What to Do if You Have Hail Damage to Your Roof

Storms are becoming more severe, producing greater wind speeds and larger hail. Some of these hail storms can create chunks of hail the size of a baseball!

Severe hail storms are becoming more common. Most people in the United States will experience a hail storm in their lifetime. This can damage windows, roofs, vehicles, and anything else within the hail’s path.

Do you have roof damage caused by hail?

Hail damage to a roof usually occurs when hailstones are about one inch or larger. These stones can break through the surface of single-layer and multi-layer shingled roofs. The damage can be minor or cause major leaks.

Here’s what you need to do if you found hail damage on your roof.

The Effects of Hail Damage to a Roof

Hail and storm damage to a roof can vary depending on the severity of the storm, wind speeds, and the size of the hail storms. More severe storms with larger hailstones will cause considerably greater damage than a minor storm. The roofing material and slope of the roof also factor into the severity of the damage.

You don’t want to ignore any hail damage you find on your roof. Doing so will lead to more serious and costly problems.

There are specific types of roof damage you’ll encounter. While some cosmetic roof damage may look harmless, it can sometimes be the most severe. Here are some signs of hail damage.

Granule Loss

The sandpaper side of a shingle consists of little stone particles known as granules. Storm damage to a roof can cause the removal of some granules, exposing the asphalt to the elements. Exposed asphalt deteriorates rapidly and may require you to replace your roof sooner rather than later.

Check for granule loss by looking for loose roof granules in your downspouts and gutters.

Cracks in the Shingles

High winds and hail impacts can cause cracks in the shingles. Cracks leave the shingles and roof exposed to the elements. They can also lead to tears and bare spots on your roof.

Cracked shingles will not protect your roof from the elements and will need replacing.

Fiberglass Exposure

Under your shingles is a fiberglass mat. The high impact from hailstones can break the surface of the shingles and cause them to split from the fiberglass.

Broken Fiberglass Mat

Tears and cracks can form from shattered fiberglass mats caused by hail impacts and high winds. Finding damaged fiberglass mats is challenging and may require the help of a roofing professional.

Self-Seal Strip Weakens

Have you seen roofs with missing shingles? The cause is a weakened seal. Storms with high winds and hail can cause damage to this seal, remove shingles, and leave your roof exposed to the elements.

Damaged and missing shingles cause leaks and other shingles to blow off your roof.

Functional vs. Cosmetic Hail Roof Damage

The two larger categories of roof damage are functional and cosmetic damage.

Functional damage caused by hail affects the longevity and integrity of the roof. In severe cases, functional damage can make a home unsafe to live in.

Cosmetic damage only affects the looks of the roof or siding. While it doesn’t look good, it won’t affect the functionality or longevity of your roof.

You’ll need to determine whether the damage to roof is functional or cosmetic. Most insurance companies will avoid paying for cosmetic damages as per the “Cosmetic Damage Exclusion” clause proposed by the American Association of Insurance Services. You’ll need a professional inspector or contractor to check and identify the damage for you.

You Have Roof Damage, What’s Next?

Ignoring roof damage caused by storms and hail will only lead to more problems. Leaks and ice dams can form in the damaged roof causing electrical issues, leaks, mold, and rot.

All of these are expensive and can be dangerous to your health! So make sure you never ignore hail damage.

One of the best actions you can take is to call a professional roofing company right away. They’ll usually inspect the damage for you for free and offer you the best advice. Most, if not all hail damage, is fixable!

Most homeowner's insurance policies will cover hail damage. They have, however, a limited window for you to claim any roof damage caused by a storm. The sooner you contact a professional to inspect your roof, the faster you can submit a claim to your insurance provider.

Are you wondering how to fix hail damage on your roof? The best answer is to let the professionals do it.

You’ll want to check your insurance policy regarding fixes to your roof. Some insurance policies will not cover any DIY fixes or any effects of a DIY fix. Unless you're a skilled professional yourself, you should leave the fixes to a certified roofing professional.

Filing With Your Insurance for Storm Damage to a Roof

Before you file a claim with your insurance provider, you’ll need to take photos and videos of the damage. You may also want to meet with your public adjuster as they can help you find a contractor, negotiate costs, and help you navigate your insurance.

It’s best practice to have images available of your property before it sustained damage. These photos will serve as evidence as to how your property, including vehicles and other outdoor assets, looked before receiving damage from a storm. Photo documentation like this will make it more difficult for your insurance company to deny your claim.

Some insurance companies may have an amount or rate of hail damage required to accept a claim. Some may require a specific number of hits within a certain sized area.

You’ll also want to get estimates if the roof damage requires repairs or replacements.

If your insurance company accepts your claim, you should note that the level of damage, roofing material, and policy you have will affect the payout.

Do you Have Roof Damage Caused by Hail?

If you think you have experienced hail damage to your roof, you should call a professional roofing contractor right away. Fixing these damages promptly will save you money, time, and stress. A professional will help you navigate through the next steps of repairing your roof.

Are you ready to move forward with fixing your roof? Request a free estimate! We have the skills and experience to accurately identify hail damage and offer the best solutions.