How Much Hail Damage Until Your Roof Requires Replacement?
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In Wisconsin, hailstorms are a common natural event (especially during summer and spring). When a sudden hailstorm hits your roof, it can potentially damage its integrity and functionality. The bigger the hail, the more it can hurt your roof.
With that, many homeowners face a common question: how much hail damage is needed to replace a roof?
Well, it’s not just about how many hits your roof takes. The size of the hail matters a lot as well. If you see hail about 1 inch wide or larger, that’s when you might need to start worrying about your roof’s health. This size of hail can cause dents that compromise the integrity of your shingles, potentially leading to a situation where you’re considering how much hail damage is needed in order to get your entire roof replaced.
What Are The Most Common Signs of Hail Damage?
The most obvious sign of hail damage is the dents and dings on your shingles. These dents are easily noticeable, and an experienced roofing contractor can spot them easily. If you suspect a problem after a storm passes, it’s best to hire a professional roof inspector.
However, the absence of large dents in your shingles doesn’t necessarily mean your roof is safe. Other common signs of hail damage include dings, dents, or splatter marks on your roof vents, gutters, roof flashing, and other roof penetrations.
It’s important to note that you shouldn’t get on your roof to look for these signs yourself, as that could be a safety risk if you don’t have experience walking on roofs. Instead, you can look for potential hail damage from the safety of the ground by checking the following areas around your property:
👉 Your downspouts, especially those above 5 feet, so it can’t be blamed on a lawnmower
👉 Holes in your window screens
👉 Splatter marks or dings on your AC unit, electrical meter, or grill
👉 Dings to any painted wood or shutters
👉 Dents on the top of your car and the car’s hood
👉 Any dings or strikes on your garage door
Important note: Finding any of these forms of damage doesn’t necessarily mean your roof has major hail damage, but it’s a good indication that it’s worth considering a professional roofing inspector to take a closer look at your roof. They’ll be able to assess the damage and determine if a roof replacement is necessary.
Roof Repair vs. Roof Replacement: How To Make The Right Decision
Sometimes, a little care is all your roof needs. A repair might do the right thing if only a few shingles are damaged. But there are times when your roof might need more than just some repairs:
- If you see lots of bare spots where shingle granules have come off
- When there are multiple soft areas, and you can see the roof decking
- If the damage is widespread across most of your roof’s surface
- When your roof is older and has already shown signs of wear before the hail hit
In these cases, you might be looking at a full roof replacement due to hail damage. Hire an expert to inspect your hail-damaged roof in Mayville, WI, and the surrounding areas by giving us a call at (920) 249-4228
Also Read: How to Assess and Repair Hail-Damaged Roofs
Will Homeowner’s Insurance Cover A Hail-Damaged Roof?
Yes, generally a hail-damaged roof is usually covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy. But how much help you get depends on the type of policy you have. Here are two major classifications:
1. Actual Cash Value (ACV) policy: This gives you what your roof is worth right now, considering its age. It’s important to note that this might not cover the full cost of a new roof.
2. Replacement Cost Value (RCV) policy: This aims to cover the cost of a new roof. With this type of policy, you’re more likely to receive enough to cover a full roof replacement if that’s what you need.
The difference between these policies can be quite significant, so it’s worth knowing which one you have. According to experts, an RCV policy is a wiser option to consider.
It’s also important to know that most insurance companies generally have specific criteria for what constitutes enough damage to warrant a full replacement. They might look at the number of impacts per square foot of roofing, or they might assess the overall integrity of the roof. This is why a professional inspection is so valuable – it can help you understand if your damage meets these criteria.
How To Protect Your New Roof From Future Roof Damage
While we can’t control the weather, we can prepare for it. Consider these tips to help your roof stand strong if you just got a roof replacement, or want to avoid the need for one in the future:
👉 Look for hail-resistant roofing materials for your new roof. These materials are designed to withstand impacts better than traditional roofing materials.
👉 Schedule regular roof check-ups (at least twice a year) to catch small issues before they grow. This roof maintenance practice can save you money in the long run.
👉 Keep your gutters clean and in good repair. This helps prevent water damage that can weaken your roof over time.
👉 Trim any overhanging tree branches along your roof. During a storm, these can cause additional damage to your roof.
👉 Consider impact-resistant skylights if you’re replacing or adding them. These are less likely to break during a hailstorm.
By staying on top of your roof’s health, you’re not just protecting your home, you’re protecting your peace of mind. With regular maintenance, you will be extending the life of your roof and even prevent the need for a full replacement in the future.
You might also like, How to Spot Hail Damage on a Metal Roof?
BRH Enterprises Is Here To Serve You With Professional Roof Replacement Services In Mayville, WI
At BRH Enterprises, we focus on the quality of our work and delivering exceptional results. Our team has been serving homeowners and commercial building owners with professional roof replacement services in Mayville, WI, and the surrounding areas. Whether you need roof replacements, minor repairs, or a completely new installation, we got you covered. We also offer easy financing options so that you can pay with ease. To learn more, call us today at (920) 249-4228.
Frequently Asked Questions
A. The amount of time can vary by insurance company. Check your insurance paperwork for the exact deadline, but don’t wait too long! Insurance companies use hail maps to track storms, so it’s best to file as soon as you spot damage.
A. It’s best not to fix your hail-damaged roof yourself. It’s dangerous, and you might make things worse! Call your insurance company first, then get a professional roofer to make repairs or replacements. They know what to do and will offer you quality solutions.
A. While your insurance will likely cover hail damage, the age and condition of your roof will be factored in. You might receive less due to depreciation, or they might only approve repairs. It’s very important to discuss this with your insurance adjuster.
