Nailing Down Roof Age: Finally Got My Policy Approved After a Headache

Had a similar headache last year when I was helping my uncle get his claim sorted after hail damage. We took a ton of pics, but at first it was just close-ups of the dents and missing shingles. The adjuster kept asking for “overall views” and it dragged things out. Once we went back and got shots of the whole roof, then closer angles, it finally made sense to them. Felt like overkill at the time, but honestly, having that photo “story” saved us from more back-and-forth. Guess sometimes more really is better, as long as it’s not just random.

Felt like overkill at the time, but honestly, having that photo “story” saved us from more back-and-forth.

That’s exactly what happened when I tried to get my wind damage claim approved last spring. I thought snapping a few pics of the cracked shingles would do the trick, but nope - they wanted the whole roof, gutters, even shots from the backyard. At first I was kind of annoyed, thinking “how many angles do you really need?” But looking back, it probably helped me in the end.

I’m starting to think insurance companies just want a full set so there’s no wiggle room for debate. It does feel like a pain in the moment, especially if you’re up there with your phone trying not to slide off a wet roof... but it beats arguing with them for weeks.

Funny thing is, my neighbor did the opposite - barely any photos - and his claim dragged on forever. Guess there’s something to be said for “overkill,” as long as it’s organized. Still wonder if there’s a sweet spot between too much and not enough?

I get why folks say more photos help, but I’m still not sold on the idea that insurance needs a whole album every time. Last year, when my ridge vent started leaking, I sent maybe four or five clear shots - close-ups and a couple wide ones. Adjuster came out, took his own pics, and it was sorted in a week. Maybe I just got lucky, or maybe it depends on the adjuster you get. Honestly, sometimes it feels like they ask for more just to slow things down... but who knows. I’d rather risk a little back-and-forth than dangle off a ladder for “just one more angle.”

- I get the “less is more” approach, but after my first claim, I’m Team Overkill on photos.
- Sent in just a couple pics for a gutter issue - adjuster wanted more, then more again. Whole thing dragged out for weeks.
- Now I just snap a bunch from the ground, zoom in, even toss in a selfie for scale (kidding... mostly).
- Not risking another round of “can you send another angle?” - my nerves (and ladder skills) can’t handle it.
- Maybe it’s overkill, but at least I’m off the roof faster.

That’s funny, because I used to be the opposite - just a couple wide shots, thinking, “They’ll get the idea.” Turns out, adjusters want to see every possible angle except maybe from a drone. Last year, when I tried to claim for a leak around my chimney flashing, I ended up sending over a dozen photos. Still got the “Can you get one closer up?” email. My phone’s photo album is 30% roof at this point.

I get why they want so much proof, but it’s nerve-wracking if you’re not great with heights (or ladders that wobble). I’ve even tried using a selfie stick to get those awkward spots without climbing too high - probably looked ridiculous to the neighbors.

Curious if anyone’s had luck with video walkthroughs instead of a ton of stills? Or does that just open up a whole new can of worms with the insurance folks?

I totally get the anxiety with all those photos - been there, done that, and my phone’s got the evidence too. I’ve tried sending a video walkthrough once, thinking it’d be easier, but the adjuster just paused it and asked for stills of specific spots anyway. Maybe it depends on who you get, but in my experience, they want those close-ups no matter what. The selfie stick idea is genius though... beats risking a trip to the ER for a roof shot.

Yeah, the close-up photo requests are relentless. I tried using the panorama mode once, thinking it’d show the whole slope, but nope - they still wanted individual shingle shots and shots of the flashing. What’s worked for me is making a checklist before I even get up there: ridge, valleys, vents, gutters, and any spots that look worn. That way I don’t have to make a second trip because I missed something obvious. The selfie stick trick is solid - especially if you’ve got a steep pitch or sketchy ladder situation. Just gotta watch out for glare if you’re shooting midday... learned that the hard way.

Checklist is a life-saver. I learned the hard way too - first time I had to send roof pics for insurance, I thought “Hey, a nice shot from the edge should cover it.” Nope. Got an email back with a laundry list of “missing” shots. Had to drag myself up there again and this time it was drizzling, because of course it was.

Panorama mode is a total rookie trap for this stuff. I tried that once and it just made everything look warped, like my roof was in some kind of funhouse mirror. Insurers want to see every little detail, right down to the nail heads. I swear, if they could ask for a DNA sample from the shingles, they would.

I’ve started using my phone’s burst mode for close-ups - just lean over (carefully), snap a bunch in quick succession, and sort out the best ones later. It’s less awkward than trying to line up the perfect shot while balancing on a 6/12 pitch. The selfie stick thing is genius, but I’ve also had it almost take a nosedive off the roof... not my finest moment.

Glare’s brutal, especially mid-afternoon. If you’re stuck shooting then, I’ve actually used a baseball cap to shade the phone camera. Not pretty, but it works in a pinch.

Honestly, I wish insurance companies would just accept drone footage. Would save so much hassle and probably get them better angles anyway. But until that day comes, it’s checklist, burst mode, and hoping I don’t drop my phone in the gutter again.

Anyone else run into adjusters who want pictures of the *underside* of the decking? That one threw me for a loop last year.

Underside shots are always a head-scratcher. I’ve had adjusters ask for attic photos, but getting a clear shot of the actual decking from below isn’t always possible - especially with insulation in the way. If you ever have to do it, I’d suggest a flashlight and maybe even your phone’s video mode, then grab stills later. Curious if anyone’s found a better trick for those awkward angles?

