How to Spot Hail Damage on Roofs

After a storm comes through, you may look around your home looking for areas of damage. Don’t forget to check the roof. Hail is one of the most common reasons for roof repair. Hail, no matter the size, can create pot marks in the roof, especially if you have shingles. These pot marks or depressions can lead to damage to the shingles, which then translates into the risk of water damage to the home. Over time, significant hail damage can cause structural problems if they are not taken care of soon enough. Will your home insurance help?

When Home Insurance Covers Roof Damage

Home insurance provides financial protection from damage to your home that is considered accidental, as well as damage brought on by uncontrollable or unpreventable situations. If your roof damage occurs as a result of poor maintenance and upkeep, your insurer isn’t likely to provide you with coverage to replace or repair it. If, on the other hand, it is caused by damage from hail, a type of weather event that you cannot protect against, then it is likely your insurer can help.

How do you know if you have hail damage? Your insurance agent will likely provide a full inspection of your roof to determine if there is damage and if it’s covered. Hail damage may be evident if:

• There was a reported hail event in the last 12 months that could have done the damage (hail damage generally is limited to a claim period of about one year, though this differs from one policy to the next).
  
  
• You notice marks on the roof, generally impressions that can range in size.
  
  
• These cover a significant amount of space over your roof. They shouldn’t be localized.
  
  
• There are shingles that are damaged from the hail.

In addition to this, your home insurance may help with replacing siding, windows and other fixtures to the home if they are damaged significantly from such an event. If you feel that you have hail damage, ask for an inspection from your insurer. Chances are good they will help you determine if your damage is a covered claim as a result of hail. If you are unsure, you can also ask a roofer to take a closer look.