Wind/Hail Roof Damage Checklist

If you think you've got roof damage from wind or hail, grab a pen and paper and use this checklist while walking around the inside and outside of your house to make sure you've covered all the bases. See also related pages for hail damage, wind damage and roof insurance claims.

• Are there any tears in your window screens?
• Do you have cracks in the windows, or any visible damage to caulking or beading around the windowpanes?
• Is there any broken glass inside the house? Note where it is located.
• Is there any damage to lawn furniture or outside decorations?
• Any damage to porch screens, hot tub covers, etc.?
• Inspect fences, swing-sets, decks and patios for marks, dents or scuff marks.
• Check your HVAC unit for damage: dents to outside casing, fins, etc.
• Do you have outside lights? Do they still work?
• Check swimming pool for floating debris or other damage. Did you have to clean out the pool?
• Check trees for broken limbs and/or fallen limbs.
• Did you lose your electricity? Did you have food spoilage?
• Walk slowly around the inside of your house and look for water stains on the ceiling. Particularly in corners, around light fixtures, and around the chimney.
• Check the attic for water seepage or wet insulation.
• Look at your roof for obvious signs of torn, curled or blown-off shingles, dented vents, dented gutters, skylights, etc. It's probably best not to climb up on the roof at this point since walking on shingles might cause granule loss. Leave it to a professional to inspect close-up.



Schedule a Roof Estimate

• An experienced roofer with a trained eye can find things that you might have missed.
• Schedule a time when you can be there for the inspection.
• Get feedback from the roofing contractor about the claims process. Share the notes you made during your walk-around.
• If you're comfortable with the roofer, agree to have your roof replaced if your insurance company agrees to replace the entire roof.
• Get a detailed, written estimate for materials and labor from the roofer.



File Your Insurance Claim

• Call your insurance company to report the claim.
• Explain all aspects of the damage by referring to your notes.
• If other homes in your neighborhood are already having roof work done, be sure to mention that.
• Keep detailed notes of whom you talk to, including dates and times and summaries of conversations.
• Tell the insurance agent or adjuster to call you before coming out to inspect your home so that you can arrange for the roofing contractor to be there also.
• Let the insurance adjuster and the roofing contractor discuss the claim together.
• Avoid being confrontational or angry with the adjuster. If they deny some or all of your claim you can still appeal. Ask your roofer if he can assist you with the appeals process.
• If the claim is accepted, the adjuster will either give you a check on the spot, or will tell you when you can expect to receive payment.
• Depending on your insurance company, you may not receive payment in full until all repairs have been completed.
• If there is a mortgage on your home the check will be made payable jointly to you and your mortgage company.
• Check with your mortgage company to see whether additional paperwork needed on their end.



When It's Time For The Roof To Be Replaced

• Clear the driveway for materials delivery.
• Discuss with the contractor if and where any roofing trash containers will be placed during the job.
• Take down hanging pictures, and remove valuables such as photos and loose items from bookcases and shelves. Vibrations from the roof installation may cause damage to some of these items if they are left in place.
• Make sure that the contractor has access to live electical sockets outside for nail guns, air compressors, etc.
• If you have pets, take whatever precautions are necessary to keep them out of the way during the installation.



When The Job Is Complete

• Walk around to inspect the job. The contractor or on-site supervisor should do the walk-around with you.
• Request copies of your warranty information.
• Arrange to obtain a lien release.
• Make final payment.
• File all your paperwork in a safe place in case you need to refer back to it.