV) to Actual Cash Value (ACV) when their roofs turned 10-15 years old—resulting in dramatically higher out-of-pocket costs. Learn about the insurance coverage cliff affecting 2010-2015 construction boom homes.
Immediate Documentation (Day of Damage)
- ✓Take wide-angle photos of entire property from street
- ✓Photograph damage from multiple angles
- ✓Capture close-up photos of specific damage areas
- ✓Take photos of interior damage (water stains, leaks)
- ✓Record date/time stamps on all photos
- ✓Document weather conditions if storm is passing
- ✓Photograph any emergency repairs made
- ✓Take video walkthrough of all damage
Detailed Evidence Collection
- ✓Photos of missing or damaged shingles
- ✓Close-ups of hail dents or wind damage
- ✓Damaged flashing, gutters, vents, skylights
- ✓Broken or cracked roofing materials
- ✓Debris on roof or property
- ✓Fallen tree branches or impact damage
- ✓Water intrusion in attic or ceilings
- ✓Damaged insulation or decking
Professional Assessment
- ✓Schedule certified roof inspection
- ✓Get written damage assessment report
- ✓Obtain repair/replacement estimate
- ✓Request thermal imaging (for water damage)
- ✓Get moisture meter readings
- ✓Obtain drone photography of roof
- ✓Collect material samples if needed
- ✓Document code violations or upgrades needed
Supporting Documentation
- ✓Copy of insurance policy and declarations
- ✓Recent roof maintenance records
- ✓Previous inspection reports
- ✓Original roof installation documents
- ✓Warranty information
- ✓Storm date verification (NOAA weather data)
- ✓Repair receipts for emergency work
- ✓Communication log with insurance company
Professional Photo Documentation Guide
Take the right photos at the right angles to prove your damage
Overview Photos
Wide shots showing entire roof and property
Photography Tips:
- •Shoot from ground level at four corners of property
- •Include neighboring properties for context
- •Capture entire roof if possible
- •Show relation of damage to surroundings
Examples:
Medium Range Photos
Focus on damaged sections of roof
Photography Tips:
- •Shoot from various angles
- •Include reference points (chimney, vents)
- •Show extent of damage area
- •Capture multiple sections separately
Examples:
Close-Up Detail Photos
Individual damage points with clear detail
Photography Tips:
- •Get as close as safely possible
- •Use macro mode for hail dents
- •Place ruler or coin for scale
- •Ensure photos are in focus
Examples:
Interior Damage Photos
Document water intrusion and secondary damage
Photography Tips:
- •Photo all ceiling stains
- •Capture attic moisture or mold
- •Show damaged insulation
- •Document buckets catching water
Examples:
Pro Tip: The Rule of 3
For every damaged area, take at least 3 photos: (1) Wide shot showing location on roof, (2) Medium shot showing extent of damage, (3) Close-up showing detail. This gives adjusters complete context and proof.
6 Documentation Mistakes That Get Claims Denied
Avoid these common errors that lead to claim denials
Not Documenting Immediately
Why it matters: Evidence disappears (wind blows shingles away, rain washes away granules)
✓ The Fix:
Take photos within 24-48 hours of storm event, even if it's still raining. Use umbrella to protect camera.
Photos Too Far Away
Why it matters: Insurance adjuster can't see actual damage in photos
✓ The Fix:
Take multiple photos at different distances: wide, medium, and extreme close-ups of each damage area.
Poor Photo Quality
Why it matters: Blurry, dark, or unclear photos are dismissed as insufficient evidence
✓ The Fix:
Use good lighting (daytime), hold camera steady, ensure focus is sharp. Retake if blurry.
Missing Date/Time Stamps
Why it matters: Insurance company claims damage is old or pre-existing
✓ The Fix:
Enable timestamp on camera, or write date on paper in photos. Save original files with metadata.
No Professional Assessment
Why it matters: Homeowner estimates are dismissed; claim denied for lack of expert opinion
✓ The Fix:
Get certified roofer inspection report with detailed findings and repair estimate.
Delaying the Claim
Why it matters: Miss policy deadlines (often 1 year), claim automatically denied
✓ The Fix:
File claim within days/weeks of damage, not months later. Most policies require "prompt" reporting.
Professional Documentation Package
What Weather Shield provides for your insurance claim
📋 Policy Coverage Assessment: Before we document your damage, we help you understand your actual coverage. Recent industry changes mean many policies automatically switched to Actual Cash Value (ACV) for roofs 10-15 years old—a change that dramatically affects your claim payout. Our professional inspection report helps you negotiate better terms. Read our complete guide on the RCV to ACV shift and how to protect yourself.
Professional Photography Package
Comprehensive photo documentation using professional equipment
Includes:
- ✓High-resolution photos from ground level
- ✓Drone aerial photography of entire roof
- ✓Close-up macro photos of damage details
- ✓Before/after comparisons if available
- ✓Organized photo gallery with annotations
Technical Inspection Report
Detailed written assessment by certified inspectors
Includes:
- ✓Damage type and severity classification
- ✓Measurements and dimensions of affected areas
- ✓Material condition assessment
- ✓Code compliance issues noted
- ✓Recommendations for repair vs replacement
Repair Estimate (Xactimate)
Industry-standard pricing used by insurance companies
Includes:
- ✓Line-by-line cost breakdown
- ✓Material specifications and quantities
- ✓Labor costs at local market rates
- ✓Permits and code upgrade costs
- ✓Total repair or replacement estimate
Supporting Evidence Package
Additional documentation to strengthen your claim
Includes:
- ✓Thermal imaging showing moisture intrusion
- ✓Moisture meter readings and locations
- ✓Material samples for lab analysis if needed
- ✓Storm date verification from NOAA
- ✓Compliance reports for building codes
Documentation Timeline
When to document what for your insurance claim
Within 24 Hours of Damage
- ✓Document damage with photos/video
- ✓Make emergency repairs to prevent further damage (tarp roof)
- ✓Contact your insurance company to report claim
- ✓Call Weather Shield for emergency inspection
1-3 Days After Damage
- ✓Complete professional roof inspection
- ✓Receive detailed damage assessment report
- ✓Get repair estimate using Xactimate
- ✓Submit documentation package to insurance
1-2 Weeks After Filing
- ✓Insurance adjuster schedules site visit
- ✓We attend adjuster meeting with you
- ✓Point out all damage to adjuster
- ✓Provide additional evidence as requested
2-4 Weeks After Inspection
- ✓Receive claim decision from insurance
- ✓Review settlement offer with us
- ✓Negotiate if estimate is too low
- ✓Accept settlement and schedule repairs
Documentation FAQs
Common questions about documenting roof damage
Can I document the damage myself, or do I need a professional?▼
How soon after a storm should I document damage?▼
What if I can't safely access my roof to take photos?▼
Should I make repairs before the insurance adjuster sees the damage?▼
How many photos should I take?▼
What if the adjuster says there's no damage, but I know there is?▼
Don't Risk Your Claim with Poor Documentation
Let our certified inspectors document your damage professionally. We know exactly what insurance adjusters need to see.
Free Inspection & Documentation • Myrtle Beach, SC & Surrounding Areas