Storm Damage Documentation Best Practices

Types of Storm Damage

Storms cause various types of damage requiring different documentation approaches:

Wind Damage

Roof damage (shingles, tiles)

Siding damage

Structural damage

Fallen trees/debris impact

Hail Damage

Roof surface damage

Siding dents and cracks

Window damage

Soft metal damage (gutters, vents)

Flood/Water Damage

Standing water levels

Water intrusion points

Material saturation

Contents damage

Pre-Documentation Preparation

Safety Assessment

Before documenting storm damage:

Structural Safety: Check for instability

Electrical Hazards: Avoid downed lines

Water Hazards: Don't wade in floodwater

Debris Dangers: Watch for unstable materials

Equipment Preparation

Fully charged 360 camera

Weatherproof protection (for ongoing conditions)

Measuring tools

Reference markers for scale

PPE appropriate to conditions

Exterior Documentation

Systematic Coverage

Overall Property Views

- 360 capture from each corner

- Include neighboring properties for context

- Document debris field

Roof Documentation

- Ground-level 360s showing roof

- Document from multiple angles

- Include drone footage if available/permitted

Each Elevation

- Full-height captures

- Close attention to siding

- Window and door damage

- Foundation exposure

Detached Structures

- Garages, sheds, fences

- Document all damage

- Include in overall property context

Damage-Specific Techniques

For Wind Damage:

Document missing materials

Capture exposed underlayment

Show debris and landing points

Note directional patterns

For Hail Damage:

Include scale reference

Document pattern density

Capture multiple material types

Note measurement samples

Interior Documentation

Water Intrusion

Entry Points

- Where water entered

- Path of water travel

- Affected materials

Affected Areas

- Standing water (if present)

- Water lines on walls

- Ceiling damage

- Floor damage

Contents

- Damaged personal property

- Furniture and electronics

- Document before moving

360 Capture Strategy

Capture immediately upon safe entry

Document water levels with reference

Include moisture meter readings

Capture all affected rooms

Working with 3D Measure

Project Organization

Create organized documentation:

Exterior Project Section

- Elevations and overall views

- Roof documentation

- Detached structures

Interior Project Section

- Room-by-room captures

- Damage areas highlighted

- Before mitigation state

Measurement Documentation

Affected area measurements

Material quantities needed

Room dimensions for restoration

Export to ESX for estimates

Progress Tracking

Document storm restoration phases:

Initial damage state

Emergency mitigation

Restoration progress

Completion documentation

Time-Sensitive Considerations

Immediate Documentation

Some evidence is temporary:

Standing water levels drop

Debris gets cleared

Wet materials dry or mold

Emergency repairs happen

Prioritization

Safety-critical documentation first

Water/flood areas (time-sensitive)

Structural damage

Cosmetic damage last

Insurance Claim Optimization

What Carriers Need

Complete property coverage

Clear damage documentation

Measurements for estimates

Timeline of documentation

ESX Export Benefits

Accurate room measurements

Quick Xactimate integration

Reduced back-and-forth

Faster claim settlement

Coordination with Other Parties

Emergency Services

Coordinate timing

Don't interfere with operations

Document their activities when relevant

Restoration Companies

Share documentation access

Coordinate scope development

Track progress together

Insurance Adjusters

Provide comprehensive access

Virtual walkthrough capability

Measurement verification

Common Challenges

Ongoing Weather

If conditions continue:

Protect equipment

Document changes

Note timing of captures

Access Limitations

Document what's accessible

Note areas needing return visits

Coordinate with authorities

Multiple Properties

After widespread storms:

Develop efficient workflows

Use templates

Batch processing

Conclusion

Storm damage documentation requires speed, thoroughness, and attention to time-sensitive conditions. 360 photography with 3D Measure provides the comprehensive coverage needed for complex storm claims, whether dealing with wind, hail, or flood damage. Proper documentation accelerates claims and ensures nothing is missed in the restoration process.