Hail Damage to Houses

Shingle Damage

• Hail bruises a roof shingle and breaks its protective barrier both on the top and bottom, which allows the harsh elements and hot summer sun to weaken the shingle much faster than normal. The bruise looks as if a golf ball glanced off the roof at a sharp angle.

Special Field

• Roofing contractors are not always qualified to determine if a home has hail damage on the roof. Roofing is a specialized field and requires training for inspectors. Sun and age damage can cover the damage created by hail, and distinguish them is important.

Reporting

• Homeowners have two years to report hail damage to their home after a storm. Insurance companies kept a record of all major hail storms reported by weather tracking services, and if the homeowner claims damage for a specific recorded storm, the claim is considered more valid.

Damaged Areas

• Hail damage is considered by home insurance companies to be an "act of God" damage and can be covered under most policies. A homeowner should work closely with the contractor and adjuster, pointing out all the areas of damage. Items that can be replaced are roofs, vent caps, guttering and downspouts, siding and window frames. Sheds and other outbuildings may also have damage that is replaceable. If the roof is also heavily damaged by other factors such as the sun, the insurance company may only cover a portion of the cost to repair it.