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Roofing

Damage Assessment, Claims & Restoration

8Damage Types
6Phase Process
10+Parties Involved
24-48hCritical Window
🏠

Roof Damage Calculator

Calculate roof damage scope, replacement costs, and material quantities

  • Square footage calculations
  • Material estimating
  • Damage mapping
  • Photo documentation
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📝

Roof Estimate

Create detailed roofing estimates with labor, materials, and tear-off costs

  • Shingle replacement
  • Decking repairs
  • Flashing & underlayment
  • Gutters & accessories
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🧊

Hail Damage Assessment

Document hail impacts with test squares and soft metal analysis

  • Test square mapping
  • Impact counting
  • Soft metal documentation
  • Weather data integration
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📋

Claim Tracking

Manage your roofing insurance claim from inspection to settlement

  • Claim status tracking
  • Document organization
  • Adjuster communication
  • Timeline management
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📸

Photo Documentation

Capture and organize roof damage photos for insurance claims

  • Slope-by-slope photos
  • Damage close-ups
  • Test square documentation
  • Before/after comparisons
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💰

Supplement Generator

Generate supplements for additional damage discovered during repairs

  • Hidden damage documentation
  • Code upgrade items
  • Price difference justification
  • Photo evidence attachments
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Quick Start

Start with the Roof Damage Calculator to assess damage scope, then use Photo Documentation to capture evidence for your claim.

Start Roof Assessment

Understanding Roof Damage

Different types of damage have different causes, coverage implications, and repair approaches

Cause: Ice impact from storms

Signs to Look For:

  • Dents or dimples in shingles, metal, or vents
  • Granule loss exposing asphalt layer
  • Cracked or broken tiles
  • Soft spots when walking on roof
  • Damage to gutters, downspouts, and flashing
Claim Notes: Document hail size and get weather reports; soft metal test areas help prove hail occurred

Cause: High winds and storms

Signs to Look For:

  • Lifted, curled, or missing shingles
  • Exposed underlayment or decking
  • Debris scattered on or around roof
  • Damaged or missing ridge caps
  • Flashing pulled away from surfaces
Claim Notes: Wind damage often affects edges and corners first; document wind speeds from weather data

Cause: Leaks, ponding, or poor drainage

Signs to Look For:

  • Water stains on ceilings or walls
  • Rotted decking or fascia boards
  • Mold or mildew growth
  • Sagging areas in roofline
  • Peeling paint near roofline
Claim Notes: Coverage depends on cause - sudden leak vs. gradual deterioration matters for claims

Cause: Combined weather events

Signs to Look For:

  • Combination of wind, hail, and water damage
  • Structural compromise visible
  • Multiple areas of roof affected
  • Interior water intrusion
  • Damage to multiple building components
Claim Notes: Document all damage types; storms often affect neighbors too which helps prove event

Cause: Fallen branches or objects

Signs to Look For:

  • Visible punctures or holes
  • Cracked or broken materials
  • Structural damage to decking
  • Displaced or crushed sections
  • Debris embedded in roofing
Claim Notes: Usually covered if tree was healthy; document tree condition and storm event

Cause: Normal aging and weathering

Signs to Look For:

  • Curling or buckling shingles
  • Moss, algae, or lichen growth
  • Brittle or crumbling materials
  • Widespread granule loss
  • Multiple small issues throughout
Claim Notes: Generally NOT covered by insurance; considered maintenance responsibility

Cause: Frozen water backup

Signs to Look For:

  • Ice buildup at roof edges
  • Icicles hanging from gutters
  • Water stains on interior walls
  • Lifted shingles near eaves
  • Damaged gutters from ice weight
Claim Notes: Coverage varies by policy; resulting water damage inside may be covered even if ice dam itself isn't

Cause: Prolonged sun exposure

Signs to Look For:

  • Fading or discoloration
  • Cracking and splitting
  • Dried-out, brittle materials
  • Thermal expansion damage
  • Accelerated aging on sun-facing slopes
Claim Notes: Generally NOT covered - considered normal wear; may affect claim outcomes for other damage

Roof Types & Vulnerability

Common Issues:
  • Hail dents and bruising
  • Wind lift and blow-off
  • Granule loss
  • Curling and buckling
Claim Notes: Most common roof type; most common claims. Adjusters are very familiar with assessing damage.
Common Issues:
  • Denting from hail
  • Fastener issues
  • Coating/paint damage
  • Expansion/contraction
Claim Notes: Common dispute: cosmetic denting vs. functional damage. Document whether water integrity is affected.
Common Issues:
  • Cracking and breakage
  • Underlayment failure
  • Walking damage
  • Mortar deterioration
Claim Notes: High replacement cost; matching discontinued tiles can be difficult. Underlayment often fails first.
Common Issues:
  • Cracking from impact
  • Sliding tiles
  • Flashing failure
  • Nail corrosion
Claim Notes: Very expensive to repair; requires specialist contractors. Full replacement claims are substantial.
Common Issues:
  • Ponding water
  • Membrane tears
  • Seam failure
  • Blistering
Claim Notes: Common on commercial buildings. Drainage issues and ponding are frequent claim disputes.
Common Issues:
  • Splitting and cracking
  • Rot and decay
  • Fire risk
  • Moss/algae growth
Claim Notes: Some insurers won't cover or charge higher premiums. Fire risk affects coverage availability.

