Northmark documents hail and wind damage to commercial roofs, facades and sites in Fargo, West Fargo and Moorhead using drone imagery flown by an FAA Part 107 remote pilot. After a storm we capture dated, organized images of affected areas and, where a pre-storm baseline exists, compare before and after. Owners and property managers use the imagery to support insurance claims, get accurate contractor bids and communicate with tenants and lenders.
Why storm documentation needs to happen quickly
Hail is a recurring reality in the northern Plains. NOAA's Storm Events Database records hail and severe thunderstorm events across Cass and Clay counties, and the Insurance Information Institute consistently ranks hail among the costliest causes of property insurance losses nationally. When a storm hits, three things make fast, organized documentation valuable:
- Evidence degrades. Debris gets cleared, temporary repairs cover damage, and later weather adds new damage that confuses the record.
- Claims have deadlines. Policies typically require prompt notice and documentation of loss.
- Contractors get busy. After a widespread storm, roofers are booked solid. Owners with good imagery can get accurate remote estimates and prioritize repairs.
What we document after a storm
| Area | What we look for and capture |
|---|---|
| Roof surface | Impact marks, punctures, bruising patterns visible in imagery, displaced or torn membrane, granule loss on shingled sections |
| Roof components | Dented or damaged rooftop units, vents, skylights, flashings, gutters, downspouts, parapet caps |
| Facades | Damaged siding, cladding, sealants, window frames and signage (facade inspection) |
| Site | Damaged light poles, fencing, landscaping, debris on paving (site survey) |
| Wind damage | Lifted edges, missing sections, displaced equipment, fallen trees on structures |
Images are labeled with the date and organized by area. Our written summary lists visible observations. It does not determine cause, coverage or repair scope. Those belong to the adjuster and contractor.
The power of a baseline
The strongest storm documentation compares the roof before and after. Without a "before," it can be hard to separate new hail damage from older wear. Owners who fly their roofs at the start of hail season, or as part of regular spring and fall drone roof inspections, have a dated baseline ready when a storm comes.
Our guide to hail season roof documentation explains how to build that baseline and what to do in the first 72 hours after a storm.
How the process works
- You call after the storm. Tell us the property, what was affected and any deadlines from your insurer.
- We schedule promptly, as soon as weather, wind and airspace allow safe, legal flight.
- We fly the roof, facades and site as needed, with FAA authorization where required in controlled airspace.
- We deliver dated imagery and a summary of visible observations, organized for your adjuster and contractors.
- We compare against prior imagery if we have flown the site before.
Who uses storm documentation
- Property managers who need to document damage across several buildings quickly after a regional storm
- Building owners preparing insurance claims
- Tenants with repair obligations under their leases
- Lenders and buyers who need to understand whether storm damage affects a property
- Roofing contractors who want imagery before climbing to plan a safe inspection
What we are not
Northmark is not a public adjuster, roofing contractor or engineer. We do not negotiate claims, estimate repair costs, certify damage or recommend specific contractors. We provide clear, honest, dated imagery that helps the people who do those jobs do them well. That independence is useful: our imagery shows what is visible, without a stake in the outcome.
Safety comes first
We do not fly during active storms, high winds or conditions that break Part 107 rules or make flight unsafe. Post-storm sites can also have hazards on the ground, such as downed lines and debris, and we assess them before flying.
Combine with routine documentation
Storm documentation is most effective as part of an ongoing record. Many owners pair it with scheduled roof inspections and property condition reports, so every storm is measured against a known starting point.
Frequently asked questions
How soon after a hailstorm can you fly?
As soon as weather, wind and airspace allow safe, legal flight. We prioritize post-storm requests and schedule promptly.
Will drone imagery be accepted by our insurer?
Insurers and adjusters commonly use aerial imagery, but each insurer makes its own decisions. Our imagery is dated and organized to support your claim and the adjuster's review.
Do you estimate repair costs?
No. We document visible conditions. Repair scope and cost come from your roofing contractor, and coverage decisions from your insurer.
Why should we fly our roof before hail season?
A pre-season baseline makes it much easier to show which damage is new after a storm.
Sources
Published · Updated · Northmark Facility Services.