Should I photograph storm damage before repairs?
The short answer
Yes, wherever you can do it safely from the ground. Once debris is cleared and temporary covers are in place, the original condition cannot be recreated. Dated photographs of the damage, the debris and any water entering indoors are useful for diagnosis and for any conversation with an insurer.
What this evidence cannot tell you
Photographs record what was visible. They do not prove the cause, and they do not oblige an insurer to accept a claim.
Related services
- Emergency Roof RepairsAn emergency roof repair makes a property safe and watertight quickly after storm damage, a sudden leak or falling slates. The first visit stops water entering and removes any danger to people below; the permanent repair follows once the roof is safe to work on.
- Drone Roof InspectionsA drone roof inspection surveys a roof using a camera-equipped UAV, producing high-resolution photographs and video of every slope, chimney, valley and gutter without scaffolding, ladders or anyone setting foot on the roof. It is faster, safer and cheaper than traditional access, and produces evidence you can keep.
What should you do next?
Keep the originals with their timestamps intact and store them somewhere you can find them later.
Reviewed by Aaron, Owner, Elite Roofing Services Cumbria Ltd — last reviewed .
Related questions
More in Storm & Emergency Roofing
- What should I do after storm damage to my roof?
- How do I know whether my roof suffered hidden storm damage?
- What counts as an emergency roof repair?
- Can a damaged roof be temporarily made watertight?
- Does home insurance normally cover storm roof damage?
- Can roof photographs help document an insurance claim?
- Should I contact my insurer before permanent storm repairs?
Elite Roofing Services Cumbria carries out this work across Carlisle, wider Cumbria and the Scottish Borders — see the areas covered.