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What’s the Difference Between Mat Transfer and Glue Transfer on a Shingle?

And How to Get Your Insurance Claim Approved the First Time — When It’s Done Right

When storm damage hits, especially after hail or high winds, insurance companies send out adjusters to inspect the roof. But there’s one thing that often gets missed — or misunderstood — during these inspections:

The difference between “mat transfer” and “glue transfer” on an asphalt shingle.

If you want your claim approved the first time, knowing the difference (and documenting it right) is critical.

Let’s break it down.

🧪 What Is a Mat Transfer?

Mat Transfer occurs when the shingle above is pulled up (from wind or inspection) and the fiberglass base (the “mat”) from the lower shingle tears off and sticks to the back of the one lifted.

🔎 Why It Matters:

• It means the structural fiberglass mat has failed.
• The bottom shingle is now compromised and won’t protect like it should.
• Insurance adjusters consider this valid functional damage — it must be replaced.
• It’s often grounds for a full roof replacement if widespread.

🧪 What Is a Glue Transfer?

Glue Transfer is much less severe. This happens when the adhesive strip (sealant) from one shingle sticks to another shingle above it — but no fiberglass or mat tears off.

🔍 Why It Matters:

• This is not functional damage.
• It’s normal and can occur with time, sun heat, or removal during inspection.
• Insurance usually will not approve a claim based on glue transfer alone.

🆘 So What’s the Problem?

Too many adjusters or inexperienced inspectors confuse glue transfer with mat transfer — and deny claims that should be approved.

That’s why proper inspection, photo documentation, and precise terminology are key.

✅ How to Get Your Insurance Claim Approved the First Time (If Done Right)

Here’s the step-by-step game plan our pros follow to help homeowners get approved without unnecessary delays or re-inspections.

🛠️ Step 1: Perform a Professional Inspection

• Use a licensed or highly trained roofing contractor.
• Document damage with clear photos — especially showing mat transfer.
• Lift shingles carefully to show the fiberglass strands stuck to the underside.

📸 Step 2: Take the Right Photos (and Label Them)

• Overview shots (entire slope)
• Close-ups showing:
   
  • Mat transfer with visible fiberglass
  • Damaged shingles
  • Missing or creased tabs
• Use chalk to mark damage and angles, and label photos by slope

🗂 Step 3: Write a Scope of Damage Report

Include:

• Number of affected slopes
• Type of damage (mat transfer vs glue transfer)
• Description of how the integrity of the roof has been compromised
• Safety risks (e.g. future leaks, structural concerns)

📞 Step 4: Assist the Homeowner in Filing the Claim

• Guide them through the call
• Give them the terminology to use (“We have mat transfer showing functional damage to the shingles”)
• Offer to be on-site when the adjuster comes

🧾 Step 5: Meet the Adjuster with Documentation in Hand

• Walk the roof with the adjuster
• Show mat transfer side by side with glue transfer for clarity
• Make sure they see each slope’s condition, not just one or two
• Don’t assume they know — help them see what you see

🧰 Step 6: Be Present, Prepared, and Professional

• Insurance adjusters are more likely to approve when they see:
   
  • You’ve done the homework
  • You’re being honest
  • The damage is real and well-documented

🎯 Final Thoughts

Mat transfer is one of the most undeniable signs of roof failure — but it only helps if it’s documented and explained properly.

Glue transfer, on the other hand, is like a false alarm — and mixing them up is what gets claims denied.

Want your roof paid for the first time around? Hire pros who know how to prove the damage — the right way.

✅ Need help with an inspection or claim?

Our team is trained to handle everything from documentation to claim support — so you don’t have to fight with insurance or guess at next steps.

📞 Call us today or book your free roof assessment. Let’s get your home protected and paid for the right way.

When a windstorm hits your neighborhood, it can cause damage that’s not always visible from the ground. And unfortunately, when it comes to insurance, if you don’t use the right language, your claim could be denied — even if the damage is legitimate.

That’s why knowing how to identify and properly describe wind damage using insurance-approved terminology is critical to getting your roof approved and replaced.

Here’s a breakdown of the types of wind damage that insurance companies do consider storm-related — and the exact terms they look for in your inspection or claim documentation.

💨 1. 

Creased Shingles

What It Is:

A shingle tab gets lifted by wind and folds or bends — leaving a visible line or crack across the face of the shingle.

Why It Matters:

Once creased, the shingle loses structural integrity and is no longer sealed properly, exposing your home to leaks.

Insurance Verbiage:

“Wind-created creasing has compromised the integrity of the laminate shingle. Functional damage present.”

💨 2. 

Missing Shingles

What It Is:

Shingles are completely blown off the roof due to high wind speeds — sometimes in clusters, sometimes just one or two.

Why It Matters:

Exposed underlayment or decking leads to water infiltration. Also indicates the roof system couldn’t resist wind uplift.

Insurance Verbiage:

“Shingles displaced or fully removed due to wind uplift pressure — storm-related functional loss.”

💨 3. 

Lifted or Unsealed Shingles

What It Is:

Shingles appear intact but have been lifted by wind, causing the adhesive seal to break. The shingle may lay flat but is no longer watertight.

Why It Matters:

These shingles can flap in future storms and allow moisture to get under the roof system — an invisible but critical failure.

Insurance Verbiage:

“Wind uplift has broken the factory seal, resulting in unbonded shingles that are susceptible to future damage.”

💨 4. 

Mat Transfer (Functional Shingle Damage)

What It Is:

When the shingle tab above is lifted, the fiberglass mat of the shingle below tears away and transfers to the upper shingle — a sign that the shingle structure is damaged.

Why It Matters:

Mat transfer = functional damage in the eyes of insurance companies. It proves that the shingles have been compromised, not just superficially affected.

Insurance Verbiage:

“Mat transfer is present, indicating wind damage resulting in the loss of structural integrity — warranting full replacement.”

💨 5. 

Damaged Flashing or Roof Components

What It Is:

High winds bend, tear, or loosen key roof components like:

• Step flashing
• Drip edge
• Roof vents
• Ridge vents
• Pipe jacks

Why It Matters:

These protect against water intrusion. Even one loose vent can allow moisture into the attic or framing.

Insurance Verbiage:

“Wind-related displacement of metal flashing/roof components compromises water-shedding functionality.”

🧠 Pro Tip: Don’t Say “Old Roof” — Say “Compromised System”

Insurance companies deny claims when they hear:

• “Normal wear and tear”
• “It’s just old”
• “The shingles look fine from the ground”

But they approve claims when documentation includes:

• “Functional damage caused by wind uplift”
• “Compromised shingle mat due to mechanical force”
• “Storm-related seal failure leading to compromised water barrier”

✅ Final Thoughts: It’s Not About Age — It’s About Functional Loss

Even if your roof is older, that doesn’t mean damage from a windstorm doesn’t qualify.

Insurance carriers owe for functional storm damage, not just pretty shingles. If the storm caused the damage — and it affects the roof’s ability to protect your home — it’s covered.

But only if it’s documented and explained the right way.

💼 Need Help With an Inspection or Claim?

Our team is trained in storm damage identification and insurance-approved documentation. We know how to speak the language adjusters use — and how to fight for your approval the first time.

📞 Call us today to schedule a free storm damage inspection, and let’s see what the wind left behind.