How to Calculate Damage Due to Hail Strikes

Note the size of the hailstones. According to the Nebraska Department of Insurance, hail needs to be at least ¾ inch in diameter to do any significant damage. That is about the size of a dime and most likely to cause damage to older, deteriorated shingles. Newer composite and wood shake shingles do not show damage from hail less than 1 inch in diameter, or the size of a quarter.

Consider the conditions. New asphalt shingles are more resistant to hail damage than older shingles, since asphalt gets more fragile with age. If your roof is more than 10 years old, it is more likely to sustain damage. Temperatures can also affect the damage from hail. Warmer shingles will be more flexible and resistant to damage than shingles exposed to colder air.

Check for damage on the surface before looking at the roof. Hail that is large enough to damage roof shingles is large enough to damage other things left out in the elements. Look for damage on vehicles, outside wooden structures and siding.

Look for large deposits of shingle granules at the end of downspouts. Note that this is a sign the shingles have been affected by the recent storm and granules have been worn away, but the damage may only be cosmetic and shingles will not need to be replaced or repaired.

Look at the roof. Hail damage is seen as random strikes of various sizes. A pattern of strikes could be from another source, such as damage from a hammer during installation.

Look for shingles that need repair or replacement. Worn or dented shingles will not need to be repaired or replaced. Look for holes that penetrate the shingles, fractures and significant granule loss.

Call your home insurance agent if you conclude that your roof sustained hail damage. An insurance adjuster will be sent to your home to look at the damage and recommend any necessary repair or replacement.