Damage Classification

Understanding severity levels helps prioritize response and set claim expectations

Cosmetic

Low Urgency

Appearance affected but roof function is not impaired

Action: Monitor and document for future reference
Examples:
  • Minor dents in metal
  • Surface scratches
  • Slight discoloration

Functional

High Urgency

Roof performance is affected or compromised

Action: File claim and schedule repairs promptly
Examples:
  • Missing shingles
  • Active leaks
  • Exposed underlayment

Structural

Critical Urgency

Building integrity is compromised

Action: Emergency repairs needed immediately
Examples:
  • Sagging roofline
  • Collapsed sections
  • Major penetrations

The Roof Claim Process

Understanding each phase helps you navigate your claim successfully

1
🔍

Damage Discovery

Day 1

First notice of damage and initial safety assessment.

  • Notice damage from interior signs or exterior inspection
  • Ensure personal safety - don't climb damaged roof
  • Secure property and prevent further damage
  • Take initial photos and videos from ground level
  • Note the date and time damage was discovered
💡Safety first! Never climb on a potentially damaged roof
2
📸

Initial Documentation

Days 1-3

Comprehensive documentation of all damage.

  • Photograph all visible exterior damage
  • Document interior damage (water stains, leaks)
  • Check and photograph soft metals (vents, gutters)
  • Gather weather reports and storm data
  • Note any damage to neighboring properties
💡More photos are better - you can't over-document
3
📋

File Insurance Claim

Days 1-7

Contact your insurance company to initiate the claim.

  • Call your insurance company's claims line
  • Provide initial damage description and photos
  • Receive and record your claim number
  • Review your policy coverage and deductible
  • Schedule adjuster inspection if not auto-assigned
💡File promptly - many policies have time limits for reporting damage
4
🔎

Adjuster Inspection

Days 7-21

Insurance adjuster visits to assess damage.

  • Be present for the adjuster's inspection
  • Walk the property together and point out damage
  • Take your own photos alongside the adjuster
  • Ask questions and note their findings
  • Request a copy of their report and photos
💡Consider having a contractor or public adjuster present
5
💰

Estimate & Negotiation

Days 14-45

Review the estimate and negotiate if needed.

  • Review the adjuster's estimate carefully
  • Compare to independent contractor estimates
  • Identify any missed damage or discrepancies
  • Request re-inspection if damage was missed
  • Submit supplement requests for additional damage
💡Don't accept the first offer if it doesn't cover the damage
6
🔧

Repair & Completion

Weeks 3-12+

Select contractor, complete repairs, and finalize claim.

  • Select a licensed, insured contractor
  • Review and sign repair contract
  • Contractor completes repairs
  • Final inspection and sign-off
  • Collect recoverable depreciation after work is done
💡Keep all receipts and get lien waivers from contractor

Parties Involved

Understanding who does what helps you navigate the process and protect your interests

Responsibilities

  • Report damage promptly to insurance
  • Mitigate further damage (tarping, etc.)
  • Document all damage thoroughly
  • Be present for inspections
  • Make final decisions on repairs

Tips & Notes

  • Keep all receipts for emergency repairs
  • Don't sign anything without understanding it
  • Get multiple contractor estimates
  • Know your policy before you need it

Responsibilities

  • Review policy for coverage
  • Assign adjuster to assess damage
  • Process claim and issue payments
  • Handle supplements and appeals
  • Communicate claim status

Tips & Notes

  • Everything should be in writing
  • Request written explanations for denials
  • Know your state's claim handling regulations
  • Escalate to supervisors if needed

Responsibilities

  • Inspect and assess damage on-site
  • Create damage estimate using Xactimate
  • Take photos and measurements
  • Determine what's covered under policy
  • Submit findings to insurance company

Tips & Notes

  • They work FOR the insurance company
  • Be cooperative but document everything yourself
  • Ask them to explain their findings
  • Request a copy of their scope and estimate

Responsibilities

  • Same duties as staff adjuster
  • May handle multiple insurance companies
  • Often used during catastrophe events
  • Reports findings to the insurance company
  • No authority to approve or deny claims

