How to Document Roof Damage for Insurance Claims (Step-by-Step)
Your insurance claim's success often comes down to one thing: documentation. Not the severity of the damage. Not how obvious the problem is. Documentation.
Here's your complete guide to documenting roof damage like a pro.
Before You Start: Safety First
Never climb on a damaged roof unless you're trained and have proper safety equipment. Most documentation can be done from the ground, a ladder, or the interior of your home.
Photo Documentation: What to Capture
Use the "wide to close" technique:
- Wide shots: Full house exterior from each direction
- Section shots: Each roof plane or section
- Damage area shots: Each damaged area
- Close-up shots: Individual shingles, dents, cracks
- Scale reference: Include a ruler or coin for size context
The 100+ Photo Rule
Most homeowners take 10-20 photos. That's not enough. Take at least 100 photos covering:
- All four sides of the house
- Every roof plane
- Gutters and downspouts
- Siding and windows
- Interior ceiling stains or damage
- Attic (if accessible)
- HVAC units and vents
Video Walkthrough
In addition to photos, record a video walkthrough with narration. Describe what you're seeing as you film. This creates a comprehensive record and can capture details photos miss.
Written Documentation
Create a written damage inventory listing:
- Location of each damage area
- Description of the damage
- Approximate size or quantity
- Date damage was discovered
Common Documentation Mistakes
- Editing photos: Never crop, filter, or edit damage photos
- Timestamps off: Ensure your phone's date/time is correct
- No backup: Upload to cloud storage immediately
- Missing interior: Don't forget water stains and ceiling damage
Remember: you can never have too much documentation, but you can definitely have too little.