What To Expect When We’re Inspecting

As a homeowner, experiencing a storm can be overwhelming but getting a professional damage inspection doesn’t have to be. At Exteriors by Highmark, we pride ourselves on a thorough and transparent inspection process. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what you can expect when we come to inspect your home for storm damage.

Storm Damage Inspection Process

Watch as we walk through a roof inspection from start to finish, or read below for each step of the process.

A person wearing work attire and safety gear stands on a rooftop near a tree, with an extended ladder resting against the roof's edge, taking storm damage inspection steps.

1. Preparation

First things first, we gear up. You’ll likely see us with a tool belt, ensuring we have all the necessary equipment for a safe and comprehensive inspection. We’ll then set up our ladder securely against your house, ready to begin the evaluation.

2. Gutter Inspection

From the ladder, we’ll inspect the gutters for any signs of damage. Gutters are crucial for directing water away from your home, so we check for dents, cracks, and clogs that storms often cause.

3. Roof Inspection

Next, we’ll climb onto the roof to inspect the shingles and roof vents. Using washable chalk, we mark any dents caused by hail then examine the shingles, looking for signs of wind and hail damage. Identifying these issues early can prevent more severe problems down the line.

A man wearing gloves and a headlamp is inspecting a shingled roof for storm damage. He is marking a spot on the shingles with blue chalk, following meticulous inspection steps. The background shows trees and a partly cloudy sky.

A man wearing work gloves, a headlamp, and a tool belt is kneeling on a shingled roof while using a hammer to perform storm damage inspection steps under a clear sky.

4. Detailed Analysis: Chalk and Microscope

To ensure a meticulous inspection, we create a 10×10 square on the roof and use chalk to circle hail hits within this area. For a closer look, we can set up a digital microscope to further inspect the hail hits, ensuring no detail goes unnoticed.

5. Video Documentation: GoPro

Sometimes after completeing the inspection, we’ll put on a GoPro head strap and record a video overview of your home. As we walk through each step of the inspection, we’ll narrate the process, highlighting areas of concern and explaining what was found.

A small action camera with a head strap mount is placed on the tailgate of a truck, ready to capture the storm damage inspection steps. Boots and some tools are visible in the background.

A technician shows a laptop screen to a person standing in the doorway of a house, detailing storm damage inspection steps.

6. Review and Presentation

Once the video is finished, we download it to a laptop. We’ll then go to the front door to share the video with you, the homeowner. This visual documentation helps you understand the extent of the damage and see exactly what we saw on the roof.

7. Consultation and In-Home Presentation

If damage is found, we can move into an in-home presentation, provided you’re available. During this session, we discuss the findings in detail, offer repair solutions, and answer any questions you might have.

If repair or replacement is needed, we will help you select the appropriate materials and schedule a time to get started!

A person with a beard wearing a blue shirt works on a laptop showing software displaying storm damage inspection steps next to a street view.

At Exteriors by Highmark, we believe in detail and transparency. Our step-by-step inspection process not only identifies storm damage but also keeps you informed every step of the way. By the end of our visit, you’ll have a clear understanding of your home’s condition and the best path forward for any necessary repairs.