Hail can wreak havoc on homes, especially roofs. Causing damage that's not always easy to spot. Therefore, you need to check your roof after hailstorms to find and fix any problems before they get worse.
Spotting hail damage takes a keen eye so carefully look for dents in metal parts, missing granules on shingles, or cracks in the roofing material. These signs can mean your roof needs professional attention. A professional service can replace shingles or, in extreme cases, replace the entire roof.
Understanding Hail Damage
Hail can cause serious harm to roofs and the damage can come in various forms.
Types of Hail Damage
Granule loss is the most common form of hail damage and occurs when hail knocks off the small, sandy bits on shingles. This leaves bare spots that can't protect the roof.
Dents and bruising also happen, making small indentations in shingles, and these weak spots let water seep in over time. Soft spots form when hail hits hard enough to weaken the roof's structure. These areas may sag and need quick fixes.
Cracked shingles are another issue, caused by big hailstones splitting or breaking shingles, and leaving the roof open to leaks.
Identifying Signs of Hail Damage
Fresh dents on metal parts like vents or gutters are a clear sign of hail damage, and on shingles, check for dark spots where granules are missing. These often look like bald patches on the roof. Cracks or splits in shingles are another sign and you should also feel for soft spots that give way under gentle pressure.
It's smart to check inside the attic too, looking for water stains or light coming through that means the roof might have holes.
Hailstone Size and Roof Vulnerability
The size of hailstones affects how much damage they cause, and tiny hail under 1 inch might only knock off some granules. Hail between 1-2 inches can dent and crack shingles, while stones larger than 2 inches are dangerous and can punch holes in roofs and cause major damage.
Older roofs or those in bad shape are more at risk and even small hail can harm these weak roofs. New or well-kept roofs hold up better but big hail can still damage even the toughest roofs.
Evaluating and Documenting Roof Damage
After a hailstorm, it's crucial to check your roof for damage and record the damage for insurance purposes.
Conducting a Roof Inspection
Start by looking at the roof from the ground, using binoculars if needed, to spot dents or missing shingles. Then, check gutters and downspouts for dents or loose parts. Next, carefully walk on the roof, looking for circular marks or soft spots on shingles, and checking metal vents and flashing for dents. If you're not comfortable on the roof, call a professional to assess the damage.
Documenting the Damage for Insurance
Take clear, close-up photos of all damage. Include wide shots to show the full roof.
Write down details like:
- Date of the storm
- Size of hail
- Damaged areas
- Types of damage (dents, cracks, etc.)
Call your insurance company soon after the storm and they'll send an adjuster to check the damage. Save receipts for any quick fixes you make to stop leaks and ask a roofing contractor for a written estimate. This helps with your insurance claim. If possible, keep any fallen hail as proof by putting it in your freezer in a labeled bag.
Repair and Replacement Solutions
Fixing hail damage on roofs can involve repairs or full replacement and the right solution depends on the extent of damage and the type of roofing material.
Choosing Repair or Replacement
Repair is often enough for minor hail damage which costs less and takes less time than a full replacement. However, for major damage, replacement may be needed.
Signs that point to replacement include:
- Many missing or broken shingles
- Visible holes in the roof
- Dents in metal parts like vents or gutters
- Water stains on ceilings or walls inside
Impact-Resistant Roofing Options
Using tougher roofing materials can help prevent future hail damage and some good choices include:
- Class 4 impact-resistant shingles
- Metal roofing
- Slate tiles
Metal roofs in particular are very tough and can last 50+ years. Slate is also very durable but heavy and pricey, while class 4 shingles look like normal asphalt shingles but are much stronger. These options cost more upfront but can save money long-term, standing up to hail more effectively and may lower insurance costs.
Scheduling Repairs and Maintenance
Quick action is key after hail damage and the following steps should be taken:
- Call a roofer for inspection right after the storm
- Take photos of damage for insurance claims
- Cover any holes with tarps to prevent leaks
- Schedule repairs as soon as possible
Navigating Insurance Claims
Dealing with insurance claims for hail-damaged roofs can be tricky. We'll walk you through the key steps of filing a claim and understanding what your policy covers.
Filing an Insurance Claim
To file an insurance claim for hail damage you’ll need to document the damage and take clear photos of dented shingles, cracked tiles, or other signs of impact. Next, call a roofing professional for an inspection who can provide a detailed damage report.
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible, and tell them about the hail storm and damage. They'll assign an adjuster to assess your roof, and you should be present during this inspection if possible.
Keep all receipts for temporary repairs as your policy may cover these costs, but don't start major repairs until the insurance company approves your claim.
Understanding Policy Coverage
Insurance policies for hail damage vary so read yours carefully or ask your agent to explain it. Most policies cover sudden, accidental damage from hail but they may not cover wear and tear or old damage.
Some policies have a time limit for filing claims after a storm and others may have special deductibles for hail damage. Check if your policy offers full replacement cost or actual cash value for damaged materials.
Hail guards or impact-resistant roofing materials might lower your premiums and you should ask your insurer about discounts for these upgrades. Remember, the size of the hail that caused damage can affect your claim, and insurers often have minimum size requirements.
Get in touch to arrange an inspection of your roof if you suspect hail damage or any other issues.
