To document roof storm damage for an insurance claim in Pittsburgh, photograph and video the damage from the ground immediately after the storm, capture interior damage including water stains, ceiling discolouration, and any water pooling, record the date and details of the storm event, and schedule a professional inspection with a licensed Pittsburgh roofing contractor who can prepare a written damage report before the insurance adjuster visits. Thorough, dated documentation is the foundation of a successful property damage claim.
What Should My Storm Damage Photos and Videos Include in Pittsburgh?
Document the full exterior of the home from multiple angles, then focus specifically on: areas of missing, cracked, or displaced shingles; granule accumulation in gutters or downspouts; denting on soft metal components (gutters, vents, flashing); any cracked or broken skylights; damage to siding, fascia, or soffit; interior ceiling stains or active drip points; and damage to HVAC units, satellite dishes, or other roof-mounted equipment. Date-stamp all media if possible.
Why Should I Get a Professional Inspection Before the Adjuster in Pittsburgh?
Insurance adjusters are employed by or contracted to the insurance company. A professional roofing contractor who inspects the property before the adjuster’s visit can identify all damage — including subtle hail impacts and concealed moisture intrusion — and prepare documentation that ensures the adjuster cannot overlook it. PGH Roofing & Exteriors attends adjuster inspections alongside Pittsburgh homeowners and advocates for complete damage coverage.
What Written Documentation Should I Gather for My Pittsburgh Roof Claim?
In addition to photos and video, compile: the professional roofing contractor’s written damage inspection report, a record of the storm date and National Weather Service data confirming the event (hail size, wind speed), any emergency repair receipts, your existing roof documentation if available (previous inspection reports, installation records), and a copy of your homeowners insurance policy declarations page including your coverage limits and deductible.
How Long Should I Keep Storm Damage Documentation for My Pittsburgh Claim?
Retain all documentation — photos, reports, correspondence, invoices — until the claim is fully resolved and any warranty period on the restoration work has passed. For complex claims or those involving supplemental payments, documentation may be relevant for several years after the original claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use National Weather Service data to support my Pittsburgh roof claim?
Yes. NWS storm records — including hail size, wind speed, and storm track data — are valuable third-party evidence that confirms a covered weather event occurred at your location on the claimed date.
What if I can’t safely photograph my Pittsburgh roof damage myself?
Do not go on the roof yourself, particularly after a storm when surfaces may be wet, icy, or structurally compromised. PGH Roofing & Exteriors conducts a professional inspection and provides documented photographs as part of the free storm damage assessment. Call 724.760.7663 to schedule.
Does PGH Roofing provide a written damage report for insurance purposes?
Yes. PGH Roofing & Exteriors provides Pittsburgh homeowners with a professional written damage assessment that supports the insurance claim and ensures all damage is included in the adjuster’s scope.
Should I clean up debris before documenting storm damage in Pittsburgh?
No. Photograph and document all debris, displaced shingles, and damage in its post-storm state before any cleanup. Evidence of the storm’s impact supports the claim. Clean up only after full documentation is complete.
PGH Roofing & Exteriors documents Pittsburgh storm damage professionally and supports your claim from first inspection to final settlement. Call 724.760.7663 or visit our website — free inspection, no obligation. Serving all of greater Pittsburgh.