Why a storm damage inspection matters
Most homeowners call their insurance company first after a storm. The insurer sends an adjuster, who does their own inspection — and that report becomes the basis for your claim. Getting your own independent inspection first gives you a documented baseline. If the adjuster misses damage or undervalues it, you have independent evidence to support a supplemental claim or dispute. It's not adversarial — it's preparation.
What a thorough storm damage inspection covers
- Roof: All surfaces — field shingles, ridge cap, valleys, flashing, penetrations
- Gutters and downspouts: Dents, cracks, detachment
- Siding: Impact marks, cracks, displaced panels
- Windows and screens: Cracked glass, torn screens, bent frames
- HVAC/mechanical: Condenser fins, exhaust caps, vent covers
- Skylights and chimneys: Cracked glass, damaged caps or flashing
- Attic interior: Water infiltration, staining, insulation damage
- Documentation: Photos with GPS coordinates, date-stamps, written report
First 24 hours: what to do before the inspector arrives
- Do not make any repairs or clean up storm debris until documented
- Photograph your roof, gutters, siding, and yard from the ground before anything changes
- Note the exact storm date and time — pull weather.gov records if helpful
- Keep windows closed to prevent moisture damage from spreading
- Contact us to coordinate an inspection before filing your claim
When to prioritize inspection
After any storm where hail is confirmed, winds exceeded 60 mph, or you notice any of the common damage indicators (granules in gutters, dented AC fins, torn screens), a professional inspection is worth scheduling within 48–72 hours. Insurance policies have filing windows, and documented evidence gathered close to the storm date carries more weight than documentation assembled weeks later.
What we do vs. what a contractor does
We help you understand the inspection process, what to look for, and what questions to ask. We then connect you with a vetted local specialist who performs the actual inspection. We are not inspectors or contractors. We own the intake and coordination — the specialist does the assessment and provides the written report.
Insurance and documentation notes
A professional inspection report is your primary documentation asset in a storm damage claim. It should include: photos of every damage point, storm date reference, square footage of affected areas, and a written description of damage types. Keep all copies. If you disagree with your insurer's adjuster report, your inspection documentation is the starting point for a supplemental claim or a public adjuster engagement. Note: we do not assist with claim negotiation or filing — that requires a licensed professional.