Documents for Insurer — Your 1-Page Storm Photo Claim Checklist

Why Documentation Matters

Insurers need evidence of cause, extent, and reasonable mitigation. Good photos and clean file names do three things at once: they validate what happened, they reduce scope disputes with the adjuster, and they help your contractor build a code-compliant repair or reroof plan that actually solves the underlying issues. On the Gulf Coast, the big three categories are hurricane/wind, hail, and wind-driven rain. Each leaves different signatures — creasing and uplift for wind, bruising and granule displacement for hail, and intrusion at laps and transitions for wind-driven rain. Capturing those signatures clearly is what gets claims moving.

Wrap-up: The faster you stabilize and document, the faster estimating, scheduling, and any necessary supplements will proceed.

Safety & Same-Day Triage

Your first priority is people and property safety, then limiting further damage. Keep the process calm and staged so you don’t miss key shots or create additional risk.

• Watch for downed lines, slippery surfaces, loose limbs, and unstable ladders. When in doubt, wait for a pro.
• Move furniture, cover valuables, and place buckets where leaks are active. If safe, shut off circuits in wet areas.
• Order professional containment if needed. Our post explains when to tarp and how to do it safely: Emergency Roof Tarping & Dry-In.
• Document conditions before cleanup — wide to close-up, outside and inside.
• Schedule a licensed inspection to identify hidden problems you might miss: Free Roof Inspection.

Wrap-up: Safety first, then documentation. Don’t rush into cleanup until you’ve captured the scene.

What to Photograph — Exterior, Interior, Ancillary

Think in layers: context, detail, and proof. Give each slope a wide shot, then move into problem zones and close-ups that show specific failure mechanisms. Most claims go faster with 6–12 photos per slope plus a few short videos.

Exterior — Roof Surfaces

Start with a wide shot of each slope that includes eave and ridge. Then work in a grid so you don’t miss areas.

• Missing, lifted, or creased shingles; fractured tabs; exposed nail heads.
• Granule loss with the fiberglass mat visible; pitting or bruising after hail.
• Ridge caps and starter courses, drip edge and gutters, eaves and rakes.
• Transitions that commonly fail under wind-driven rain: valleys, roof-to-wall connections, chimneys, skylights. For background on moisture paths, see Wind-Driven Rain vs. Roof Failure.
• Ventilation components: turbines, passive vents, and soffit intake. Blocked intake leads to heat and humidity buildup; our Northshore ventilation guide explains why balance matters.

Interior — Attic & Ceilings

Interior clues tell the story of paths and timing. Photograph from more than one angle.

• Wet insulation or stained decking in the attic; active drips if safe to document.
• Ceiling stains, peeling paint, and swelling at drywall seams.
• HVAC boots and bath fans where moisture can disguise itself as “condensation.”

Ancillary — Soffit, Fascia, Siding, and Soft Metals

Ancillary components help establish wind direction and hail size.

• Soffit and fascia damage, including loose panels and blown-out vents.
• Gutter and downspout dents; mailbox and AC fins as “soft-metal indicators.”
• Fences and screens that show debris impacts.

Wrap-up: For each area, aim for a wide shot, a mid-range context shot, and close-ups that clearly show storm signatures.

How to Name Files (Templates & Codes)

Clean names save adjusters and estimators time and reduce the chance of items being overlooked. Use a predictable, sortable format with the date first.

• Format: YYYYMMDD_Location_Slope/Area_Stage_ShortDesc.jpg
• Location codes: SLI = Slidell, BR = Baton Rouge.
• Slopes: A/B/C/D clockwise from the street-facing front; use NE/NW/SE/SW for valleys/ridges.

Examples:

20251015_SLI_SlopeA_00_Baseline_Wide.jpg
20251015_SLI_SlopeA_03_SealedDeck_Closeup.jpg
20251015_BR_ValleyNE_07_Flashing_Installed.jpg
20251015_SLI_Ridge_11_Final_Wide.jpg

Wrap-up: Lead with the date, then location and area, then a short stage tag. Keep descriptions short but specific.

Timestamps, EXIF, and Short Video Tips

Timestamps and metadata connect your photos to the storm. That context matters when timelines are questioned.

• Set the camera to local time (CST/CDT) and keep EXIF data enabled.
• If using on-photo stamps, place them small at the bottom-right so they don’t obscure damage details.
• Consider an index card with date/time and slope code in a few key frames.
• Keep videos under 60–90 seconds per area so they’re easy to upload and review.

