Roof inspections are one of the most critical parts of running a successful roofing business. At Estimate on Demand, we’ve worked with countless roofing contractors to fine-tune their inspection processes, ensuring that every detail is captured and communicated effectively to the insurance carrier. Your roof inspection should not only identify the damage but also tell a complete story—showing what happened and why specific repairs are necessary. Here are the top 5 things you must do during an inspection to get it right.
1. Start with an Overview: Capture Context
Before you even set foot on the roof, it’s essential to give context to the property you’re inspecting. Start with a risk photo from the street (do not park in the driveway)—this gives the insurance carrier a clear view of the property and any potential obstacles that may affect the inspection or repair process.
Additionally, take elevation overview photos for each side of the home (front, right, rear, and left). These images serve as a general reference, laying the foundation for the more detailed shots to come.
Why it matters: Insurance carriers need a full picture of the property to understand its condition and the extent of the damage.
2. Use the W3 Method: Where, What, Why
Roofing inspections require detailed documentation of the damage. To make sure you’re capturing the right information, use the W3 Method—Where, What, and Why.
- Where: Start by taking an overview photo of the elevation or area where the damage is located.
- What: Next, zoom in on the specific area to show the damage in detail (e.g., torn shingles, dented siding).
- Why: Finally, take a close-up shot to clearly show the severity of the damage, explaining why it requires repair.
Why it matters: This method helps you build a strong case by clearly documenting the damage and its cause, leaving no room for doubt when the insurance carrier reviews your claim.
3. Follow a Consistent Photo Order
A well-organized inspection follows a structured photo order to avoid missing crucial details. Start by documenting the soffit measurement and underlayment, showing drip edges, gutter attachments, and starter layers. Then, move on to measure the roof pitch and capture a shingle gauge photo to ensure proper documentation.
When you’re on the roof, work from the ridge down. Start with wide shots of the elevations from the ridge, and then document specific components like chimney flashing, skylights, vents, and valleys. If there’s gutter or starter damage, capture those too.
Why it matters: A consistent approach keeps your inspection organized, ensures that no part of the roof is missed, and makes it easier to present a thorough and professional report to the carrier.
4. Highlight Key Damage Indicators: Test Squares & Soft Metals
Certain types of damage are easy to overlook but can be pivotal for insurance claims—especially when dealing with wind or hail. Test squares (if present) should be documented to show overall damage to a section of shingles.
Additionally, don’t forget to photograph any damage to soft metals like vents or flashing. Soft metals often serve as important indicators of hail damage, and capturing them is essential for proving a claim.
Why it matters: Insurance carriers often rely on soft metal damage and test square documentation to approve claims related to hail or wind.
5. Tell a Story with Your Inspection
Above all, remember that your inspection is more than just a list of photos and measurements—it’s about telling a clear story. Your goal is to guide the insurance carrier from identifying the initial damage to understanding the full extent of the repairs required.
As you document the roof, think of each photo as a chapter in your narrative. Start with the overview, zoom in on the problem, and then close the loop by showing why certain repairs are necessary. A well-told story helps the insurance carrier see the need for specific repairs, reducing the likelihood of claim disputes.
Why it matters: A cohesive inspection story makes it easier for the insurance adjuster to approve the claim quickly, getting the repairs underway sooner and improving your reputation as a thorough and reliable contractor.
By following these five key steps during your roof inspections, you’ll ensure that nothing is missed and that the insurance carrier has everything they need to approve the necessary repairs. At Estimate on Demand, we’re here to help you streamline this process—making sure your inspections are thorough, consistent, and compelling. The better the story you tell through your inspections, the more likely you are to achieve successful outcomes for both your business and your clients.
Ready to hand off your supplements? Looking for a supplemental roofing estimate on a claim like this? See how EOD’s roofing supplement services work, check our pricing (10% of the increase — no increase, no fee), or get in touch.
