Document first. Diagnose later.
After wind, the temptation is to hunt for a missing shingle. That can put you on a slippery roof and still miss the information that matters. A better first move is a simple ground-level record: wide shots of each side of the home, close shots of visible damage, and interior photos of any fresh stain or water entry.
The useful photo set
- One wide photo of each roof elevation from the ground.
- Visible lifted, missing, creased, or displaced shingles without zooming so tightly that location is lost.
- Gutters, downspouts, siding, screens, and roof-edge details near the suspected damage.
- Any fallen branches or debris before removal, provided the area is safe.
- Ceiling stains, wet insulation, or active water entry inside the home.
Add a plain note to the album
Record the date, approximate time of the weather event, your address, and what you noticed. Avoid writing a conclusion such as “wind claim damage” before an inspection. Instead, write the observable fact: “three shingles appear displaced on the rear slope” or “water appeared at the second-floor ceiling after the storm.” Clear facts travel better between a homeowner, roofer, and insurer.
Temporary repairs can be appropriate
If there is active water entry, protecting the home comes first. Keep receipts and photos of reasonable temporary work. Indiana’s Department of Insurance says policies may require temporary repairs to prevent further loss, while cautioning homeowners not to make permanent repairs before the insurer has inspected the property. Follow the policy and insurer’s instructions for your situation.
What an inspection adds
An inspection can look at the slopes you cannot safely see, roof penetrations, flashing, gutters, and attic conditions. Ask for photos tied to the written scope. That lets you understand which condition is being addressed and makes comparison between estimates more honest.
Next step: Keep the original photos, not only screenshots sent by text. Then request an inspection that explains the observed condition without promising a claim outcome.