When you file a roof insurance claim, an inspection is the most critical step in the process. The inspection determines what damage exists, whether it's covered, and how much your insurance company will pay. Understanding what happens during an inspection—and how to prepare—can significantly impact your claim outcome.

Two Types of Roof Inspections

During the claims process, you'll typically have two different inspections:

1. Contractor Inspection (Before Filing)

This is the inspection you should get BEFORE filing your claim. A reputable roofing contractor will:

Thoroughly examine your entire roof
Document all damage with photos and notes
Identify damage you might not see from the ground
Provide a detailed report of findings
Help you understand whether you have a valid claim

Why get this first? You'll know the full extent of damage before talking to insurance, and you'll have professional documentation to support your claim.

2. Insurance Adjuster Inspection (After Filing)

After you file a claim, your insurance company sends an adjuster to inspect the damage. The adjuster:

Works for the insurance company (not you)
Evaluates what damage exists
Determines what's covered under your policy
Creates an estimate for repairs
Takes photos and measurements

Important: Have your contractor present during this inspection. Adjusters may miss damage or underestimate repairs—your contractor ensures everything is documented.

What Inspectors Look For

A thorough roof inspection examines much more than just shingles. Here's what professionals check:

On the Roof Surface:

Shingles: Missing, cracked, curled, or bruised shingles; granule loss
Flashing: Damage around chimneys, vents, skylights, and valleys
Vents and Penetrations: Cracked boots, damaged caps, dented vents
Ridge Cap: Lifted, cracked, or missing ridge shingles
Decking: Signs of water damage or soft spots

Gutters and Drainage:

Dents and damage to gutters
Bent or damaged downspouts
Granule accumulation (sign of shingle damage)
Proper drainage function

Other Exterior Elements:

Siding: Dents, cracks, or holes
Windows: Cracked glass, damaged frames or screens
HVAC: Dents on outdoor units
Fencing: Storm damage to fence structures

Interior Signs:

Water stains on ceilings or walls
Attic leaks or daylight visible through roof
Moisture or mold in attic space

Why HAAG Certification Matters

HAAG Engineering is the gold standard for forensic roof inspection training. When your inspector is HAAG-certified, it means:

Expertise Insurance Companies Respect

Training from the same organization that trains insurance adjusters
Understanding of how insurance companies evaluate damage
Ability to speak the industry's technical language
Reports that carry weight with insurers

Accurate Damage Assessment

Can distinguish between storm damage and normal wear
Knows how to properly test for hail damage
Understands manufacturer specifications and requirements
Provides detailed, defensible documentation

Better Claim Outcomes

Insurance companies are more likely to accept findings from HAAG-certified inspectors because they know the inspector has been properly trained to identify and document storm damage.

How to Prepare for an Inspection

Before the Contractor's Inspection:

Note when the storm occurred and any observations you made
Gather any photos of your roof before the storm (if available)
Clear access to your attic if possible
Make note of any interior damage you've noticed
Have your insurance policy information ready

Before the Adjuster's Inspection:

Schedule your contractor to be present (this is crucial)
Have your contractor's inspection report ready
Organize all your damage documentation
Make a list of all damage areas to ensure nothing is missed
Clear access to all areas of your property

What Happens During the Inspection

The Walk-Around

The inspector will walk around your property looking at:

All sides of the house
Gutters and downspouts
Windows and siding
Fencing and outbuildings
AC units and other exterior equipment

The Roof Inspection

A thorough inspector will actually get on the roof to:

Perform hands-on shingle testing
Check all flashing and penetrations
Examine valleys and other vulnerable areas
Take measurements and photos
Look for damage patterns consistent with the storm

Note: If an adjuster only inspects from the ground or a ladder, request a full roof inspection. Ground-only inspections miss significant damage.

The Interior Check

Inspectors should also examine:

Attic space for leaks or damage
Ceilings for water stains
Any areas where you've noticed issues

After the Inspection

From Your Contractor:

You should receive a detailed report including:

Photos of all damage found
Written description of damage
Recommendations for repairs
Estimated repair costs

From the Insurance Adjuster:

Within 2-3 weeks, you'll receive:

An itemized estimate for covered repairs
Explanation of what's covered and what's not
Your claim payment (if approved)

Red Flags During Inspections

Be concerned if:

The adjuster won't get on the roof
The inspection seems rushed (under 30 minutes for a full roof)
The adjuster dismisses damage your contractor found
You're pressured to sign documents immediately
The adjuster doesn't take many photos

Hive's 47-Point Inspection

At Hive Roofing & Solar, our HAAG-certified inspectors conduct comprehensive 47-point inspections that cover:

Every component of your roof
All exterior elements (gutters, siding, windows)
Attic and interior damage signs
Detailed photo documentation
Professional written report

This inspection is completely free—whether or not you have a claim.

Schedule Your Free Inspection

Don't wait until after you've filed a claim to find out what damage exists. Get a professional inspection first, so you know exactly what you're dealing with.

Schedule your free 47-point inspection today. Our HAAG-certified team will thoroughly document any damage and help you understand your options. If you do have a claim, we'll be there during the adjuster's visit to ensure nothing is missed.

Roof Inspection for Insurance Claim: What to Expect