HAIL DAMAGE FAQS

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE HAIL DAMAGE TO MY ROOF?

If you've had hail in your area and to determine if the shingles have been damaged, a close inspection of the shingles has to be made from the roof.  Usually you cannot tell from the ground.  Often you will see clues such as dings/dents on gutters or aluminum.  It is always best to inspect and be sure since you have a duty to maintain your property.

IF I THINK I HAVE HAIL DAMAGE, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Have Summit Roofing or a similar reputable roofing company who is experienced with insurance work perform an inspection.  If they feel you have damage, call your insurance company (not the agent) and ask for an adjuster to come inspect your roof for hail damage.  It is important for us to be there when the adjuster comes to inspect so we can assist in the process and make sure nothing is missed for you!

WHAT DOES HAIL DO TO A ROOF?

Shingles are designed so that granules block the UV of the sun and protect the asphalt underlayment.  As the shingles age, the granules fall off over time.  As the asphalt is exposed, it dries out and the shingle gets a "potato chip" appearance as the corners start to curl up.  A shingle at the extreme end of its life is bubbled in appearance and is brittle to the touch.  A 20-year shingle is warranted by the manufacturer to have a useful life, under optimal ventilation condition of 20 years. However, hail does several things: 

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1) Accelerates granule loss.

2) Accelerates shingle aging.

3) Voids manufacturer's warranties.

DO I HAVE TO REPLACE THE ROOF RIGHT AWAY?

The subtle nature of hail damage is that it may pose no immediate threat to the structural integrity of the roof.  However, many insurance companies have a "statute of limitations" of how long a hail claim is viable. If you have experienced a loss such as hail damage, it is prudent to take care of the problem in a timely manner before it leads to other associated problems.

WHAT DOES A HAIL HIT LOOK LIKE?

A hail hit on a shingle looks like a "bruise" or a dark spot where the granules on the shingle have been knocked off and the asphalt underlayment and sometimes the fiberglass mat is exposed.  New hail hits will have a different appearance because the asphalt has been freshly exposed and has not had time to weather.