Storm Damage Roof Inspection Guide

After a hailstorm, windstorm, or hurricane, the roof inspection that follows is the single most important deliverable on the file. A complete inspection gives the reviewer a clearer record of current conditions, observed damage, and the basis for the scope. This is a practical storm damage roof inspection guide for the three major loss types: hail, wind, and hurricane.

Before you arrive

• Confirm date of loss and policy effective dates.
• Check the regional hail and wind history for the date of loss.
• Pull underwriting photos to compare pre-loss roof condition.
• Order an aerial roof measurement report so you arrive knowing the geometry of the roof.
• Bring chalk, a pitch gauge, a quarter for scale, and a fully charged camera.

Hail damage inspection

What hail damage looks like

• Round, soft impact marks with displaced granules.
• Dents in soft metals - vents, gutters, screens, AC fins.
• Spatter marks on weathered surfaces.
• Broken or cracked shingle mat under the impact.

What hail damage is not

• Blistering - shows up as round, raised marks but is a manufacturing defect.
• Granule loss from age or foot traffic - uniform, not impact-shaped.
• Mechanical damage - usually linear or geometric, not round.

Hail inspection routine

• Walk the perimeter and document soft metals first.
• Follow the applicable inspection protocol for test areas and document each observed strike.
• Photograph each strike with chalk and scale reference.
• Note the directional pattern - hail sorts based on storm track.
• Document any north-facing slope damage even when other slopes look worse.

Wind damage inspection

What wind damage looks like

• Lifted shingles with broken seal lines.
• Creased shingles where the wind bent the tab back even if it has reseated.
• Missing tabs or full shingles, especially at ridges and rakes.
• Exposed nail heads or torn felt below the lifted shingles.
• Damaged or missing ridge cap.

Wind inspection routine

• Walk all four elevations and look at the roof edges from the ground first.
• On the roof, lift suspect tabs gently to check for broken seals and creasing.
• Document the wind direction relative to damaged slopes - wind damage is directional.
• Photograph any displaced shingles found on the ground.
• Inspect ridge cap, hip cap, and rake metal carefully - these are the most common failure points.

Hurricane and tropical storm inspection

Hurricane claims combine wind, water, and structural inspection. The intensity and duration of named-storm exposure means damage can be far more extensive than a single thunderstorm.

Hurricane inspection routine

• Document any structural movement or deflection 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.
• Walk the entire interior to document leak paths, ceiling damage, and contents impact.
• Check for missing or damaged underlayment where shingles are missing.
• Inspect flashing at every penetration - chimneys, skylights, walls.
• Document gutter and downspout damage from wind-driven rain volume.

Photographic documentation

Photographs should document the property, visible conditions, and the basis for each scoped item. Consider capturing:

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

For a complete photo and inspection routine, see our roof inspection checklist for adjusters.

Measurement and sketch

On a storm claim, the measurement is even more important than usual because supplements are common and the desk adjuster will check every quantity. Start from an aerial measurement report with an ESX file for Xactimate. Verify pitch on at least one slope on the ground before you write the estimate.

Differentiating storm damage from prior conditions

Reviewers may distinguish current storm damage from prior or unrelated conditions. Be ready to defend each line item by:

• Comparing damage location to the storm direction.
• Comparing damage type to the storm type (hail vs wind).
• Cross-referencing with regional storm reports for the date of loss.
• Documenting clean (undamaged) areas to show the damage pattern is loss-related.

Common storm damage scope items

Depending on the damage observed, your estimate may include:

• Full or partial shingle replacement with appropriate waste.
• Underlayment replacement under affected slopes.
• Ice-and-water shield in valleys, eaves, and around penetrations.
• Ridge cap and ridge vent replacement.
• Step flashing replacement at walls and chimneys.
• Drip edge and rake metal.
• Pipe jacks, vents, and accessory replacement.
• Decking replacement with photo evidence of damage.
• Tarp work for emergency mitigation when justified by the loss.
• Interior repairs for documented leak paths.

For more on assembling these into a Xactimate estimate, see how to write a roof estimate in Xactimate.

Catastrophe surge: speed without sacrificing quality

After a major event, claim volume can increase sharply in the affected market. An aerial-first workflow can help prepare measurements in parallel when it is appropriate for the file. Order the report at first notice of loss, verify on a short ground walk, and import the ESX directly into Xactimate. For deeper guidance, see how to speed up roof claim estimates.

Homeowner conversation

• Confirm the date of loss in writing.
• Ask about prior damage, prior repairs, and any prior claims.
• Ask about emergency repairs already performed.
• Document any health and safety concerns inside the home.
• Set clear expectations on next steps and timeline.

Final checklist before leaving the property

• 4 elevation photos captured.
• At least 1 overview photo per accessible slope.
• Damage close-ups with chalk and scale for every line item.
• Soft metal photos for hail claims.
• Interior photos for any leaks.
• Pitch verified on at least one slope.
• Aerial measurement totals confirmed against what you saw on the property.

Bottom line

A clean storm damage roof inspection is a function of preparation, discipline, and the right tools. Order the measurement report before you arrive, run a fixed inspection routine, document with chalk and scale, and verify everything before you leave. A repeatable process makes the resulting file easier to review and correct when needed.

For property-specific recorded weather context, see the 7-Year Hail & Wind History report.