Tips & Notes

  • Still represents the insurance company's interests
  • May be handling high volume after storms
  • Follow up if they seem rushed
  • Their estimate goes to the insurer for approval

Responsibilities

  • Review your policy for coverage
  • Document and estimate all damage
  • Negotiate with insurance company
  • Handle supplements and appeals
  • Maximize your claim settlement

Tips & Notes

  • Only one who works exclusively for YOU
  • Typically charges 5-15% of settlement
  • Especially valuable for large or disputed claims
  • Verify licensing in your state

Responsibilities

  • Provide detailed repair estimates
  • Perform quality roof repairs
  • Pull necessary permits
  • Provide workmanship warranty
  • Coordinate with insurance if needed

Tips & Notes

  • ALWAYS verify license and insurance
  • Get multiple written estimates
  • Beware of storm chasers
  • Never pay full amount upfront

Responsibilities

  • Manage overall project when multiple trades needed
  • Coordinate roofer, interior repairs, etc.
  • Handle permits and inspections
  • Provide single point of contact
  • Manage project timeline

Tips & Notes

  • Needed when damage extends beyond just roof
  • Verify they carry proper insurance
  • Get detailed contract with scope
  • Understand payment schedule

Responsibilities

  • Assess structural integrity
  • Provide professional engineering reports
  • Determine if damage is structural or cosmetic
  • May provide expert testimony
  • Recommend appropriate repairs

Tips & Notes

  • Valuable for disputed claims
  • Can counter insurance company's engineer
  • Reports carry significant weight
  • Choose one experienced with insurance claims

Responsibilities

  • Named on insurance claim checks
  • Endorse checks for release of funds
  • May require inspection of repairs
  • Ensure property is properly restored
  • Protect their collateral interest

Tips & Notes

  • Contact them early about endorsement process
  • Some release funds in stages
  • Keep them informed of repair progress
  • Budget time for their processing

Responsibilities

  • Review denied claims for merit
  • File bad faith claims if warranted
  • Negotiate settlements
  • Litigate if necessary
  • Protect your legal rights

Tips & Notes

  • Consider for denied or significantly underpaid claims
  • Many work on contingency for insurance disputes
  • Choose one experienced in insurance claims
  • Can send demand letters that get attention

Hail Damage Deep Dive

Hail is one of the most common causes of roof claims - know how to identify and document it

Soft Metal Test

Check aluminum vents, gutters, and AC units for dents - they show hail impact clearly

Shingle Bruising

Press on shingles - hail damage creates soft spots from fractured fiberglass mat

Granule Loss Pattern

Random circular patterns indicate hail; linear patterns suggest wear or installation

Blistering vs. Hail

Blisters have no granule displacement; hail marks show granules pushed to edges

Collateral Damage

Check siding, window screens, fences, and outdoor furniture for confirming damage

Wind Damage

Understanding wind speed correlation helps assess damage severity

40-57 mphStrong

Loose materials may lift, minor damage possible

58-74 mphHigh

Shingle tabs lift, some blow-off likely

75-89 mphSevere

Significant shingle loss, structural stress

90+ mphExtreme

Major damage expected, structural possible

Wind Damage Patterns

💨Edge and corner damage most common - wind pressure highest at perimeter
💨Windward side (facing wind) typically sees more damage
💨Ridge caps are particularly vulnerable to uplift
💨Exposed underlayment requires immediate protection
💨Secondary water damage often follows wind damage

Assessment & Documentation Checklist

Use this checklist to ensure thorough documentation throughout the claim process

Immediately After Storm

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Before Filing Claim

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During Adjuster Visit

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After Receiving Estimate

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Insurance Coverage Explained

Common questions about roof insurance claims and coverage

RCV (Replacement Cost Value)

Cost to replace with like kind and quality - the full amount needed

ACV (Actual Cash Value)

Replacement cost minus depreciation - accounts for age and wear

Depreciation

Reduction in value due to age, wear, and remaining useful life

Recoverable Depreciation

Withheld amount paid back after repairs are completed (RCV policies)

Supplement

Additional payment request for damage not in original estimate

O&P (Overhead & Profit)

Contractor markup for managing the job - typically 20% (10% each)

