And yeah, nobody warns you about this stuff when you’re signing those mortgage papers... they just hand you the keys and wish you luck.
Right? I swear, the “welcome to homeownership” packet should just be a stack of before-and-after roof pics and a list of excuses insurance companies use. I used to roll my eyes at the idea of documenting every little thing, but after seeing a friend get denied for “pre-existing damage” (which, let’s be real, was just a missing shingle), I’m snapping pics like it’s my side hustle. It feels a bit much, but hey, better than footing the bill myself. Anyone else feel like their phone gallery is just 90% roof shots now?
I get the urge to document every single thing, but honestly, I haven’t gone all-in on the photo evidence. Maybe it’s just me, but I feel like there’s a line between being prepared and driving yourself nuts. My place is in a pretty mild climate (asphalt shingles, nothing fancy), and I do a basic checkup every spring and fall—just looking for obvious stuff like missing shingles or clogged gutters. If something looks off, I’ll snap a pic, but my phone isn’t overflowing with roof selfies yet.
I know insurance companies can be tough, but I’ve had decent luck just keeping receipts from repairs and having a couple of “before” shots from when I moved in. When we had a windstorm last year, they asked for proof of maintenance, not a full photo album. Maybe it’s different if you’re in hail country or somewhere with wild weather? For me, it’s more about balancing peace of mind with not overcomplicating things... but who knows, maybe I’ll regret not having 200 roof pics someday.
I’m right there with you on not wanting to turn my phone into a roof photo archive. I do the same—quick look every spring and fall, maybe a couple shots if something seems off, but that’s about it. My roof’s just basic asphalt too, and honestly, I’d rather spend my time doing almost anything else than crawling around up there snapping pics.
Last year, I had a leak after a gnarly rainstorm. Insurance wanted to see “proof of upkeep,” but they were happy with a couple receipts and a photo from when I bought the place. Didn’t seem like they expected me to have a full-on roof photoshoot. I guess if I lived somewhere with tornadoes or hail the size of golf balls, I’d be more paranoid, but in my area, it feels like overkill.
I do get a little nervous sometimes—like, what if they suddenly want more proof? But then again, I figure if I’m keeping up with basic maintenance and not ignoring obvious problems, that’s gotta count for something. At least, that’s what I tell myself when I’m avoiding another trip up the ladder...
I do get a little nervous sometimes—like, what if they suddenly want more proof? But then again, I figure if I’m keeping up with basic maintenance and not ignoring obvious problems, that’s gotta count for something.
That’s pretty much been my approach too. I’ve owned a few houses now, all with basic asphalt shingles, and honestly, I’ve never kept a big archive of roof photos either. What’s worked for me is this: every spring, I do a walk-around from the ground (binoculars help), looking for missing shingles or anything odd. If I spot something, I’ll snap a quick pic, but that’s about it. Receipts from repairs or gutter cleanings seem to matter more to insurance than a stack of photos.
One time after a windstorm, I had a couple shingles lift and took a photo before fixing it—turned out handy when the adjuster asked if it was “pre-existing.” But in regular years, I just keep a folder with receipts and maybe one or two shots if I notice damage.
If you’re doing basic upkeep and not ignoring leaks or moss, you’re probably fine. I wouldn’t stress about not having a whole album unless you’re in a high-claim area. Just don’t skip those seasonal checks—catching stuff early is way less hassle than arguing with insurance later.
Yeah, I’m in the same camp—never kept a running photo log of my roof, just the odd pic if there’s visible damage or after a big storm. I do think receipts matter more to insurance folks, at least in my experience. Had a claim a few years back after hail, and the adjuster barely glanced at my photos but definitely wanted proof of recent repairs and maintenance.
One thing I’d add: if you’re in an area with wild weather (I’m in the Midwest, so hail and wind are regular guests), it’s worth snapping a couple pics after anything major, just in case. But for normal years, I agree—routine checks and keeping up with obvious stuff like moss or clogged gutters is what counts. I’ve seen neighbors get denied because they ignored leaks that turned into bigger issues... insurance called it “neglect.”
Bottom line, don’t skip the seasonal walkarounds, and keep whatever paperwork you get from repairs or cleanings. That’s saved me more than once when questions came up.
