What Does an Insurance Adjuster Look for When Inspecting Storm Damage to Your Roof?
An insurance adjuster inspecting storm damage is checking for one thing above all: whether the damage was actually caused by the storm, or whether it’s ordinary wear your policy won’t cover. Knowing what they’re looking for, and getting your roof ready before they arrive, can make the difference between a smooth claim and a denied one. Here’s what actually happens during that inspection.
What Is the Adjuster Actually Checking For?
The adjuster is looking for functional damage: hail impact marks, granule loss, lifted or missing shingles, and cracked or bent flashing that could let water into your home. They pay close attention to the ridge caps and hip caps, since those are the most exposed parts of the roof and often show the clearest signs of storm impact. They’re also trained to tell storm damage apart from ordinary aging, so a roof that’s simply old, rather than storm-damaged, is more likely to be flagged as a denial.
Will They Get Up on the Roof or Inspect From the Ground?
Some adjusters inspect from the ground with binoculars, while others will walk the roof directly, especially if initial signs suggest significant damage. Either way, they’ll take photos and measurements to document exactly what they find, which becomes the basis for approving or denying your claim.
How Can You Prepare Before the Adjuster Arrives?
Having your own documentation ready puts you in a stronger position. Take dated photos of visible damage as soon as it’s safe to do so, and note the date of the storm itself, since adjusters are comparing the damage against known weather events in the area. If a leak has already started, act quickly. Water damage that spreads while waiting for an inspection can complicate what the claim actually covers.
Should a Roofing Contractor Be There Too?
Having an experienced roofer present, or at least having had a professional inspection done beforehand, gives you a second, independent set of eyes on the damage. A contractor who documents the roof’s condition ahead of time can help make sure nothing gets missed or misattributed to age during the adjuster’s assessment.
What Happens After the Inspection?
The adjuster’s report determines whether your claim is approved, and at what value. If you disagree with the outcome, you’re not stuck with it. Reviewing the report against your own documentation, and following up with your insurer, is a reasonable next step.
Integrity Roofing works with homeowners across Winnipeg and the surrounding area to document roof condition before and after storms, so you’re not going into that inspection without support. Contact us if you’ve had storm damage and want a professional assessment on your side.