A roof inspection is the starting point for almost every insurance claim, whether the damage came from a windstorm off the Sound, hail, or ice buildup during a rough winter. The contractor climbs onto the roof (or flies a drone over it), documents shingle wear, flashing gaps, soft spots in the decking, and any storm-related damage, then writes up a report you can hand to your adjuster. Some of the 15 businesses in this category go further and meet the adjuster on-site to walk the roof together, which tends to produce a more accurate settlement than relying on a desk review alone.
When you're choosing who does this work, look past the sales pitch. A good inspector photographs everything, explains the difference between wear-and-tear and storm damage in plain language, and doesn't push you toward a full replacement before checking whether a repair would satisfy your policy. Ask whether they're licensed and insured in Connecticut, how long they've handled claims in the Norwalk area, and whether they charge for the inspection itself or roll it into the job if you hire them.
Our scoring weighs how these companies actually perform on inspection thoroughness, claim communication, and follow-through, pulled from verified reviews and licensing checks rather than self-reported claims. For the full ranked breakdown, see our best roofing contractors in Norwalk guide, and read how we build these rankings on the methodology page.