Storm roof photos: build a useful record from safe locations

Wait for the threat to pass

The National Weather Service notes that severe thunderstorms can produce damaging hail, strong wind and structural damage. Continue following official alerts and keep away from downed lines, damaged structures and unsafe electrical conditions.

Use ground-level and indoor viewpoints only where they are safe. Do not climb onto the roof, lean from a window, enter a damaged area or delay an urgent safety response to take photographs.

Capture context before close detail

Start with wide views that show the affected side of the property and its surroundings, then take closer views from the same safe position. Include interior leaks or staining where access is safe. Keep the original files so their dates and sequence remain available.

Name files or folders by date and location, such as north elevation or upstairs hallway. Note the approximate storm time separately and avoid changing it to match an assumption.

• Wide exterior context from the ground
• Closer safe views of visible changes
• Interior water observations
• Original files and a dated index

Separate observations from conclusions

Write what the image shows in plain language: a missing piece, a displaced edge, debris, staining or water. Avoid labeling a cause, material failure or coverage decision unless a qualified party has established it.

Ask an inspecting provider to connect each conclusion to the area inspected, supporting image and access limitation. If a photo cannot establish a condition, keep that limitation in the record.

Maintain one change timeline

The Texas Department of Insurance advises taking pictures and video, keeping damaged items until the adjuster provides direction, making temporary repairs to prevent more damage, and saving repair records and receipts. Confirm the instructions that apply to your policy and situation with your insurer.

Add provider visits, temporary measures, written findings, estimates and insurer communications to the same index. Preserve earlier versions rather than replacing them with a final summary.

Related guides

• Hail damage: a practical plan after the storm
• Your roofing project file: what to keep from first call to finish
• What to ask for in a roof inspection report