What does a tornado leave that a hurricane does not?
A narrow band of total damage with clean edges, where the roof is torn open, and undamaged roofs on either side.
A tornado tends to leave a narrow band. Inside the band a roof can lose sections of covering and decking, while the roof a few metres away is untouched. That contrast is itself part of the record, and the roofer notes which side of the band each roof sits on.
The 1979 tornadoes from Hurricane David are the regional reference in the FACTS sheet. Their damage was recorded in dollar terms by the National Weather Service, and a roof in the path of a similar event is recorded in the same detail.
- A narrow band of total damage
- Undamaged roofs on either side
- The band's direction and width recorded
Why the record matters most after a tornado
Because the damage is concentrated, the scene changes quickly, and the insurer needs a dated record of the band before anything is cleared.
Within hours of a tornado, debris is moved and neighbours clear their yards. A record made before the clearing starts shows the band, the direction it ran and the pattern of damage.
The record includes a sketch of the roof with the band marked, the photographs with positions and a list of open items. The Virginia Bureau of Insurance takes complaints about claims, and the record is the evidence that makes a complaint specific.
- A sketch with the band marked
- Photographs with position and date
- A list of open items
What can be repaired and what needs replacing?
Sections of covering and single flashing pieces can often be repaired. Decking that has been displaced or cracked, and framing that has shifted, is replaced or strengthened.
Repair is right where the covering can be replaced in sections and the decking beneath is sound. Replacement is right where the decking has split or pulled free, or where the covering is too brittle to lift. Shifted framing needs an engineer's look before new covering goes on.
The roofer says which applies and shows the evidence, so the decision rests on the roof itself.
- Sound decking with torn covering: repair in sections
- Split decking: replace the section
- Shifted framing: engineer's look first
What the written scope should show
Each damaged area, the work in it, the material, the decking allowance and the flashing lines, each tied to the record and the band.
A tornado scope names each area by its place in the band, the work done there and the material used. Decking is priced per sheet as its own line, so a hidden problem is visible when it is found.
Items found and not repaired are named, with the reason, so the next roofer knows what remains.
- Each area named by its place in the band
- Decking priced per sheet as its own line
- Items not repaired named with the reason
Keeping this part of the record current
The record for this part of the roof is updated at each visit, with the date and the result, so the history stays accurate.
A homeowner who keeps this section with the roof file can compare it with the next season's check, and the change between the two is the most useful thing the record can show.
The roofer confirms each point on the day and writes the result down before leaving, so the record reflects the roof as it was found rather than as it was remembered later.
