Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Hail Damage to Your Roof
Wind and hail are the most common drivers of residential insurance claims regarding roofs. In fact, wind and hail claims have increased significantly in just a few years, jumping from 17% of total claims in 2022 to 25% in 2024. While hail can happen any month of the year, spring and summer tend to see the largest amount of hail fall in the United States.
If you’ve recently been through a hailstorm, one of the first things you probably did was go outside and check your house for any damage. And from the ground, your roof may look just fine. But the truth is, it can be tough to tell if there is hail damage to your roof and ignoring it can come with a hefty price tag.
That’s why you should always schedule an inspection with a certified roofing expert to avoid these potential hail-related issues.
Mold & Mildew
The tricky thing about hail damage is that it can leave tiny dents and cracks in your roof. And while these cracks might not be big enough for pests to get it, there is plenty of room for water to seep through. And it leaves your home vulnerable to mold and mildew which can wreak significant havoc on your home and health.
Increased Energy Costs
Water isn’t the only thing that can seep in through cracks in your roof. It also means air can seep out. Your walls, roof, windows, doors and insulation all form an envelope around your home. This is what keeps the outside out and the inside in, and that includes temperature. Any punctures in the envelope mean you are losing hot or cooled air, and your climate control has to work harder to compensate. A tiny little crack might not make much of an impact, but dozens of them will.
Deteriorating Infrastructure
If you’re lucky, mold and mildew growth will be easy to spot. But if water is coming in behind your walls, you may not notice it until it’s too late. With enough time, water can start to rot the wooden frame, leading to sagging walls, collapsing floors or worse. Your electrical system can also pose a risk, with water short-circuiting the system and potentially starting a fire.
Increased Repair Costs
It goes without saying that more damage to your home means higher repair costs. According to Angi, the cost of hail damage repair ranges from $375 – $7500, depending on the size and extent of the damage. If you ignore the damage, you can also expect to pay between $1222 – $3571 for mold remediation, $1361 – $6282 for water damage restoration, and $294 – $924 for drywall repair (data also from Angi).
Diminished Property Value
Hail damage will also decrease the value of your property, even if you didn’t know it was there. If a potential buyer requests a home inspection during closing and finds damage to the roof, they may lower their offer, request you cover repairs or walk away from the offer entirely.
Voided Warranties
Most roofing materials come with a manufacturer’s warranty. In the event that the material gives out before the covered time and causes damage to your home, the warranty helps cover the costs of replacement and repair. However, most warranties come with a clause that states the homeowner must practice routine maintenance to keep the warranty valid. If you neglect to fix preexisting damage, your warranty is no longer valid, and you’ll have to pay out of pocket.
Insurance complications
Insurance is another factor to be mindful of when it comes to hail damage on your roof. The purpose of insurance is to help you cover the cost of repair in the event your home is damaged by an accident or natural disaster. But, similar to roofing warranties, if you file a claim and the insurance inspector finds preexisting damage to the roof, the insurance company can refuse to cover the cost of the new damage.
How can I tell if my roof has hail damage?
Usually, you can’t. Not from the ground, at least. To truly assess hail damage, a roofer needs to be up on your house and able to get up close and personal with your shingles. The damage is often too small and hard to spot from the ground or with drone flyovers. The best way to assess your roof for hail damage is to call and schedule an inspection immediately after a hailstorm.
Don’t Wait, Act Now
If you think your roof has suffered hail damage, don’t wait. Acting quickly could be the difference between a reasonable repair bill and a massive one. Reach out to a trusted roofer today to evaluate the condition of your roof.
At RAFTRx, our team of experienced roofing professionals knows what to look for in the aftermath of severe weather. We’ll give you a complete picture of your roof’s health and help you prioritize what needs to be addressed immediately and what you need to keep an eye on. Need help with your insurance company? We can help walk you through the claims process. Contact us today.