Recent Hail Damage?
Just like all of Florida, Coconut Creek, FL can be subjected to hailstorms and high winds. With that in mind, it is important to know when a home has roof hail damage that should be reported to the insurance company. But knowing when you have sufficient roof hail damage to report is important.
After a significant weather event, it is important to walk around your home’s exterior and look for possible siding, surrounding, and roof hail damage. If you find any of these things, it is possible you have roof hail damage:
As you walk around your home, check the siding and the windows, especially the window sills for dents and dings. If the window screens have holes or tears, even the slightest dent can be an indication of possible roof hail damage.
Inspect wooden decks and porches for chipped paint or other types of damage. If these are damaged, there is a possibility of roof hail damage.
Because the gutter runs are installed along the roof edge, they can be subjected to hail damage. If the gutter runs or downspouts have any dents, dings, or scuffed marks, you probably have roof hail damage too.
Whether you have an HVAC system or window units, check them for dents and dings. In addition to possible roof hail damage, if the air conditioners are damaged, they may be covered too.
What if you don’t find any of the damage we just listed, does this mean you don’t have any roof hail damage to file a claim for? No, there could still be damage on the roof, and for your safety, have a professional roofing contractor perform a roof inspection. Most will do this for free, but if they do charge, the amount will be deducted from the cost of your roof hail damage repair or replacement job.
Some things that can indicate roof hail damage on the roof include any type of damage to the chimney, gutters, skylights, and vents. Large hailstones will typically leave easy-to-see dents in the asphalt shingles, but smaller hailstone damage can be harder to see. Your roofing contractor will walk around the roof and circle any small dents and pockmarks with chalk.
Absolutely! Even what may appear to be a small hailstone can break the asphalt singles, cracking the seal underneath the shingles. This will allow rain to get into the attic, and from there, it leaks into through to the ceiling and beyond. This is why it is important to have the roof inspected by a professional roofing contractor. If they advise you to file a claim, follow through with this recommendation.
The insurance company will assign an adjuster to your claim who will make an appointment to inspect your roof. If possible, request your roofing contractor to be there at the same time. Remember, the insurance adjuster is on the insurance company’s side and the roofing contractor is there to be your advocate. If you don’t follow through with filing a roof hail damage claim, you’re at risk of your insurance company finding old damage at a future date and denying your claim, possibly, canceling your policy.
What size hail does it take to damage a roof?
In general, even the smallest hailstone, referred to as pea-sized hail, can cause damage to a roof, depending on the angle and velocity of the hailstone. In most cases, it takes a hailstone in 1” diameter to cause significant roof hail damage.
Yes, when hard rains and high winds accompany the hail, the damage can get more severe and widespread. This splatter damage is found on the siding and windows.
Is an older roof more susceptible to hail damage?
Most definitely because it has been subjected to UV rays every day as well as any other types of elements and various types of weather. Roof storm damage is more likely going to damage an older roof before it would a new roof, although even a brand new roof is vulnerable to the weather.
First, the age of the roof will factor in consideration. Even with the slightest hail damage, the older the roof, the more likely it is vulnerable to leak. Overall, though, roof damage on 25% or more of the total roof surface will typically meet the guidelines of an insurance company approving for a full roof replacement.
If you and your roofing contractor feel your roof is eligible for a roof replacement and your insurance company denies the claim, you have the right to request it be re-inspected by another insurance adjuster. If your claim is still denied, you can hire a 3rd party adjuster to inspect the roof.