Good records can make a gutter damage claim easier to assess, and they cost nothing. This guide covers what to photograph, which records to gather and what to ask your broker before anything gets repaired or thrown out.
In This Article
Safety first, then one phone call
Do not climb to inspect damage if wires are down, the roof edge is wet or the eave is high. The Electrical Safety Authority says to stay back about 10 metres from downed powerlines and to report them to 9-1-1 and the utility. Photograph from the ground until it is safe to do more.
Then call your broker or insurer before you arrange any permanent repair. Policies differ, so ask instead of assuming.
- Is this kind of damage covered, and does the cause matter? Sudden events such as wind or a fallen branch are often treated differently from gradual wear, but the wording of your policy decides.
- What is my deductible, and is the repair likely to cost more than it?
- How and when must I report the damage, and is there a deadline?
- Should I keep the damaged parts, and will an adjuster visit before repairs start?
- Will temporary repairs be reimbursed, and what receipts do you need?
The shot list: what to photograph, and why
| Shot | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Each side of the house, taking in the whole roofline | Overall condition, and where the damage sits |
| Each damaged section from a middle distance | The extent of the damage along the run |
| Close-ups of dents, gaps, split seams and loose hangers | The type of damage, in detail |
| The cause: a fallen branch, a downed tree, ice on the eave | That the damage came from a specific event |
| Debris and marks on the ground, siding and beds | Knock-on damage below the trough |
| Interior stains or drips, if any | Water reaching the house |
Take the pictures before you move anything. Then film a slow walk around the house, describing what you see and the date. Measure damaged runs with a tape in metres, and write the measurement on a note in the photo. Add labels to your files or a written list, such as "north side, front run, 2 m section bent".
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Show the cause and the condition
An adjuster is likely to ask two things: what caused the damage, and what condition the gutters were in before it. You can help with both.
- Date the event. Note when the storm or ice event happened. Screenshots of Environment Canada warnings or local forecasts show the weather on that day.
- Gather maintenance records. Invoices or dated photos from earlier cleanings and repairs show the troughs were looked after. They may help separate storm damage from long-term neglect.
- Find older pictures. Family photos, listing photos or earlier phone shots of the house can show the gutters were intact and straight.
- Keep the age in mind. Know roughly when the gutters were installed. Your broker may ask.
Be honest about what you see. If the fascia was already soft before the storm, say so. How to spot gutter damage can help you tell old problems from new ones.
Limit further damage, and keep the evidence
Policies commonly expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent more damage. In practice that means moving a hanging section out of harm's way if you can do it safely from the ground, catching water inside the house, and tarping exposed roof edges if a roofer can do it.
- Photograph the damage first, then the temporary repair once it is done.
- Keep every receipt for materials and labour, however small.
- Store damaged parts, such as a bent section or a broken bracket, until the insurer says you can dispose of them.
- Do not begin permanent repairs until you have agreed the plan.
- Keep a simple log: dates, names, claim numbers and what was said on each call.
Get written assessments and quotes
Ask an eavestrough installer or roofer for a written description of the damage and a written quote for the repair. Ask them to list what needs replacing and what can be repaired. A contractor cannot promise the insurer's decision, but a clear report gives the insurer something to work from.
Packed debris can hide problems, so once the adjuster has seen the damage, a clean shows what is really wrong with a run. D&D Home Services offers gutter cleaning from $125 for a typical Kitchener-Waterloo home, and quotes eavestrough installation when a run is past repair. Quotes are free and confirmed in writing before work begins.
Key Takeaways
- Stay off the roof edge, keep 10 metres from downed powerlines and call your broker before arranging permanent repairs.
- Photograph each side, each damaged section, close-ups, the cause and any knock-on damage, with dates and measurements.
- Gather maintenance records and older photos, and note the date of the event, so the cause and prior condition are clear.
- Keep receipts, damaged parts and a call log, and get written assessments before any permanent repair.
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