How to Find and Repair Hail Damage on the Roof

Roofing damage caused by hail is a significant issue that is often disregarded. Hail storms can cause wood shingles to crack and remove the protective mineral coating from asphalt shingles, leading to leaks. To address this problem, major roofing manufacturers have developed impact-resistant shingles that can withstand hail damage, and some insurance companies offer discounts when these products are used.

After a hail storm, it is crucial to determine if your roof has sustained any damage and take appropriate action.

How Hail Damages

Hail is formed during thunderstorms when the updraft from the storms pulls water droplets into the upper atmosphere, where they freeze. As more water collides with the hailstone and freezes, it grows in size. Hailstones can vary in diameter from 1/4 inch, similar to the size of a pea, to 4 1/2 inches, the size of a grapefruit. Eventually, they fall when they become too heavy to be supported by the updraft.

Meteorologists often compare hail to everyday objects, such as peas, marbles, softballs, and grapefruits. While this is a folksy practice, it can be alarming to imagine a softball-sized chunk of ice falling toward your roof at speeds of 75 to 100 miles per hour.

Some regions experience more hail storms than others. The National Weather Service refers to the area where Wyoming, Colorado, and Nebraska meet as "hail alley." The entire corridor from Alberta, Canada, south to Texas has the potential for severe hail storms. It is essential to note that any thunderstorm can produce hail, making hail damage, including dings, roof replacements, and roof leaks, a possibility everywhere.

Finding Hail Damage

"Different roofing materials are affected by hail in various ways, and sometimes, a damaged roof may not develop a leak until much later," says roofing expert Pavel Buyeu. "Therefore, it is crucial to identify potential signs of hail damage before it becomes a costly problem."

To do this, start by examining the ground. Dents in gutters, downspouts, siding, metal window frames, and air conditioner condensers may indicate problems on the roof.

You can survey the roof from the ground using binoculars or climb a ladder and survey the damage from the edge of the roof. Ladder standoffs and stabilizers can keep the ladder steady. If you spot damage from the ladder, you will need to take a closer look to document it for an insurance claim. Most homeowners' insurance policies cover hail damage.

If you prefer not to walk on the roof yourself, it is best to hire a local roofing contractor via the LocalProBook platform. Look for a roofer with experience dealing with hail damage and insurance companies since hail damage often leads to filing an insurance claim.

Types of Hail Damage

Different types of hail damage can occur. While hail can crack and split wood shakes and shingles, the damage on asphalt shingles may be less apparent.

When hailstones hit a roof with asphalt shingles, they can cause indentations that weaken the shingles. In many cases, the hail can dislodge the protective coating of mineral granules. Although this may not seem significant, the coating protects the underlying asphalt, which makes the shingle waterproof, from exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays that can degrade the asphalt. The hit may appear shiny and may feel a little soft to the touch.

Hail damage on a tile roof can take the form of cracked and broken tiles. Hailstones can also dent a metal roof. Even rock-hard slate tiles can be cracked, and the damage could cause a layer of the stone to be missing since slate is a natural stone composed of layers. Additionally, metal vent covers and flashing can also be dented by hail.

If you notice any hail damage, it is essential to make note of it. Use chalk to circle the hits and take photographs of the area. Take close-up photos of the hail damage and photos that show whole roof sections. It is crucial to have as many photos as possible to support your case with the insurance company.

A roofing contractor's services can be helpful in this situation. They can identify damage that you may miss and provide a general estimate of the cost of roof repair.

Hail Damage Insurance Claims

If the cost of repairing the damage is more than your deductible, it may be sensible to file an insurance claim. In this case, contact your homeowners' insurance company. You typically have up to a year to file a claim, but it is essential to check your policy for specific details.

Do not make any repairs until you contact your insurance company. Some companies allow you to file a claim online, while others require you to contact an agent. In either case, have your insurance policy number and a description of the damage ready.

The insurance company will send an insurance adjuster to inspect the damage. At this point, you can provide the adjuster with your photos of the damage. It is advisable to have your roofing contractor present during the inspection. The contractor is the expert in this situation and can discuss any sticking points with the adjuster. The insurance company will use the adjuster's report to process the claim.

The necessary repairs for your roof may range from spot repairs to a complete replacement. The amount you receive will depend on the type of policy you have. A policy that covers replacement costs will pay the current rate for labor and materials, while a cash value policy will consider the age of the roof when calculating the payout. Unfortunately, an older roof will decrease the amount you receive from the insurance company.

Conclusion

It is essential to note that some policies contain cosmetic exclusions, particularly for homes in hail-prone areas. The exclusion allows insurance companies to avoid paying for damage that they believe only affects the material's appearance but not its function. This is a gray area that is open to interpretation, so it is crucial to understand what your homeowners' insurance policy covers and does not cover.

Some companies include cosmetic exclusion in all of their policies, while others offer policyholders a credit that reduces premiums if the exclusion is included.

In many states susceptible to hurricanes or damage from high winds and hail, policies require a separate deductible for hurricane and wind damage, which includes hail damage. The hurricane deductible is usually 1 to 5 percent of the insured value of the house, rather than paying a fixed deductible of $500 or $1,000 per claim.

It is crucial to understand your homeowners' insurance policy. Some companies offer a discount for impact-resistant asphalt shingles, which may be a good choice for your next re-roofing project if you live in a hail-prone area.

The article was written by LocalProBook Writers Team.