How do I know if hail damaged my roof?
Hail damage is often hard to see from the ground. Common signs include granules collecting in your gutters and at the bottom of the downspouts, dents in metal roof vents, gutters and downspouts, and dented fins on your outdoor air conditioning unit. If you notice any of these after a storm, have your roof inspected.
How hail damages shingles
An asphalt shingle is a fiberglass mat coated in asphalt, with granules pressed into the surface. The granules protect the asphalt from the sun.
A hailstone that hits hard enough can knock granules loose and crack the mat underneath. The damage may look minor at first, often just a soft, darker spot on the shingle.
As rain and wind wash away more granules, the exposed asphalt wears out faster. A roof damaged by hail may not start leaking until months after the storm.
Signs of hail damage you can check from the ground
Metal dents more easily than shingles, so dents in gutters, downspouts, roof vents and air conditioning fins are a good sign that the hail was large enough to damage a roof.
Granules collecting in your gutters or at the bottom of the downspouts can also point to hail damage.
Take dated photos of any damage you find. They can be helpful if you file an insurance claim.
What a roof inspection after a storm involves
A roof inspection after a storm means checking every slope of the roof for hail and wind damage, along with the gutters, vents and other metal on and around the roof.
Hail often hits one side of a house harder than another, so each slope should be checked.
Insurance adjusters often mark a test square on each slope and count the hail hits inside it to measure the damage.
Hiring a roofer after a storm
After a large hailstorm, many roofing companies come into the area looking for work. Before you hire anyone, ask where their office is and how to reach them if you have a problem later.
Be careful of any contractor who offers to cover, waive or rebate your deductible. In Texas, that is against the law for the contractor and the homeowner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big does hail have to be to damage a roof?
It depends on the age of the shingles and the wind, but hail around one inch in size commonly damages asphalt shingles. Older shingles can be damaged by smaller hail.
Can I check the roof myself?
For your safety, stay off the roof. Check the gutters, downspouts, vents and AC unit from the ground, and call a roofer to inspect the roof itself.
How long do I have to file a claim?
It depends on your insurance policy. Check your policy or ask your insurance agent for the deadline.
Does a hail claim raise my premium?
It depends on your insurance company and your history. Your insurance agent can answer that question.
