How to Select the Best Hail Repair Process for Your Roof
Hailstorms are among the most destructive weather conditions for homeowners in Virginia and throughout the United States. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that hail results in billions of dollars’ worth of damage to properties annually. But the problem for homeowners isn’t merely identifying the damage; it’s about understanding how to fix it. For that, it is crucial to assess the actual damage caused by hailstorms, figure out what is covered under insurance, and then decide who to call for the repairs.
And whom do you call to begin all this? A licensed professional structural engineer.
Because selecting an inappropriate repair technique may result in:
● Spending money on an unnecessary replacement.
● Not treating hidden damage.
● Denial of insurance claims due to insufficient documentation.
It is for this reason that it is essential to work with a licensed forensic structural engineer. Not only will they determine the extent and nature of hail damage, but they will also assist you in determining whether slight repair, complete replacement, or reinforcement will be the most effective option.
Read this blog to the end to discover how to choose the best hail damage repair process and why hiring a professional structural engineer is beneficial.
Things to Consider Before Planning Hailstorm Damage Repairs
Before rushing to call a contractor, take time to evaluate the bigger picture. Choosing the proper hail damage repair method depends on multiple factors, some of which are listed below.
1. The Age of Your Roof
Older roofs (15–20 years or more) may not benefit from patch repairs, since materials are already near the end of their lifespan.
Newer roofs often qualify for partial repairs or insurance-backed replacements if hail damage is proven.
2. Type of Material
Asphalt shingles react to hail in a different way from metal, slate, or tile roofs.
Bruising, loss of granules, or cracking may seem insignificant, but they can significantly reduce roof life.
Metal roofs can experience dents, but they usually still stay functional.
3. Severity of Damage
In case of localized hail impacts on a single slope, it could mean minimal shingle replacement.
But extensive damage usually warrants complete replacement, particularly if shingles have lost protective granules.
4. Insurance Requirements
Insurance companies require that hail damage have a direct connection to a particular storm incident. If documented proofs (e.g., NOAA storm reports or geotagged inspection photos) are not available, claims get adjusted or rejected.
So, what is the correct repair method to choose?
Best Approach for Hail Storm Roof Damage Repairs
There is no single method. The “right” repair approach comes after a structural engineer’s hail storm damage inspection and meticulous analysis of the impact caused by the storm.
Usually, we can classify the repairs into three different categories.
1. Spot Repairs
This is the best option when there is limited damage, in which minimal shingles are bruised or cracked.
Pros and Cons
The best thing about these repairs is obviously reduced cost and a quicker turnaround.
However, sometimes the new shingles may not match properly with the existing shingles, and hidden damage may go undetected.
2. Partial Replacement
This option is preferred when entire slopes or significant portions of the roof exhibit uniform hail impacts.
Pros and Cons
Choosing this repair method may meet your low-budget repair plan. However, it also requires careful material matching and can still expose other slopes to damage.
3. Full Roof Replacement
In cases of severe or extensive hail damage found during the hailstorm damage roof inspection, full roof replacement is often the best option for homeowners.
Pros and Cons
This method is preferred in extreme damage cases because it provides long-term protection and is usually covered under insurance when correctly documented. However, this method has the drawback of requiring more initial expense and skilled labor.
Apart from these methods, it is required for homeowners to know that sometimes, the best repair is preventative upgrades like –
● Installing impact-resistant shingles.
● Improving flashing around exposed areas.
● Having proper chimney caps that help prevent leaks that can occur after hailstorms.
Understanding the Extent of Hail Damage
One of the most ignored steps in roof repair is accurately measuring damage severity. Minor dents or surface imperfections can hide underlying structural problems. That’s why a forensic structural engineering report is critical.
A licensed professional structural engineer will:
1. Correlate the damage to a particular Date of Loss utilizing NOAA and NCEI storm databases.
2. Distinguish actual hail strikes from aging, blistering, or mechanical scuffs.
3. Deliver geotagged, high-resolution photos that pass insurance scrutiny.
4. Present a state-sealed report that courts and carriers accept as valid.
Without documentation at this level, homeowners may be forced to pay out of pocket for repairs that should have been paid for by insurance.
Let’s understand this with an example.
Example:
Two homeowners in Richmond submitted hail damage claims from the same storm. One claim was rejected because the contractor could not demonstrate that the damage resulted from that incident. The other, which was supported by a state-sealed forensic engineering report, was approved entirely for a roof replacement.
You are smart enough to know the reason. So next time, don’t forget to call a licensed professional engineer for a hailstorm roof damage inspection.
Who Should You Call in Case of Hailstorm Damage?
One important thing that homeowners must always remember is not to call a contractor first in case of hailstorm roof damage. Contractors can make the repairs, but they usually lack the authority to demonstrate cause and severity to insurance companies.
Therefore, always call a licensed structural engineer who can:
1. Offer unprejudiced documentation.
2. Suggest the correct repair process (not necessarily the most costly one).
3. Assist you with insurance disputes using technical evidence.
At A Step in Time Structural Engineering, we provide hailstorm roof damage inspections and storm damage assessments throughout Virginia. Our engineers create reports that provide homeowners with the documentation they require to obtain claims and make informed repair choices.
Always Call a Licensed Structural Engineer First for Hailstorm Roof Damage
Hailstorms are destructive and can cause significant damage to your roof. But choosing the right path to start with the repairs can help you keep your roof strong for the years to come.
The first step in this direction is to consult a licensed professional structural engineer, who can identify all areas of damage and determine the extent of repairs required. Plus, a properly sealed report provided by a licensed structural engineer holds value and helps homeowners get the right amount of claim.
From minor dents and cracks that might require spot repair to extensive damage that could require total replacement, in either case, a forensic engineering report supports your decision for repairs with facts that will pass insurance questioning.
If you live in Virginia or any other state and discover similar issues as mentioned in this blog, call our licensed structural engineers, and we will walk you through a detailed inspection, report writing, and help you pick the right repair options. Dial (605)-467-7328 now.
