What a hail-damage roof inspection should document

What a useful inspection record must do

A useful hail inspection records observable conditions by component and location. It does not treat a storm date, a few close photographs, or a test square as automatic proof of cause, functional damage, repairability, or insurance coverage.

Evidence to collect before deciding

• Begin with elevations and roof-plane context. Begin with the address, inspection date, weather context, elevations, roof planes, slopes, penetrations, drainage, and overall condition.
• Label close photographs by component and location. Label close views so another reader knows the material, roof plane, orientation, and relationship to the wider area.
• Distinguish observed marks from an opinion about cause. Write observations separately from opinions and state when access, debris, wear, manufacturing features, or prior work limits the conclusion.
• Leave coverage and payment decisions with the carrier. Send coverage and payment questions to the carrier while the contractor remains responsible for truthful construction observations and scope.

Photographs need a map and a limit

Keep the overview, detail, label, date, and observer together. The record is stronger when it shows where a condition is and what remains uncertain instead of using dramatic close-ups to imply an unsupported result.