Hail Damage Inspection

Why this matters

After hail storms, roofing contractors are in demand for damage assessment. Customers need expert inspection to determine if their roof was damaged + to support insurance claims. Understanding hail damage characteristics + the inspection process is essential for storm-related work.

What hail damage looks like

For asphalt shingles:

Each has different significance.

Functional vs. cosmetic

The key distinction:

Functional damage:

• Reduces the shingle's life
• Compromises waterproofing
• Insurance typically covers
• Replacement justified

Cosmetic damage:

• Affects appearance only
• Doesn't reduce roof life
• Insurance may not cover
• Customer's choice on replacement

The inspector documents this difference.

Hail size + damage correlation

Larger hail = more damage.

Inspection procedure

Step 1: Customer interview

1. When was the storm?
2. Customer's homeowner's insurance status
3. Recent prior inspections

Step 2: Ground-level survey

1. Walk around the property
2. Look for visible damage

Step 3: Roof inspection

1. Climb the roof carefully
2. Inspect from corner to corner
3. Document every concerning area

Step 4: Specific damage documentation

For each damage point:

1. Photograph
2. Note location (slope, row, etc.)
3. Identify damage type (functional / cosmetic)
4. Customer file note

Step 5: Comprehensive report

For the customer:

1. Summary of findings
2. Photos
3. Recommendations
4. Insurance support documentation
5. Customer's expected next steps

A professional report supports the customer.

Common damage indicators

For inspection:

Each is documented.

When to recommend replacement

For comprehensive damage:

• More than 20% of shingles damaged
• Multiple slopes affected
• Functional damage widespread

Customer's claim supports replacement.

When to recommend repair

For limited damage:

• Single section affected
• Limited shingle replacement

Repair option.

Insurance considerations

For storm claims:

1. Customer should file with insurance promptly
2. Adjuster visits
3. Contractor's inspection supports
4. Customer's coverage applied

Customer's adjuster determines.

Working with insurance adjusters

For roofing contractor:

1. Be present at adjuster's visit OR
2. Provide detailed report
3. Customer's insurance representative
4. Customer's interest supports

Cooperative relationship.

Hail-damage red flags

For inspections:

A reputable inspector reports honestly.

When the customer's claim is denied

For denied claims:

1. Inspector's report supports
2. Customer's appeal possible
3. Independent inspection sometimes
4. Customer's decision

Customer's options.

Customer expectations

For hail damage:

1. Insurance covers some + customer pays deductible
2. Repair vs. replacement based on damage extent
3. Customer's home protection during work
4. Customer's coordination

A trained customer supports the process.

Documentation standards

For hail inspection:

1. Property address + identification
2. Date of inspection
3. Storm date (verified)
4. Damage type (functional / cosmetic)
5. Locations affected
6. Photo documentation
7. Recommendations
8. Customer's signature

Comprehensive report.

Inspection timing

For storm response:

• Schedule promptly (customer + insurance timelines)
• Sometimes weeks-out demand
• Customer's insurance deadlines
• Customer's home protection

Some customers wait too long; insurance may decline.

Insurance claim timeline

Standard:

Multi-week process.

When the customer's claim is for total replacement

For comprehensive:

1. Inspector confirms widespread damage
2. Customer's coverage allows
3. Customer's quote for new roof
4. Customer's investment matched by insurance

A complete reroof.

When the customer's claim is for repair only

For limited damage:

1. Inspector confirms limited
2. Customer's quote for repair
3. Customer's lower investment

A repair scope.

Cosmetic-only damage

For customer:

1. Document
2. Customer's insurance may decline
3. Customer's options (out-of-pocket replacement, accept appearance)
4. Customer's decision

A customer's choice.

Hidden damage

Sometimes:

• Granule loss elsewhere (not directly from hail)
• Wind damage from same storm
• Customer's complete claim

Document everything storm-related.

When the customer's roof is older

For aged roofs:

• Pre-existing wear vs. hail damage
• Document differences
• Customer's insurance specifics
• Customer's coverage limits

Older roofs may not be fully covered.

Customer education

For storm damage:

1. "Your roof shows hail damage"
2. "Functional vs. cosmetic distinction"
3. "Insurance claim supported"
4. "Customer's next steps"

A clear explanation.

Common pitfalls

• Pressure to claim damage that's not there
• Pre-existing wear blamed on hail
• Inadequate documentation
• Skipping the customer's adjuster meeting
• Customer's wrong expectations

Maintain integrity.

Multiple slope assessment

For each slope:

References

• IBC + IRC Chapter 15 (Roofing)
• ASTM hail-damage standards (where applicable)
• Insurance industry standards
• Manufacturer documentation
• NRCA storm response guidance
• Manuall internal: Identify Storm Damage, Replace Damaged Shingles, Asphalt Shingle Replacement SOP