Replacement Cost Value (RCV) pays to replace damaged items with new ones of similar kind and quality. Actual Cash Value (ACV) pays the replacement cost minus depreciation for age and wear. RCV policies are better but may withhold depreciation until repairs are completed. ACV policies pay less upfront and you cannot recover the depreciation.
Your deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in. For example, with a $1,000 deductible on a $10,000 claim, you pay $1,000 and insurance pays $9,000. Some policies have percentage-based deductibles (like 1-2% of home value) specifically for wind/hail, which can be much higher than flat deductibles. Check your policy declarations page.
This depends on damage extent and policy language. Insurance covers necessary repairs to restore your roof. If damage is widespread or materials can't be matched, full replacement may be justified. Some policies have "repair vs. replace" guidelines based on percentage of roof affected. Your policy may also have age limitations affecting coverage.
Matching means replacing undamaged areas to achieve uniform appearance when damaged sections can't match existing materials. Coverage varies by state and policy. Some states have matching laws requiring insurers to pay for reasonable matching. Others leave it to policy language. This is a common negotiation point - document why matching is necessary.
Depreciation reduces the claim payment based on the roof's age and remaining useful life. With RCV policies, depreciation is "recoverable" - paid to you after repairs are completed. You must complete repairs and submit documentation to recover it. ACV policies have "non-recoverable" depreciation - you never get it back.
First, request a detailed written explanation citing specific policy language. Review your policy to understand their reasoning. You can request re-inspection if damage was missed, submit additional documentation or contractor estimates, file a formal appeal through your insurance company, hire a public adjuster to negotiate, file a complaint with your state insurance commissioner, or consult an attorney for significant disputes.
Yes! You have the right to choose your own contractor in almost all cases. Insurance company "preferred vendors" may be convenient, but you're not obligated to use them. Get multiple estimates from licensed contractors. Your contractor can help identify missed damage and prepare supplements.
A supplement is a request for additional payment when damage is discovered that wasn't in the original estimate. This commonly happens when work begins and hidden damage is found (rotted decking, for example), or when line items were missed in the original scope. Your contractor typically prepares and submits supplements with supporting documentation.
Yes, reasonable temporary repairs to prevent further damage are typically covered. This includes tarping, board-up, and emergency water extraction. Keep all receipts - these costs are usually reimbursed. In fact, failing to mitigate further damage can reduce your claim payment, so temporary repairs are expected.
This is where supplements come in. Stop work, document the hidden damage with photos, contact your insurance company, and have your contractor prepare a supplement request with photos and explanation of the additional work needed. The adjuster may re-inspect or approve based on documentation. Don't proceed with repairs until approved to ensure coverage.

Working with Contractors

Choosing the right contractor is critical - know what to look for and what to avoid

Factor
What to Look For
Red Flags
Licensing
✓Valid state/local contractor license
⚠No license or out-of-state only
Insurance
✓Liability insurance + workers' compensation
⚠Refuses to provide certificates
Experience
✓Years in business, similar completed projects
⚠Brand new company after storms
References
✓Recent local projects you can verify
⚠No references available
Written Estimate
✓Detailed scope and pricing in writing
⚠Vague or verbal-only quotes
Warranty
✓Workmanship warranty + manufacturer warranty
⚠No warranty offered

Storm Chaser Warning Signs

🚩Door-to-door solicitation immediately after storms
🚩Pressure to sign contracts right away
🚩Offers to pay or waive your deductible (illegal in many states)
🚩Requests for large deposits upfront
🚩Out-of-state license plates on vehicles
🚩No local office or verifiable references
🚩Pushes you to sign "assignment of benefits" (AOB)

DIY vs Professional Assessment

Know when you can safely assess damage yourself and when to call a professional

Factor
DIY Appropriate
Professional Needed
Roof Access
✓Ground-level observation only
!Steep pitch, multi-story, or any roof climbing
Damage Type
✓Obvious missing shingles or debris
!Subtle hail damage patterns
Claim Status
✓Pre-claim information gathering
!Filing or disputed claim
Expertise
✓Basic photo documentation
!Expert testimony or detailed assessment
Safety
✓No ladder or height work required
!Any height work or unstable surfaces
Complexity
✓Simple, obvious, clear damage
!Multiple damage types or causes

Emergency Repairs & Mitigation

Immediate actions to take within 24-48 hours of discovering damage

Priority 1

Tarping

Cover holes and exposed areas to prevent water intrusion

📝Insurance typically covers reasonable tarping costs
Priority 2

Board Up

Secure any openings from fallen debris or structural damage

📝Prevents further damage and potential liability
Priority 3

Water Removal

Extract water from interior to prevent mold growth

📝Mold can start within 24-48 hours
Priority 4

Document Everything

Photos before, during, and after any mitigation work

📝Documentation supports reimbursement claims

Mitigation Best Practices

✓Keep all receipts for emergency repairs - they're typically reimbursed
✓Don't make permanent repairs before claim approval
✓Reasonable temporary repairs are covered and expected
✓Failure to mitigate can reduce your claim payment
✓Document that repairs are temporary, not permanent
✓Save any damaged materials until adjuster inspects

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