Post-Storm Roof Damage — Document It Right the First Time
Hail. Wind. Hurricane. The roof inspection that supports a homeowner's claim — with hit-by-hit hail counts, wind-damage classification, photo evidence, and a PDF the carrier won't push back on.
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Written by Lisa Meine, InterNACHI Certified Master Inspector · 11+ years in the field · Last updated May 3, 2026
Post-Storm Damage — Quick Answers
How soon after a storm should I inspect?
As soon as it's safe — ideally within 30 days. Some carriers require the inspection within a specific window, and damage signs can fade over time (hail brushing, wind-lifted tabs settling back).
What's the difference between hail and wind damage?
Hail leaves circular impact marks with brushing or fractured granules. Wind lifts or removes shingle tabs and exposes underlayment. Different patterns require different documentation.
How many hail strikes do I need to document?
Most carriers want a strike count per slope and an overall density estimate. Eight or more strikes per 100 square feet typically classifies as significant damage.
Can a drone be used?
Yes — and increasingly preferred for safety after storm events when roof structural integrity may be compromised. Drone photos drop into the same report slots as walked-on shots.
What Carriers Want to See
A post-storm claim hinges on two things: the damage is real, and the damage came from this storm. Your report has to support both.
The carrier's adjuster will look at:
- Date of inspection — close to the storm date, before damage can fade.
- Hit count and density — per slope, with photographic evidence of multiple strikes.
- Damage classification — hail vs wind vs water intrusion (each requires different documentation).
- Pre-existing condition — was anything already damaged before the storm? Honest disclosure protects everyone.
- Recommendations — repair, replace, monitor, or no action needed for each affected area.
Hail Damage Documentation
Hail leaves a recognizable signature: round impact marks, broken granules, brushing patterns, and sometimes fractured shingle mats. The InspectorData roof form has dedicated fields for hail damage that match what carrier adjusters look for.
- Strike count per slope: North, south, east, west — each documented separately.
- Density: Strikes per 100 sq ft — typical "significant damage" threshold is 8+.
- Pattern: Random vs concentrated — random pattern across multiple slopes indicates a hailstorm, not isolated impact.
- Photo evidence: Multiple close-ups showing the impact mark + chalk-circle markings of strike locations + an overall slope view showing density.
Wind Damage Documentation
Wind damage shows up as lifted, missing, or torn shingle tabs. It's more obvious than hail but easier for adjusters to dispute as "wear and tear" if not documented carefully.
- Lifted tabs: Document the orientation — wind direction matters. Tabs lifted with the storm direction support a wind claim.
- Missing tabs: Photograph each location, document any exposed underlayment.
- Torn or creased tabs: Often indicates higher wind speeds; photograph the tear pattern.
- Damaged ridge cap: Common in high-wind events; document the displacement.
Photo Strategy for Storm Damage
Storm-damage reports live or die by photo evidence. The minimum coverage InspectorData prompts for:
- Overall house view (orient the roof in context of the property)
- Each slope from a distance (showing density)
- Each slope close-up (showing detail of impact or damage)
- Specific damage types — circle each strike or tab in the photo if your platform supports annotations
- Flashings and penetrations (often where wind damage is worst)
- Drainage and gutter condition (can show indirect storm impact)
The compliance gate keeps Finalize disabled until the required photos are uploaded.
Storm Damage by the Numbers
The thresholds carrier adjusters use to evaluate a claim.
Hail strikes per 100 sq ft typically classified as significant damageBelow this is often denied.
Typical inspection window after a storm eventDamage fades — speed matters.
Slopes documented separately on every reportNorth/south/east/west with their own counts.
Drone photos accepted by all major carriersWhen safety is a concern post-storm.
How InspectorData Compares for Storm Damage Reports
Side-by-side with the alternatives.
Comparison reflects publicly listed features as of May 2026. Specifications change — verify current details on each vendor's site before deciding.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon should I inspect after a storm?
As soon as safely possible — ideally within 30 days. Damage signs can fade. Carriers also have specific filing windows that depend on the inspection date.
How do I tell hail from wind damage?
Hail leaves circular impact marks with broken granules and brushing. Wind lifts or tears shingle tabs. They look different and require different documentation. The InspectorData form has dedicated fields for each.
Will the carrier dispute my report?
Less likely with proper documentation. Photo evidence with strike counts, slope-by-slope detail, and clear classification is much harder to dispute than a generic 'damaged' label.
Can I use a drone?
Yes. Drone photos drop into the same slots as walked-on shots. The 'means of access' field tells the carrier exactly how the roof was assessed — important for safety reasons after a storm.
What if the homeowner had pre-existing damage?
Document it honestly. Pre-existing damage doesn't void a claim, but undisclosed pre-existing damage can. The carrier will discover it eventually; better that you noted it from day one.
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