Wrap-up: Good metadata answers when and where — before anyone has to ask.

Stage Shots During Reroof

If your project moves from repair to replacement, stage shots show progress, code compliance, and the reason for any supplements. They also help you compare contractor workmanship across bids.

1. 00_Baseline: Four elevations and the staging area/driveway.
2. 01_TearOff: Deck exposed; document any soft or rotted decking.
3. 02_DeckAttach: Re-nailing or fastener patterns with a ruler for scale.
4. 03_SealedDeck: Taped seams or WSB details; focus on edges and penetrations.
5. 04_Underlayment_1 and 05_Underlayment_2: Laps, fasteners, and transitions at valleys and walls.
6. 06_Edges: Starter courses, eaves and rakes, and drip edge.
7. 07_Flashings: Chimney, skylight, and wall flashings; valleys.
8. 08_Ventilation: Intake (soffit) and exhaust (ridge or turbines) — balance is key. See our ventilation guide.
9. 09_ShingleInstall: Field pattern and nail placement (no under/over-drives).
10. 10_Ridge: Ridge shingles/vents; end seals and finishing details.
11. 11_Final: Four elevations and close-ups of critical transitions.

Already planning a stronger assembly? Consider a certified upgrade: FORTIFIED™ Roofing. For a real-world example, see our Slidell project: Why This Homeowner Chose a FORTIFIED™ Roof.

Wrap-up: Stage shots create a clean record. They protect your claim, your warranty, and your resale value.

How to Organize & Submit to Your Carrier

Presentation matters. A tidy folder with clear names shortens review time and reduces requests for more information.

• Use one root folder named with your address and policy number; include subfolders for each slope and any stage shots.
• Provide 6–12 photos per slope; add video only when it clarifies movement or water intrusion.
• Share a single ZIP or a cloud folder; don’t compress twice and avoid social-media downloads that strip EXIF.
• Include your contractor’s written scope and any code items (underlayment, ventilation, edge metal) to prevent scope gaps.

If you need help with scope alignment or supplements, start with a thorough inspection: Free Roof Inspection and, for storm projects in St. Tammany, Storm Damage Roof Restoration — Slidell.

Wrap-up: Clear names, complete coverage, and a single share link make life easier for everyone — including you.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Most claim delays are preventable. Use the list below to stay on track.

• Skipping wide shots. Adjusters need context to understand angle, slope, and water paths.
• Out-of-order filenames. If names don’t sort chronologically, critical items get buried.
• Blurry close-ups or heavy stamps. Keep the camera steady; place small timestamps at the bottom-right if you must use them.
• Forgetting ancillary systems. Soffit/fascia, gutters, and ventilation prove directionality and extent. Learn about drainage upgrades here: 6″ Seamless Gutters.
• Confusing wind-driven rain with roof failure. This guide helps you spot the difference: Wind-Driven Rain vs. Roof Failure.
• Ignoring ventilation balance. Poor intake/exhaust reduces shingle life. See: Roof Ventilation on the Northshore.
• Filing without mitigation. Policies expect loss mitigation. If you need to dry-in safely, read: Emergency Tarping & Dry-In.

Wrap-up: A few simple habits — context, clarity, and chronology — prevent most delays.

FAQ — Storm Documentation and Claims

How many photos should I include per slope?

Plan for 6–12 photos per slope, plus close-ups at transitions and penetrations. Add a short video if it helps show active water intrusion or movement.

Do I need timestamps on the photos?

EXIF metadata is usually enough, but if you add on-photo stamps keep them small and out of the main subject. An index card in a few frames can help align areas to the date/time.

What if I can’t reach a damaged area safely?

Don’t climb in unsafe conditions. Wide shots from the ground plus a licensed inspection provide the evidence you need. You can book a free inspection.

Will these photos guarantee my claim is approved?

No one can guarantee approval, but clean evidence dramatically reduces disputes and speeds up scope alignment. Our checklist captures what adjusters typically request.

What’s the difference between wind damage and wind-driven rain?

Wind damage often shows as uplift, creasing, or missing shingles. Wind-driven rain forces moisture under otherwise intact surfaces and into transitions. Learn more here: Wind-Driven Rain vs. Roof Failure.

Should I repair or go straight to reroof?

If multiple slopes are affected, leaks repeat, or the shingle line is discontinued, a reroof is often safer over the life of the system. If you’re replacing, consider upgrading to a FORTIFIED™ assembly for better storm performance.