Photo-documented Inspections
Photo-documented Inspections | Storm Damage Restoration | Roofing | Chattanooga
When fierce Tennessee weather batters Chattanooga rooftops, HEP’s certified inspectors arrive with cameras in hand, capturing every shingle, seam, and suspected puncture. Our detailed photo-documented inspections turn guesswork into crystal-clear evidence you can see for yourself, smoothing conversations with insurance adjusters and arming you with the confidence to make fast, informed decisions.
From emergency tarping to precision repairs and full roof replacements, our crew handles the entire storm damage restoration process with transparent updates at each milestone. You’ll receive a digital album of before-and-after images, so you can track progress from first assessment to final inspection—all while knowing your home is protected by Chattanooga’s most trusted roofing professionals.
FAQs
What is a photo-documented roof inspection and how is it performed?
A photo-documented roof inspection is a detailed visual assessment in which every section of your roof is photographed, tagged with time and GPS data, and cataloged in a digital report. Our certified inspectors start with ground-level photos, then move onto the roof or deploy drones to capture high-resolution images of shingles, flashing, vents, and gutters. Each photo is annotated to highlight damage, wear, or code issues. The final report includes an overview of roof condition, recommended repairs, and a downloadable folder of labeled images you can share with insurance adjusters or keep for your records.
Why is photo documentation valuable for storm-related insurance claims in Chattanooga?
Insurance carriers rely on clear, date-stamped evidence to verify that wind, hail, or fallen-limb damage occurred during a specific storm event. Our photo-documented inspection provides precisely that. The images establish a chain of custody that links your roof’s condition to NOAA storm data for the Chattanooga area, reducing disputes and speeding up claim approval. Because all pictures are geotagged and annotated by a licensed professional, they also meet most insurers’ documentation requirements, helping you secure fair compensation for repairs or full roof replacement.
How soon after a storm should I schedule an inspection, and how quickly can you respond?
You should arrange an inspection as soon as it is safe to do so—ideally within 24–72 hours after a severe weather event. Early documentation prevents minor issues (such as lifted shingles) from becoming leaks and helps correlate damage with the storm date. Our Chattanooga team maintains an on-call roster during storm season and can usually be on-site within 48 hours, often the same day for major events. Emergency tarping is available if active leaks are discovered during the visit.
What types of storm damage are most common on Chattanooga roofs?
In the Tennessee Valley, roofs frequently experience: • Hail impact: bruised or fractured shingles and dented metal components. • Straight-line winds or tornado gusts: lifted, creased, or missing shingles and displaced ridge caps. • Heavy rain: flashing failures that cause water intrusion around chimneys and valleys. • Falling debris: punctures or broken tiles from tree limbs. • Ice dams (in winter storms): trapped moisture under shingles leading to decking rot. Our inspectors photograph each condition, note its severity, and advise whether repair or full replacement is the most cost-effective solution.
Do I need to be home during the inspection, and how long will it take?
You do not have to be present, but we recommend it so the inspector can walk you through findings in real time. If you cannot attend, we will send you a secure link to the photo report and schedule a phone or video review. A typical single-family roof takes 60–90 minutes to photograph and assess; complex or steep roofs may take up to two hours. We finish with a brief on-site or virtual summary so you understand next steps before we leave the property.
What does a photo-documented inspection cost, and am I obligated to hire you for repairs?
In the greater Chattanooga area, we offer complimentary inspections for homeowners who suspect recent storm damage. The service includes the full photo set, a written condition report, and repair or replacement estimate. If no storm event is involved—such as for real-estate transactions or routine maintenance—the inspection fee is typically $150–$250, credited back if you choose us for any recommended work. You are under no obligation to contract our team for repairs, but many clients do so because we already have an accurate visual roadmap of the roof and can streamline the restoration process.