Roof Insurance Claims for Wind and Hail Storm Damage

Missing or damaged shingles: Look for any missing or broken shingles on your roof or on the ground around your home. This could indicate that wind or hail damage has occurred, and the exposed areas of your roof are now vulnerable to leaks.

Damage to flashing: Check the areas around vents, chimneys, and skylights for any damage to the flashing. Flashing is the metal or plastic material used to seal and protect these areas, and if it’s damaged, it can lead to leaks.

Debris on the roof: After a storm, it’s not uncommon to find debris on the roof. This can include branches, leaves, and other debris. While it may not cause immediate damage, it’s important to remove it as soon as possible to prevent any long-term damage or blockages.

Learn about other common types of roof damage.

There are a few things to consider when thinking about filing an insurance claim for a roof replacement after a storm:

The age and condition of your roof: Before filing a claim, it’s important to consider the age and condition of your roof. If your roof is older and has reached the end of its lifespan, the insurance company may not cover the entire cost of roof replacement but instead take a chunk out because of depreciation. In this scenario, you may have to supplement the amount that your insurance gives you with a home improvement loan to make up the difference.

The type of damage: Insurance companies will typically cover damages caused by specific types of storms, such as high winds, hail, or lightning. It is important to document and understand the type of damage that your roof has sustained – as well as the particular dates that you noticed the damage and the day or days that the storm occurred. 

Policy details and deductibles: Review your insurance policy to understand the coverage limits, exclusions, and deductibles for roof replacement. Be aware of what is covered and what is not, and if there is a maximum amount that the insurance company will pay. If you have already started the process and had an adjuster come look at your roof, it is also important to have all the documentation for your professional roofing contractor to review in order to maximize your claim.

It can be difficult to determine whether a roof needs repair or replacement after a storm, but there are a few key factors to consider:

Age of the roof: If your roof is approaching the end of its lifespan (usually around 15 years for traditional 3-tab asphalt shingles), it probably does not make sense to repair it. This is because the shingles have become to old and brittle, and attempting to repair them usually causes damage to other areas or shifts the problem to other weak spots.

Extent of the damage: If the damage is widespread and affects a significant portion of the roof – i.e., an entire side or multiple sides of your roof – it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire roof rather than making repairs – even if the roof is somewhat new. In these scenarios, your insurance company will typically cover your roof replacement – but this all depends on the particular policy you have. 

Type of damage: Some types of damage, such as missing shingles or damaged flashing, can be repaired without causing other issues. However, if the damage is severe and causing significant leaks or potential structural damage, replacement may be necessary. This is because in these scenarios a repair is like a band-aid, it will cover the problem up and you will not have any issues if the problem is only on the surface – however if the problem has gotten deeper you are setting yourself up for greater costs in the future.

Filling an insurance claim: When filing an insurance claim for roof damage, it is always best to contact professional roofing contractor that can act as the middle man between you and your insurance company. This is because the contractor you hire has your best interest in mind – to get your roof replacement covered by your insurance policy and maximize your claim – and knows how to get results.

Learn more about what goes into a roof replacement. 

It is generally not recommended for homeowners to inspect their own roofs for damage, as it can be dangerous. Roofs can be steep and slippery, and without proper safety equipment or training, there is a risk of falls or other accidents.

Additionally, identifying and assessing roof damage can be challenging for those without professional experience and expertise. The best way to proceed is to file an insurance claim and have the insurance company send their adjuster out to examine your roof – however you should always have a professional roofing contractor meet your adjuster to make sure they do not miss or ignore anything that would allow you to get the coverage you deserve. In general, most insurance adjusters are thorough professionals and will be able to provide a detailed assessment of the damage for your insurance company to determine if repairs or replacement is what your insurance policy allows.

If you suspect that your roof may have been damaged, it’s best to contact a professional roofing contractor to start the process with your insurance company and act as your advocate rather than attempting to inspect it yourself.

Hail and storms can cause a variety of types of damage to a roof. Some of the most common types of damage include:

Missing or damaged shingles: High winds and hail can dislodge or break shingles, leaving your roof vulnerable to leaks.

Punctures: Large hail can cause punctures in the roofing material, which can lead to leaks if not repaired.

Cracks: High winds can cause shingles to crack, which can also lead to leaks.

Blistering and granule loss: Hail can cause the surface of shingles to blister or lose granules, which can weaken the shingles and reduce their lifespan.

Damage to flashing: High winds and hail can damage the flashing around vents, chimneys, and skylights, which can lead to leaks if not repaired.

Damage to gutters: High winds can cause damage to gutters and downspouts, which can lead to water damage if not repaired.

Impact damage: Large hail can cause dents and impact damage on metal roofs

Learn more about the types of shingles available for your roof replacement.