🌩️ How Hail Really Forms (And Why It Wrecks Roofs)
Hail forms inside thunderstorm updrafts, where supercooled water droplets freeze around dust particles.
The longer a stone is held aloft by the storm’s winds, the larger and denser it becomes.
Hail over 1.75 inches (golf ball-sized) is typically enough to break shingles, dent flashing, and crack skylights.
âś… Little-known fact: Hail doesn’t need to puncture your roof to damage it. Even soft-looking impacts can cause granule loss, which rapidly dries out underlayment, cracks and shortens shingle life, and quickly breaks waterproofing. This process can take between 3 and 6 months, which is the critical period time when insurance companies love to deny claims for roofs that weren’t inspected immediately following a storm. When they can’t tell the “age” of the damage, they love to use “pre-existing damage” clause to deny claims.
đź“Š The Real Cost of Hail Damage
Mild storm (pea-sized hail): $2,000–$7,000 in cosmetic repairs
Moderate storm (gumball-to-golf ball): $8,000–$18,000 for full roof replacement
Severe storm (tennis ball to baseball-sized): $20,000+ including gutters, siding, windows, paint, vehicles
✅ Tip: Never accept an insurance adjuster’s word alone. Get a certified inspector vetted through Storm Recon to document damage immediately after the storm—preferably before insurance contacts you. Our roofers are A+ rated with the Better Business Bureau and often have years-long experience with us, making them experts at creating damage reports that insurance companies are bound by law to pay out on.
🏚️ The Life of a Roof Claim: Start to Finish
Storm Hits – Watch for loose shingles, dented gutters, broken vents, damaged siding
Inspection – No-cost inspection by a vetted contractor (arranged through Storm Recon)
Claim Filed – Homeowner contacts insurer with damage report and requests adjuster appointment
Adjustment – Insurance rep visits, compares their own estimate to contractor’s
Scope of Work Finalized – Both agree on work needed
New Roof – Crew repairs or replaces roof
✅ Pro tip: Make sure you have a Storm Recon certified a contractor present during the insurance adjuster’s inspection. Insurers often “miss” things unless you have someone advocating for you. Not a lawyer. Not someone who hampers the process. Just a vetted expert looking out for your best interests.
đźš© Watch Out for These Insurance Tricks
“You waited too long” – Some policies require claims within 30–60 days. Don’t delay.
“That damage is cosmetic only” – Often false. Granule loss and moisture infiltration are real issues.
“We only pay for what’s visible from the ground” – Not valid. Damage must be inspected up close.
“You already had wear and tear” – All roofs age. That doesn’t disqualify storm-specific damage.
✅ Powerful phrasing tip: Instead of “the decking is soft,” say:
“The roof decking is moisture-compromised and would fail to meet IRC R905.2.1 installation code if overlaid without replacement.”
Insurance must pay when code compliance is cited.
đź“‹ Word-Smart Phrases to Use in Your Claim
“Improper fastening due to deck delamination”
“Requires full replacement to restore pre-loss condition”
“Non-repairable creasing and shingle displacement”
“Manufacturer voids warranty if damaged materials are reused”
“Code-required underlayment and flashing upgrades”
Storm Recon screens every contractor we work with for:
Same-day inspection capability
Professionalism
Clean backgrounds
Proof of local license & insurance
Sober, courteous teams
đź’ˇ Tips & Tricks for Homeowners
🤝 Work only with local contractors who can be contacted again—Storm Recon only partners with vetted, 5-star teams
đź“· Take pictures of your roof, siding, and yard BEFORE storm season every year
🛠️ Ask for an itemized scope of work before signing anything
🧾 Save all receipts related to temporary fixes or tarping—these can be reimbursed
💬 Let the contractor speak with the insurance company on your behalf—contractors are better equipped to negotiate for proper payouts
🧠Stay skeptical of “quick adjusters” who show up unsolicited, especially with out-of-state plates
⚠️ Red Flags in Roof Repair Companies
No clear timeline
Unmarked trucks
No license or insurance
Pressure to sign immediately
Asking for an upfront payment
No local references