Start with safety, then documentation
After a severe storm, stay off the roof. Most useful documentation can be gathered from the ground, from windows and from inside the attic.
What to photograph
- Dented gutters, downspouts, window screens, AC condenser fins and mailboxes
- Granules collecting at downspout outlets
- Interior ceiling stains or damp attic sheathing
- Fallen limbs or debris on or near the roof
- Date-stamped wide shots of the house plus close-ups of each item
Read your policy before you call
Policies differ significantly, and the details decide most of the outcome. Look for your deductible (which may be a percentage of the dwelling amount rather than a flat figure), whether roof payment is on an actual cash value or replacement cost basis, and any cosmetic-damage exclusions or reporting deadlines.
If any of this is unclear, your insurer or agent is the correct source of the answer. A roofing contractor cannot interpret your policy for you, and no contractor can control whether a claim is approved.
A sensible order of operations
Knowing the roof's real condition first means you're making an informed decision about whether filing makes sense at all.
- Get an independent roof inspection so you know what condition the roof is actually in
- Gather your photos, storm date and any repair history
- Contact your insurer to report the loss and ask what documentation they want
- Be present for the adjuster's visit if you can, and have your documentation ready
- Review the adjuster's scope against what was found on the roof
What a supplement is
A supplement is a request to revise the approved scope when something was missed or discovered later — for example, decking damage that only becomes visible after tear-off. Supplements are normal, are submitted with supporting documentation, and are approved or denied by the insurer.
Before you sign anything
- Understand exactly what you're signing — an inspection authorization is not the same as a contract
- Be cautious with any agreement that assigns your claim rights to a contractor
- Ask whether the price is fixed or tied to the insurer's approved scope
- Be wary of anyone offering to cover, waive or absorb your deductible
- Keep copies of every document, photo and estimate in one folder
Where a local roofer fits in
A contractor's role is to inspect the roof, document conditions clearly and explain repair options in plain language. Coverage decisions belong to you and your insurer.
LoveRain Roof Co. is a GAF Master Elite contractor based in Austin, and offers free roof inspections across Central Texas. Learn more about our roofing services or reach out if you'd like a second look after a storm.
- Document from the ground; stay off a storm-damaged roof.
- Know your deductible and whether payment is ACV or RCV before filing.
- Have the roof inspected before deciding whether to file.
- Coverage depends entirely on your policy and your insurer.
- Read every document before signing, especially claim-assignment language.
Want an honest read on your roof after a storm?
We'll document what we find and explain it plainly, whether or not a claim makes sense for you.
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