Trying to get a good shot in the attic is like playing Twister with insulation - never as easy as it sounds. I tried the flashlight trick, but my phone kept focusing on the fluffy stuff instead of the wood. Ended up using a selfie stick to wedge my phone up higher, which helped a bit, but it’s still a pain. If there’s a better way, I haven’t found it yet... at least not without getting fiberglass in my shirt.

- Totally get it - attic photos are a nightmare.
- I’ve tried the flashlight thing too, but my phone just loves focusing on the insulation.
- Sometimes I use painter’s tape to stick a little LED to the rafter I’m aiming for, but it’s still hit or miss.
- Crawling around up there, you’re either eating dust or getting poked by nails... not much in between.
- Honestly, unless you’ve got one of those inspection cameras with a long cable, it’s always gonna be a hassle.
- At least you didn’t drop your phone into the insulation like I did last month - took me half an hour to find it.

Had to laugh at the phone-in-the-insulation story - been there, done that, except I dropped my screwdriver and spent way too long fishing it out with a broom handle. Attic gymnastics should be an Olympic sport, honestly.

I tried the whole “balance your phone on a rafter and set a timer” trick once, but all I got was blurry shots of my elbow and a close-up of some ancient spiderwebs. The insurance company didn’t seem impressed. Ended up borrowing my neighbor’s inspection camera after cursing at my phone for half an hour. Even then, the photos looked like Bigfoot sightings - blurry and questionable.

Not sure how anyone gets a clear shot of those nail heads or shingle backs without eating a pound of insulation dust. At least the policy’s approved now, but man, I’ve got a new respect for anyone who crawls around up there for a living.

Those attic photos are brutal. I’ve tried everything - flashlights, mirrors, even taping my phone to a paint stir stick. Still ended up with a dozen shots of my own knee and maybe one halfway decent picture of a rusty nail. I finally caved and bought a cheap borescope camera online; not perfect, but at least it’s easier to snake around tight spots without eating insulation. Definitely agree, anyone who does this for a living deserves hazard pay.

The struggle is real. Every time I try to get a decent attic shot, I end up looking like I’m documenting a ghost hunt - just blurry blobs and the occasional spider web. That borescope is a game changer though… not perfect, but way better than crawling around with a phone and inhaling fiberglass. Honestly, half the time I’m up there, I wonder why more people don’t just invest in better attic access or even consider green roof designs that make inspections less of a nightmare. It’s wild how much grief a conventional roof can cause when you’re trying to prove its age for insurance.

Trying to get a clear photo up there is a nightmare. I ended up with insulation in my hair and still couldn’t get a shot that made sense to the insurance guy. Ended up borrowing my neighbor’s borescope too - total lifesaver, but yeah, not perfect. I keep thinking about cutting a bigger access hatch, but then I remember how much of a mess that’d be. Green roofs sound cool, but I can barely keep grass alive...

Ended up borrowing my neighbor’s borescope too - total lifesaver, but yeah, not perfect.

Been there. Crawling around attics with a flashlight and camera, trying not to fall through the ceiling or get a face full of insulation... it’s never as easy as folks think. Borescopes help, but even then, you’re lucky if the photos make sense to anyone but you. Cutting a bigger hatch is tempting, but you’re right - the mess isn’t worth it unless you’re doing major work anyway. And green roofs? I’ve seen a few, but honestly, keeping regular shingles in shape is enough for most people. You did well getting through the insurance hoops.

Insurance companies always want more proof than you think they will, right? Borescopes are handy, but yeah, half the time you’re just guessing what you’re looking at in those grainy shots. I’ve cut extra access hatches before and instantly regretted it - dust everywhere, and patching drywall is never as easy as it looks. You did the smart thing sticking with less invasive options. Keeping up with shingles is already a full-time job for most folks, especially if you’re somewhere with wild weather swings. Glad you finally got the policy sorted - sometimes persistence is the only way through those hoops.

Borescopes are handy, but yeah, half the time you’re just guessing what you’re looking at in those grainy shots.

I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually had decent luck with borescopes - especially the newer ones with better resolution. It’s not perfect, but if you know what you’re looking for (like delamination or water stains), it can save a ton of hassle compared to cutting into drywall. I do agree patching is never as easy as it looks on YouTube... but sometimes, a small access hole is the only way to get the adjuster what they want. It’s a balancing act, for sure.

Funny how borescopes have become the “crystal ball” of roof and attic inspections. I’ve had my share of squinting at fuzzy images, but the newer HD models really do help - especially when you’re chasing down water trails or trying to spot rot without turning your ceiling into Swiss cheese. Still, nothing beats the feeling when you cut a tiny hole and realize you’re three feet off from the actual problem... Patchwork artistry is definitely not as easy as those YouTube folks make it look.

Still, nothing beats the feeling when you cut a tiny hole and realize you’re three feet off from the actual problem...

Yeah, that’s painfully familiar. I tried using a borescope last winter after spotting a weird stain in the hallway. Ended up poking around for an hour, convinced I’d found the leak, only to realize later my “target” was just an old insulation patch. Ceiling still needed patching, and I’m pretty sure my attempt at blending in the texture made it look worse. HD or not, I think my spatial sense is just off when I’m upside down in the attic.