An insurance adjuster inspecting storm damage is primarily checking whether damage is functional (affecting the roof's performance) versus cosmetic, whether the pattern and extent of damage is consistent with the storm being claimed, and whether it meets the specific threshold their insurer uses to approve a claim. Understanding what they're actually evaluating helps you prepare — and helps you recognize if something gets missed.

Test squares: how adjusters quantify hail damage

Many adjusters use a "test square" method — marking off a defined area (often 10 feet by 10 feet) on a representative slope and counting hail hits within it. This count is used to estimate damage density across the whole roof and compare it against the insurer's specific threshold for approving a full slope or full roof replacement versus a spot repair. Where that test square is placed, and which slopes get tested, can meaningfully affect the outcome — which is part of why having your own contractor present matters.

Soft metal comparison

Adjusters commonly check soft metals — gutters, downspouts, vents, and AC unit fins — for dent patterns. Since these materials dent more easily and consistently than shingles, they're used as a comparison point: if soft metal around the property shows a consistent hail-impact pattern, it supports that the roof was exposed to the same event, even where shingle damage is harder to read visually.

Functional vs. cosmetic damage

This distinction drives a lot of claim outcomes. Functional damage affects the roof's ability to do its job — bruised or fractured shingle mat, exposed fiberglass matting, compromised seal, cracked tile or slate. Cosmetic damage affects appearance without compromising performance — surface marks that don't break the shingle's protective layer. Insurers generally cover functional damage; cosmetic-only damage is a common point of dispute, and it's an area where a second opinion from your own contractor can matter.

Age and wear vs. storm damage

Adjusters are trained to distinguish storm-caused damage from normal aging — granule loss from years of sun exposure looks different than granule loss from a specific hail impact, for instance. This is also where an older roof can work against a claim: some insurers apply more scrutiny (or shift to Actual Cash Value payout) on roofs past a certain age, since general wear becomes a more plausible alternative explanation.

Matching the damage to the storm

Adjusters often cross-reference the claimed damage against actual weather data for the date and location of the storm — hail size, wind speed, and storm path. This is one more reason documenting the specific date and, where possible, referencing verified storm reports (like NWS data) strengthens a claim rather than just describing damage in general terms.

Why having your own contractor present can matter

Adjusters typically inspect many properties in the days and weeks after a major regional storm, often on a tight schedule. It's not unusual for a fast pass to miss damage on a less accessible slope, or to place a test square in a less representative area. A contractor representing your interests — not the insurance company's — can advocate for a full, accurate assessment and flag anything that seems inconsistent with what a documented inspection found beforehand.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to be present for the adjuster's inspection? Not always required, but many homeowners choose to be, or have their contractor present on their behalf, specifically so nothing gets missed.

What if the adjuster's assessment doesn't match my contractor's inspection? This happens, and it's not automatically a dead end — you can request a re-inspection, provide your own documented report as supporting evidence, or in more significant disputes, involve a public adjuster or attorney.

Can I request a specific slope be tested if I think it has more damage? Yes — it's reasonable to point out areas of concern during the inspection rather than assuming the adjuster will find everything on their own.

Last updated: August 2026. Considering a documented inspection before your adjuster visits? Schedule a free AI drone roof inspection with RS Five for a Roof Condition Report you can bring to the table.