Insurance Adjuster Roof Markings Explained

As an insurance adjuster, you'll often encounter various markings on a roof during an inspection. These markings are crucial in determining the extent of damage and the necessary repairs.

Some common roof markings include the size of the roof, which is usually marked in square feet. This measurement is essential for calculating the cost of repairs.

A common marking you'll see is the location of skylights, vents, and chimneys. These markings help adjusters identify potential weak points in the roof.

The type of roofing material is also often marked on the roof, such as asphalt shingles or metal roofing. This information is vital in determining the appropriate repair techniques and materials needed.

Check this out: Public Adjuster Roofing

If you've ever had to deal with a roof inspection or insurance claim, you might have seen some strange markings on your roof. These markings are actually a code used by insurance adjusters to document the type and extent of roof damage.

The circle/slash marking is used to indicate an area of the roof with no damage or loss due to hail hits or hail damage.

Insurance adjusters also use the "FT" marking to indicate granule loss or other roof surface damage due to foot traffic or walking-on traffic.

Some insurance claims investigators use a more detailed code that includes the type of damage and the roof slope involved. This can be helpful in cases where the orientation of the roof slope is not immediately apparent.

Here's a list of some common roof damage marking codes used by insurance adjusters:

It's worth noting that the first letter of the marking code is often used to indicate the roof slope, with "S" representing the south slope, "E" representing the east slope, and so on.

Roof damage can arise from a variety of events, including weather-related events like hailstorms, hurricanes, and high winds.

Hailstorms, for example, can cause significant damage to roofs, especially if the hailstones are large enough to puncture or dent roofing materials.

Accidental damage from falling trees or debris can also puncture or crush sections of a roof, leading to costly repairs.

Weather-related events are a common cause of roof damage, and understanding the cause of damage is crucial for the insurance claim process.

Wear and tear over time can lead to degradation of roofing materials, making them more susceptible to damage from less severe weather events.

Here are some common causes of roof damage:

Insurance adjusters use chalk marks to identify hail damage on roofs, and some of these codes include an indicator of which roof slope was involved. This is a great idea since the orientation of the roof slope may not be evident in roof damage photos.

The chalk mark code for hail damage on the north slope is NH, while an alternative code is NHD. On the south slope, the code is SHE, and on the east slope, it's SEH. You can also use F, R, for front or rear slopes if you prefer.

Consider reading: Dealing with Insurance Adjuster on Hail Damage'

Insurance adjusters also use codes to indicate the type of damage, such as granule loss (NGL) or nail pop (NNP). They may also mark areas to be cut for further testing with R/R or R&R or CUT.

Here's a list of common roof damage chalk codes for hail damage, including slope identification:

Keep in mind that differences in damage found on different roof slopes can be diagnostic in assigning a damage cause.

Roof marking codes are a crucial part of the insurance adjuster's job, and they help identify the extent of roof damage.

These codes can be written with chalk on the roof and consist of letters and sometimes numbers that indicate the type of damage. For example, "FT" can indicate granule loss or other roof surface damage due to foot traffic or walking-on traffic.

The FT code is just one of many marking codes used by roof inspectors. Another common code is the circle/slash symbol, which is used to show an area of the roof where there was no damage or loss due to hail hits or hail damage.

The circle/slash symbol is a quick and easy way to mark areas of the roof that are damage-free. It's also a good idea to include the roof slope in the marking code, especially when dealing with hail damage. This is because the orientation of the roof slope may not be evident in roof damage photos.

Here's a list of common roof marking codes that include the roof slope:

These codes help insurance adjusters and roof inspectors communicate effectively and ensure that the necessary repairs are made to the roof.

Wood Shingle Roof Damage can be a real challenge to identify, especially for those without experience in the field. Splits in the shingle that are brown or orange in color are a clear sign of damage.

These splits can be caused by a variety of factors, including weathering and exposure to the elements. Sharp corners and edges are often found along these splits.

Dents or impact marks along the splits can also indicate damage. It's not uncommon to see these types of marks on roofs that have been exposed to strong winds or hail.

Here are some common signs of wood shingle roof damage: