Roof Inspection Checklist for Insurance Adjusters

A roof inspection that holds up in carrier review is a series of disciplined, repeatable steps. A repeatable routine helps reduce missing documentation and avoidable follow-up. This is a practical roof inspection checklist for insurance adjusters working hail, wind, and storm claims.

Before you arrive

• Confirm the policy is in force on the date of loss.
• Pull the underwriting photos to compare pre-loss roof condition.
• Order an aerial roof measurement report so you arrive knowing total squares, pitch, and facet count.
• Check the local hail and wind data for the date of loss.
• Confirm appointment with the homeowner; document who will be present.

Site arrival and exterior walk-around

• Photograph the four elevations (front, back, left, right) before doing anything else.
• Photograph the address and street view to anchor location.
• Walk the perimeter and look at gutters, downspouts, and ground for granule loss.
• Note and photograph any non-roof storm damage (siding, screens, fences, AC units).
• Check soft metals - vents, window screens, gutters - for hail dents.

Roof access decision

Before you climb, decide whether climbing is necessary. With an aerial report and good ground photos you can often complete the file without going on the roof. If you do climb, never do it on a wet roof or a pitch you are not comfortable on. When in doubt, order a ladder assist.

On-roof inspection

• Photograph each slope from at least one corner to show the full plane.
• Use a chalk circle or pen for scale on every damage close-up - never just a phone camera with no reference.
• Follow the applicable inspection protocol for test areas and document observed strikes.
• Photograph wind damage close-ups: lifted shingles, creased shingles, missing tabs, exposed nail heads.
• Document accessories: vents, pipe jacks, satellite mounts, skylights, chimneys.
• Photograph valleys, ridges, and step flashing condition.
• Note and photograph any decking deflection or visible damage from above.

Hail damage specifics

• Confirm impact date with regional hail history.
• Look for round, soft impacts with granule displacement.
• Check north-facing slopes - hail often sorts directionally based on storm path.
• Differentiate from mechanical damage, blistering, and manufacturing defects.
• Document soft metals (vents, gutters) - these are objective hail indicators.

Wind damage specifics

• Look for creased shingles even when the shingle has reseated.
• Check ridge cap and rake edges - the most common wind-uplift starting points.
• Document missing tabs and tabs with broken seals.
• Photograph the storm direction relative to damaged slopes - wind damage is directional.

Hurricane and tropical storm specifics

For named-storm claims, see also our storm damage roof inspection guide for a deeper field protocol.

• Document any structural movement of the roof deck.
• Inspect gable ends and overhangs for uplift damage.
• Check soffits and fascia for water intrusion paths.
• Document any tarp work the homeowner has already done.

Decking inspection

• From inside the attic where accessible, look for water staining and active leaks.
• Photograph any visible decking damage from above.
• Record decking type (OSB vs plywood) and approximate age.
• Document any prior repairs visible from above or below.

Interior damage walk

• Photograph ceilings under each damaged slope.
• Document any active leaks, staining, or sagging.
• Check around skylights, chimneys, and bathroom vents.
• Note any homeowner emergency repairs (buckets, plastic sheeting).

Photo documentation requirements

Depending on the file requirements and observed conditions, useful photographs may include:

• 4 elevation photos.
• 1 overview photo per accessible slope.
• Damage close-ups with scale on every documented strike or wind impact.
• Soft metal photos (vents, gutters) showing hail evidence.
• Photos of all accessories on the roof.
• Interior photos for any visible water damage.

For an even tighter cycle time on the documentation step, see our piece on how to speed up roof claim estimates.

Measurement verification

• Spot-check pitch on at least one slope with a pitch gauge or smart-level.
• Confirm total squares on the aerial report match what you see on the roof.
• Note any facets present on the property that are missing from the report.
• Note any accessories present that are not in the report (rare with QA-checked reports).

Homeowner conversation

• Confirm date of loss in writing.
• Ask about prior damage, prior repairs, and any prior claims on the roof.
• Document any pre-loss conditions (age of roof, prior repairs).
• Set expectations on next steps and timeline.

Before you leave the property

• Confirm you have all four elevation photos.
• Confirm at least one slope overview per accessible slope.
• Confirm damage close-ups for every line item you plan to include.
• Confirm interior photos for any leaks.
• Note your time of arrival and departure for the file.

Back at the desk

• Import the ESX into Xactimate.
• Verify pitch on every facet against your spot-checks.
• Apply line items, waste, and depreciation per carrier guidelines.
• Attach photos to corresponding line items.
• Write the supplement narrative referencing the aerial report.

For the full Xactimate workflow, see how to write a roof estimate in Xactimate.

Bottom line

A good roof inspection is boring. It is the same checklist on every property, every time. A disciplined routine helps produce a more complete file. Adapt this checklist to the policy, carrier guidance, property conditions, and safety requirements for each assignment.