How do you document wind-damaged shingles for an insurance claim?
Short answer. Photograph every slope with wide shots, then close-ups of creased tabs, torn shingles, missing pieces and broken sealant strips, with a tape for scale. Keep the shingles that blew into the yard, note where the damage clusters relative to the wind, and pair the photos with the storm date and the gusts reported near your home.
The shots that matter
- An overview of each slope, labeled by direction.
- Missing shingles, showing exposed nails, underlayment and the clean edge of the shingle above.
- Creased tabs: the horizontal line where the tab folded back. Lift the tab gently and photograph the crease in low, angled light.
- Broken seals: sealant strips pulled cleanly from the shingle above. Fresh breaks look clean; old ones collect dirt and granules.
- Torn shingles at the nail line or cutouts.
- Ridge, hip caps and rakes, where uplift is strongest.
- Blown-off shingles in the yard, with a photo of where they landed.
Show the pattern
Wind damage clusters at eaves, rakes, ridges and corners, and on the side facing the strongest gusts. A pattern that matches the storm's wind direction supports the claim, while random problems scattered over every slope can look like age or installation.
Add context
- The storm date and local wind reports.
- The shingle product, if known; an old wrapper or invoice helps.
- Roof age and any prior repairs.
- Nail placement on the blown-off shingles, which answers the installation question before it is asked.
Safety
Do not climb a steep or wet roof. A roofer can document the slopes, and a drone can capture the overviews. Read wind damage roof claims and what adjusters look for.