How much damage can your roof sustain during a hail storm? In Georgia, hail storms are not that uncommon and many homeowners see hail multiple times throughout the year. That is the case in the Atlanta metropolitan area, where there has been high hail activity in recent years.
Most people are somewhat aware of the damage that hail can cause, particularly the wide variety of hail that is notorious for damaging and denting automobiles. This awareness does not always fully translate to the impact a hail storm can have on the roof of your home. While you can visually see the damage to your car after a hail storm, you can’t always see the damage to a roof. Damage you can’t see can put the longevity of your roof at risk.
Roof replacement due to hail damage is one of the most expensive solutions for homeowners and insurance companies. Hail can vary in size dramatically, falling as small as the size of small granules, or as large as baseballs. Usually, the largest hail can cause enough damage to your asphalt roof to warrant a roof replacement.
Hail Damage to Asphalt Roof Shingles:
Hail damage to asphalt roofs occurs when hail strikes the surface of asphalt shingles causing the protective granular surface of the shingles to loosen and fall off. When the granules become loose, the asphalt shingles lose some of their protective potential and become vulnerable to further damage.
– Note: Damaged asphalt layers can potentially allow water infiltration onto the roof.
– Tip: If the granules of an asphalt shingle are removed by a hail storm, the longevity of the shingle can be severely diminished.
Signs of Hail Damage on an Asphalt Roof:
– Bruises or small dents in the asphalt shingle
– The granulation moves exposing the asphalt.
– Granulation has settled at the base of your downspouts
– Points affected by hail usually leave a soft spot on the tile
– Significantly damaged metal vents in the roof indicate a similar impact pattern for the roof
– Damages and dents in coatings or gutters
If my roof is damaged, how quickly do I have to replace it?
There is a common misconception that if your roof is damaged by a hail storm, it needs to be replaced right away. You will find conflicting evidence online from other roofers advising to replace your roof immediately. In Georgia, for example, any reliable roofing contractor in Atlanta should tell you otherwise. Usually, damage from a hail storm will not pose an immediate threat to your roof. The threat is in the longevity of the roof, because hail can drastically decrease the life expectancy of a roof. Deteriorated protection from a roof that is not expected to last your lifetime is the reason insurance companies will authorize your roof to be replaced.
Will homeowners insurance cover a new roof?
This answer varies depending on the coverage of your homeowners insurance policy. For some homeowners, the answer is “yes.” If you think your home has been the victim of hail, contact your insurance company to determine if your policy will cover the damage. For many homeowners, they will be able to repair or replace the roof and will have to pay a deductible.
– Tip: If you’re not sure if your homeowners policy covers hail damage to your roof, contact your insurance company.
Caution: Avoid Storm Chasers!
Homeowners should beware of ‘storm chasers’. A storm chaser typically consists of an out-of-town roofing contractor going door-to-door after a hail storm soliciting business. While it may seem tempting and convenient, these roofers can do more harm than good. Make sure any roofer you seek to work with has a good reputation in the community. Look for a roofer who is located locally and check references. Look for references that are older than a year and others more recent, within the last 30 days. Finally, never give a deposit for a roof. A reputable roofer will only request payment once the roof is complete.
If you think your home has suffered hail damage to the roof, get a professional opinion. Experienced roofing contractors should be willing to provide free roofing estimates upon request.