Photographing storm damage on a Triad home
Hail, downburst wind and falling limbs often hit the same house in one storm. Photos taken before cleanup show what happened and help the adjuster count everything.
Last reviewed against official sources. General information, not insurance or legal advice.
Photograph each side of the house from a distance, then hail dents on gutters, downspouts and the heat pump, missing or creased shingles, fallen limbs where they landed, and inside stains. Add the date, storm report and receipts. The NC Department of Insurance recommends photos and video of damage before you remove anything.
Outside, wide to close
- Each side of the house from the yard, with the house number in one shot.
- Gutters and downspouts at an angle so dents catch the light; mailbox, grill and the heat pump or AC fins.
- The roof from the ground with zoom: missing or folded shingles, bare spots, cracked slate.
- Limbs and trees where they fell, the break or stump, and what they hit.
- Siding, window screens, wood trim, fences, sheds and decks.
- Hailstones next to a ruler, coin or tape measure, if you can collect them.
Inside
- Ceiling and wall stains, with the room in frame so the adjuster can locate them.
- The attic, if safe: wet insulation, water trails on rafters, daylight through the deck.
- Damaged belongings, with labels and model numbers.
Winter storms
After ice or heavy snow, photograph icicles and ice ridges at the eaves, sagging gutters, cracked limbs over the roof and any ceiling stains near outside walls. These help show whether a leak came from an ice dam or a broken limb. See ice dams in the Triad.
Records to keep
- The storm date and time, and the NWS warning or NOAA report from the Storm Center.
- Your claim number and each person you speak to, with dates.
- Receipts for tarps, tree removal, fans, hotel stays and meals.
- Every estimate, contract and invoice.
- Older dated photos of the roof, if you have them, to show its condition before the storm.
HOAs and shared roofs
In a townhome, condo or HOA community, send your photos to the association too, since its master policy may cover the roof. Keep a copy of what you sent and when.
Keep samples
Hold on to a few damaged shingles, slate pieces or gutter sections until the adjuster has seen them, unless they're unsafe. Photograph anything you have to discard first.
Shoot a video walk-around
A slow video around the house, narrating the date and what you see, is quick and hard to dispute. Start at the front door, walk each side, then go room by room inside. Keep the original file, since it carries the date and time, and send copies rather than edited clips.
Recent hail reports in the area
| When | Type | Where | Report notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hail 1.25" hail | 3 SW Mebane Alamance County | Picture passed along via social media shows a hail stone ranging from 1 to 1.5 inches. Time and approximate location estimated from radar. |
Frequently asked questions
How soon should I take photos?
As soon as it's safe, before cleanup or repairs. Hail dents and debris patterns are clearest right after the storm.
Should I photograph my heat pump?
Yes. Hail often dents the fins, and it may be part of the claim.
Do old photos of my roof help?
Yes. Dated photos from before the storm help show that the damage is new.
Policies vary. Check your own policy and ask your insurer or agent about anything that affects your claim. Laws and rules can change; this page reflects official sources as of October 29, 2026. RoofingGreensboro.com is not a contractor, insurer, adjuster or law firm.
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