A roof damage insurance claim lives or dies on the measurement data. Disputes between contractors and adjusters almost always come down to disagreements about total squares, pitch calculations, or linear measurements. A professional aerial roof measurement report — from a recognized third-party provider — provides objective data that both sides can rely on.
This guide explains exactly what an insurance roof measurement report contains, how each data point is used in the claims process, and how to order one for your next claim.
What Is an Insurance Roof Measurement Report?
An insurance roof measurement report is a professional document that provides precise dimensional data about a property's roof — derived from high-resolution aerial imagery. It is used to document the scope of a roof replacement or repair for an insurance claim.
The report contains all the data needed to prepare a complete replacement estimate using Xactimate, Symbility, or any standard estimating platform:
- Total roof area — in square feet and roofing squares (1 square = 100 sq ft)
- Individual facet measurements — each roof plane measured separately
- Pitch per facet — expressed as rise over run (e.g., 4/12, 6/12, 9/12)
- Ridge length — peak horizontal distances
- Hip lengths — diagonal peak-to-eave distances
- Valley lengths — internal angle lengths requiring flashing
- Rake lengths — gable-end roof edges
- Eave lengths — horizontal overhang edges
- Waste factor — cut waste percentage for the specific roof geometry
- Labeled diagram — professional overhead roof drawing with all measurements annotated
How the Data Is Used in Insurance Claims
| Report Data Point | How Used in Claim |
|---|---|
| Total squares | Quantity of shingles, underlayment, ice & water shield |
| Pitch per facet | Steep pitch labor surcharges; pitch factor multiplier for material |
| Ridge length | Ridge cap shingles; ventilation linear footage |
| Hip length | Hip cap shingles; hip flashing |
| Valley length | Valley flashing; ice & water shield at valleys |
| Rake length | Drip edge at rakes; fascia boards |
| Eave length | Drip edge at eaves; gutter removal/reinstall |
| Waste factor | Total material ordered; accounts for cut waste on complex roofs |
Who Uses Insurance Roof Measurement Reports?
Roofing Contractors and Restoration Companies
Contractors use aerial measurement reports to build supplement-ready estimates before meeting with the insurance adjuster. An estimate backed by third-party aerial measurement data is far more defensible than a contractor sketch — and far more likely to be approved at full replacement value without a protracted back-and-forth.
Insurance Adjusters
Many insurance adjusters order their own aerial reports through company-preferred vendors, or accept reports from recognized providers like Satellite Reports. When the adjuster and contractor both have the same measurement data, claim disputes resolve faster.
Public Adjusters
Public adjusters representing policyholders on disputed or underpaid claims routinely use third-party aerial measurement reports to support supplement requests and appraisal demands. An independent measurement report from Satellite Reports gives the public adjuster the objective data needed to challenge an adjuster's low measurement.
Homeowners
Homeowners can order their own aerial report to verify what their insurance company claims the roof measures. Many homeowners discover their insurance company's measurements were low — meaning their settlement was underpaying for the actual scope of replacement.
How to Include the Report in Your Claim File
- Order the Satellite Reports aerial measurement report for the property address
- Receive the PDF report in 6–8 business hours
- Build your estimate in Xactimate or your estimating software using the aerial measurement data
- Include the PDF report in your claim file alongside your estimate, damage photos, and signed contract
- At the adjuster meeting, reference the aerial measurement as the source of your quantity calculations
Supplement tip: If the insurance company's initial payment is based on measurements that appear lower than the actual roof, order a Satellite Reports aerial measurement. If the report confirms a larger scope, use it to file a supplement with the objective measurement data as supporting documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do insurance companies accept aerial roof measurement reports?
Yes. Major insurance carriers accept professional aerial roof measurement reports as documentation for roof claims. Aerial measurement provides objective, third-party dimensional data that supports the replacement or repair scope.
Can a homeowner order a report for their own claim?
Yes. Homeowners can order a Satellite Reports aerial measurement report to support their own claim or verify their insurance company's measurements. Many homeowners use the report to support supplement requests.
What if the report measurements differ from the adjuster's?
If the aerial measurement shows a larger roof than the adjuster's measurements, use the report to file a supplement. The aerial data — collected from high-resolution imagery with professional software — provides a defensible, objective basis for the supplement request.
Order Your Insurance Roof Measurement Report
Address only. No site visit required. Delivered in 6–8 hours as a professional PDF ready for your claim file.