What The Hail?

Does my roof have hail damage?

Hail damage is one of the biggest threats to newer roofs.

In fact, more than 4,000 major hailstorms cause more than $1B in damage in the United States each year, there are over 100 hail reports in the Kansas City area alone, and the average hail damage roof repair is more than $4,000.

Should hail damage scare you if you’re buying a home?

No. Hail damage is covered by homeowner’s insurance so instead of the $4,000 – $32,000 you would pay out-of-pocket to replace the roof yourself, you only pay (or the seller pays if you’re buying their home) the insurance premium, which should be much less.

On the flip side, since hail damage is covered by homeowner’s insurance, it can also prevent you from getting your own homeowner’s insurance policy on that particular home until is it repaired, which can freeze your sale in its tracks.

And since you can’t buy a home with a hail damaged roof (but neither can anyone else), it actually puts you in a pretty good negotiating position.

Because it’s essentially out of your hands.

How much hail damage do you need to get a new roof?

It depends. Let’s look at it through the eyes of an insurance adjuster (the person who works for the insurance company and decides if there’s enough damage to approve your claim).

1. Visual Inspection: The adjuster will inspect the roof for signs of damage. They’ll look for things like dented or cracked shingles, bruised or pitted metal roofing, or broken tiles. They’ll also examine gutters, downspouts, and vents for damage.
   
2. Hail Impact Assessment: Adjusters may use specialized tools to measure the size and impact of the hail. They often use a hail impact scale to gauge the severity of the damage caused by different hail sizes.
   
3. Number of Hits: Adjusters will count the number of hail hits or impacts on various parts of the roof. The more hits there are, the more likely it is that the damage is significant (usually 10 or more inside a 10 sq.ft. area gets you a new roof).
   
4. Age and Condition: They consider the age and condition of the roof. Older roofs are more prone to damage, and the adjuster will factor this into their assessment.
   
5. Water Damage: They also check for signs of water damage, leaks, or moisture penetration, which could indicate underlying roof damage.
   
6. Local Building Codes: Adjusters know local building codes and regulations. If the damage violates these codes or guidelines, it may warrant a replacement.
   
7. Extent of Damage: If the damage is extensive and compromises the roof’s integrity, they are more likely to recommend a replacement.
   
8. Insurance Policy Terms: The adjuster will also review your insurance policy to determine coverage and the deductible amount.

If you have a storm then start seeing roofing trucks driving around your neighborhood, that’s a telltale sign to call your homeowner’s insurance company and have them do a roof inspection on your home.

What does hail damage look like?

Asphalt

Asphalt shingles will look like you’ve been throwing golf balls at it.

Clay or Concrete

Clay or concrete roofs will have cracked and broken shingles.

Metal

Metal roofs will be dented.

Wood

Wood shake and shingle roofs will be cracked, broken, and gouged.

Slate

Hail damage on slate roofs can look like cigarette burns.

Flat

Flat roof will look like you’ve been skipping rocks.

Your roof might NOT be the only area replaceable by hail damage.

These areas may also be covered by your homeowner’s insurance hail coverage policy:

These are just possibilities. Every policy is different, so you’ll want to check yours to understand the what’s covered. Keeping detailed photos and records of the damage will also help speed along the claims process.