Photos do three jobs after a storm: they show the insurer what happened, they show a contractor what needs doing, and they protect you if anyone later questions the timing or extent of damage. Phone photos are fine, as long as they are clear, include some context, and keep the original date stamp. Shoot more than you think you need; deleting extras is easy, but recreating a scene after cleanup is impossible.
Do everything from the ground, from windows, and from inside the attic hatch. Do not climb a ladder onto a wet or hail-covered roof to get a better angle.
Outside, starting at the street
- A wide shot of each side of the house from the street or yard, so each slope and wall is visible.
- Zoomed shots of each roof slope, especially the one facing the storm's direction.
- Hail on the ground with a coin, ruler or tape measure for size, as soon as possible before it melts.
- Gutters, downspouts and vent caps with visible dents.
- Window screens, window frames and siding, close up and at an angle where dents catch the light.
- The AC condenser fins, mailbox, grill lid, painted fence or deck rail.
- Fallen limbs and where they landed, before anyone moves them.
- Vehicles parked outside, if they were damaged (that is usually a separate auto claim).
Labeling the photos so they make sense later
| Category | Example label | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Roof | Roof - west slope - wide | Matches the slope names in an inspection report |
| Openings | Window - kitchen - broken pane | Ties damage to a room the insurer can find on a sketch |
| Interior water | Ceiling - upstairs hall - stain | Shows where water traveled after entry |
| Contents | Contents - living room - rug | Links items to the personal property list |
| Temporary work | Tarp - after install | Proves emergency protection was done and when |
Inside the house
- Every ceiling stain, with a wider shot showing which room it is in.
- Water on floors and baseboards, including a shot of the water depth if it is standing.
- Damaged belongings in place, then again once moved to a dry area.
- The attic from the hatch: wet insulation, daylight through the deck, and any snow that blew in.
- Broken glass and the window it came from.
- A short video walking through each affected room, narrating what you see.
General information for Colorado Springs, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.