I hear you—sometimes it feels like no amount of documentation is enough if the adjuster’s having a bad day. I’ve had to submit the same roof photos twice because they “couldn’t read the date stamp.” Still, I keep everything, just in case. It’s not foolproof, but it’s saved me from bigger headaches a couple times. Maybe it’s more about persistence than paperwork...
I get where you’re coming from, but is it really just about persistence? I mean, I’ve seen folks keep every scrap of paperwork and still get tripped up because the insurer wants “proof” from a licensed contractor or some official inspection report. Photos are good, but sometimes they’ll nitpick over the angle or say the resolution’s too low. Ever had them ask for a shingle sample? That one threw me.
Honestly, I think it’s more about knowing exactly what the adjuster or company wants up front. Like, if you can get a written checklist or template from them, it saves a ton of back-and-forth. I’ve had jobs where we did a full roof assessment, with core samples and all, and the claim still stalled because the paperwork didn’t match their format. Makes you wonder if they’re just looking for reasons to delay.
Curious if anyone’s had luck with drone photos or thermal imaging? I’ve started using those for documentation, and it seems to help—at least, fewer “unclear photo” complaints lately.
Man, you nailed it—sometimes it feels like they’re just moving the goalposts. I’ve had adjusters ask for shingle samples too, and once they wanted a photo of the underlayment... after the roof was already replaced. Total head-scratcher. Drone photos have been a game changer for me, though. The aerial shots seem to leave less room for nitpicking, especially when you can show the whole slope in one frame. Still, getting that checklist up front is key—otherwise you’re just guessing what hoops they’ll throw next.
Had a similar runaround last year—adjuster wanted proof of ice & water shield under the shingles, but the roof was already sealed up. I’ve started keeping a running photo log of every step, but even then, they sometimes ask for stuff that just isn’t practical. Do you find drone photos are enough for steep pitches? I’ve had trouble getting clear shots on some of the older, taller buildings. Wondering if there’s a better way or if it’s just part of the game now...
I’ve run into the same issue with drone photos, especially on those steep Victorian roofs where you’re basically trying to get a shot of the underlayment through a maze of dormers and chimneys. Sometimes the drone just can’t get the right angle, or the lighting’s off and you end up with a bunch of blurry shots that don’t prove much. I’ve tried using a telescoping pole camera for close-ups, but it’s awkward and not always safe if you’re working near the edge.
Honestly, I’m starting to think it’s just part of the process now—insurance wants more documentation than ever, and there’s only so much you can do once the shingles are down. Have you ever had an adjuster accept thermal imaging as proof? I’ve heard mixed things about whether they’ll take that as evidence of proper ice & water shield coverage, but haven’t tried it myself yet. Curious if anyone’s had luck with that approach or if it’s just another hoop to jump through...
