Hail damage causes both visible and hidden damage to the roof, potentially requiring a full replacement. Homeowners may have to decide on a roof replacement based on multiple factors, such as 30 percent of the roof being damaged after a severe storm, the storm damage reaching the underlying decking, micro-cracks on asphalt shingles due to the damage from hail impact, or just to meet insurance company standards for long-term coverage.
When Is Roof Replacement Necessary After a Hailstorm?
Widespread damage
Widespread damage from hailstorms affecting 30 percent or more of the asphalt shingles may require a complete roof replacement. Roof repairs after widespread damage still bear underlying issues. The roof might look uneven due to repairing or replacing the roofing materials in only a particular area, decreasing the roof’s lifespan, and the overall integrity of the roof might be compromised.
Reduced shingle lifespan due to hidden damage
Extensive hail damage causes granule loss and micro-cracks on the shingles. Micro-cracks and similar damage to asphalt shingles decrease the roof’s longevity and increase the chances of leaks. Granule loss exposes the shingles to UV rays and increases wear and tear and chances of vulnerability to minor damage.
Insurance and claim considerations
Insurance companies have their criteria for roof replacement depending on the extent of damage. They may decide that the repairs needed are too extensive, and partial repairs may result in future claims.
Roof age
Roof age plays a significant factor in deciding between roof repair and roof replacement. After the roof age exceeds 15 years, hailstorms add to the existing wear and tear. Conducting repairs after storms only temporarily fixes the issue, as the lifespan decreases. A full roof replacement addresses the structural damages as well as cosmetic damages, increases the lifespan, and home value.
Structural damage to the roof deck
Significant roof hail damage can cause bruising or splintering of the roof decking under the shingles. This can result in mold growth, water leaks, structural collapse, etc, damage to the decking affects the entire roof system, requiring a full replacement.
Identifying Hail Damage That Warrants Full Roof Replacement
- Leaks and punctures in the roofing components are found by visual inspection.
- Hidden damage, such as rot in the underlying decking, was found during professional inspection
- High density of impact marks within a particular area: 7-10 hail impact marks per 10×10 sq ft.
- Significant loss of granules and finding granules in gutters while conducting roof inspections
- Older roofs(older than 15 years) with widespread hail damage marks
- Structural damage was identified during a professional roof inspection
- Suggestions from roofing professionals with experience in roofing with hail impact
How to Replace Hail Damage Roof- steps by step –
Step 1:Conduct initial visual inspection
Conduct a visual inspection from the ground to identify the signs of hail damage, such as dark spots, loss of gralues, granules in gutters, etc, to understand the severity
Step 2: Schedule a professional roof inspection
Hire a certified roofing professional to assess the extent of the visible and hidden damage, such as damage to the underlayment. If you are in Wisconsin and face recent roof damage, then contact Northern Generation, a local roof repair company that offers hassle-free roof replacement and repair services.
Step 3: Keep detailed, photo-rich documents
Document every visual sign of impact to use for insurance claims and records.
Step 4: File an insurance claim
File an insurance claim with your provider along with all the documents within the policy time limit.
Step 5: Obtain the adjuster’s assessment
The adjust does a professional inspection of the property and decides whether a full replacement is needed or repairs would suffice
Step 6: Choose a reputable roofing contractor
Choose a licensed roofing contractor experienced with replacing roofs from hail damage. Compare multiple contractors before making your choice.
Step 7: Choose Replacement materials
Choose materials based on how hailstorm-prone your area is and your budget. Consider choosing impact-resistant shingles.
Step 8: Acquire a roof replacement permit
Follow the local building codes and obtain permits as necessary.
Step 9: Remove old roofing and inspect decking
Remove the damaged shingles and underlayment a nd check the decking for rot and other hail-related damage
Step 10: Install the new roofing system
Complete the roof replacement with new underlayment shingles, underlayment, shingles, flashing, ventilation, etc
Step 11: Final inspection and Cleanup
Schedule a final professional roof inspection to make sure that all the components have been installed properly and there are no hidden issues.
Types of Hail Damage That Lead to Replacement
- Damage to asphalt shingles: Different types of hail damage can cause cracks, dents, and granule loss. This compromises the waterproofing of the structure
- Damage to wood shingles: hailstones of 1 inch size split wood shingles. Allowing water infiltration, mold, and rot to occur.
- Damage to metal roofs: hailstones of 2-inch size weaken panels, risking water leaks and rust.
- Collateral damage to siding, vents, and gutters: 1-inch hailstones can dent vinyl siding, puncture the soft metal on vents, and damage gutters can impair the drainage system
Hail damage roof replacement cost
Taking a 1,700 sq ft asphalt shingle roof as an example, roof replacement from hail damage costs between $7,000 and $24,000. The costs vary from region to region.
- Midwest region: $ 8,000–$20,000,
- South region: $7,000–$18,000,
- Northeast region:$9,000–$24,000
Hail damage roof replacement insurance
Understanding Your Policy Coverage
In most cases, hail damage is covered as a covered peril under structures covered by homeowners’ insurance policies. These protect the roof from damage like impact marks and loss of granules. Separate hail deductibles may apply in hail-pre areas
Filing a Viable Hail Damage Claim
For the hail damage claim to be successful, it needs to be filed fast, thoroughly documented, and meet damage criteria. Unreasonable delays in filing or a lack of documentation can lead to claim denials. Learn more about How much hail damage for insurance cover to replace a roof.
Role of the Insurance Adjuster and Public Adjuster
The insurance adjuster or claims adjuster inspects the extent of the damage for the insurer to determine claim payment. Public adjusters advocate for the homeowners, potentially increasing the payout in return for a fee of 10%-20%.
Hail damage roof repair scams
Crooks posing as genuine contractors often visit homeowners and make claims of having identified varying damages to the roof. They push for immediate contract signing and vehemently push back on hiring a professional roof inspector. This makes hiring a reputable and licensed roofing contractor more important.
