Understanding Hail Damage to Roofs
Hail can be a dangerous and damaging weather phenomenon, especially for roofs. But not all hailstones are created equal, and not all roofs are equally susceptible to damage. In this article, we’ll break down the minimum size of hail that can cause damage to a roof, the types of roofs most susceptible to hail damage, and when to file an insurance claim.
Minimum Size of Hail that Can Cause Damage to a Roof
The minimum size of hail that can cause damage to a roof varies depending on several factors, such as the type of roofing material, its age, and its condition. Generally, hailstones larger than 1-inch in diameter are capable of causing damage to most types of roofs. Hailstones of smaller size may not pose a significant threat to most roofs. However, hailstones of larger size have the potential to dent, crack, or puncture a roof, which can lead to leaks and other problems.
Types of Roofs Most Susceptible to Hail Damage
Some roofing materials are more susceptible to hail damage than others. Here are some roofing materials and their susceptibility to hail damage:
Asphalt shingle roofs: These roofs are susceptible to damage from hailstones of at least 1 inch (Quarter Size) in diameter.
Wood shake roofs: These roofs are susceptible to damage from hailstones of at least 1 inch (Quarter Size) in diameter.
Clay or concrete tile roofs: These roofs are fairly resilient to hail damage, but may crack or break if struck by large hailstones, 1 3/4 inch (Golf Ball Size) or larger.
Metal roofs: These roofs are generally resilient to hail damage, but can still suffer dents or panel damage from hailstones of 1 inch (Quarter Size) or larger diameter.
Qualifying Hail Damage on Roofs
Hail damage to roofs can take different forms, such as:
Dented or cracked shingles or tiles
Punctured or split roofing membrane
Damaged flashing
If you suspect hail damage to your roof, get it inspected by a licensed roofing contractor or roof data technician as soon as possible. While some damage may not be visible from the ground or casual inspection, a professional roofer can identify any potential damages.
Filing an Insurance Claim
When it comes to hail damage, it’s important to understand whether damage meets the threshold for a claim on your insurance policy. Some homeowner’s insurance policies cover hail damage to a certain extent, but they may have a limit or a high deductible. If you believe the damage to your roof meets your insurance company's threshold, contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to file a claim, or give L2 Public Adjusting and Consulting a call to have your roof evaluated and receive a professional opinion regarding the hail damage.
Conclusion
Hail can cause damage of varying degrees to different types of roofs, with hailstones of at least 1-inch in diameter being capable of causing significant damage in most cases. It’s important to get your roof inspected for damage caused by hail or any other factors to ensure the longevity and safety of your roof. In the event of confirmed hail damage, contact your insurance company to determine if filing a claim is necessary.
Bill Simmons, AIC, CPI, CASA is the owner of L2 Insurance Consulting LLC, and he is an industry recognized expert relating to insurance claims and claim related damage. Bill has worked in every aspect of insurance claims from automobile liability and subrogation to property claim specialist, and he has worked both aspects of insurance claims, for carriers as a staff adjuster, as an independent adjuster and as a public adjuster. Bill also serves as an expert witness in the insurance claim legal process. Bill lives in Panama City, FL with his wife, Amanda and their two sons, Layton and Lucas.
