Hailstones cause the kind of damage that isn’t as obvious as wind damage, yet can be equally devastating. Assessing the damage requires a thorough inspection conducted by an experienced roofing contractor. In this blog, Roofer Chicks® shares some things about hail damage that you might not know.
Hail Damage Is Not Readily Visible
Hail damage is the subject of more than a few insurance claim disputes. This is because, visually, it doesn’t look like much, and is often mistaken for roof blisters. The extent of the damage can only be determined upon closer inspection. A large hailstone—which can fall as fast as 90 mph by the time it hits the ground—can create a dent that penetrates all the way to the roof deck, which can allow further damage to the roof.
There Are Two Types of Hail Damage
Insurance companies classify hail damage as either functional or cosmetic damage, sometimes referred to as “latent” or “severe” hail damage, respectively. Functional damage indicates the penetrative kind of damage described above, which impairs the roof’s primary function, and therefore will require roof repairs.
Cosmetic damage, on the other hand, is defined as surface damage that might not impair the roof’s function. Depending on the insurance coverage terms and conditions, an insurance provider may not cover the latter.
Hail Damage Doesn’t Always Mean Roof Replacement
One of the reasons why hail damage requires a thorough inspection is because it can make the difference between spot repairs and a complete roof replacement. Replacing a roof that only needed repairs is a waste of time, money and materials. If your roof is ultimately up for replacement, consider investing in impact-resistant roofing, such as the GAF Timberline® ArmorShield™ II. It has passed the UL 2218 Class 4 Impact-Resistance Test, and is certified to resist damage from steel balls at up to 90 mph impact speed.
Roofer Chicks® is your leading provider of roof replacement and repair services. Give us a call at (830) 214-2400 or fill out our contact form. We serve customers in San Antonio, TX, and the surrounding areas.