When the skies turn gray, and hailstones start to bombard your neighborhood, the first casualty is often your roof. These icy projectiles, whether pea-sized or as large as a baseball, can plummet toward your home at speeds exceeding 100 mph. Hail that ranges from the size of a quarter to the size of a golf ball makes your home at risk of having a damaged roof.

It’s not just the obviously dented gutters and fascia or cracked siding that tells the tale of the storm’s fury. Your roof endures the most, silently bearing the brunt of each hail impact. After a hailstorm, you are left wondering if you need a full roof replacement or just minor repairs.

Besides having your roof assessed, you also need to determine whether or not your insurance will cover the cost. This article will guide you through everything you need to know about identifying hail damage on your roof, when you need a roof replacement and how to navigate the insurance process of making a claim. Also, if you live in the SW Chicago suburbs, we can personally help guide you through this process!

After a hailstorm, it’s crucial for your roof to be inspected for signs of damage. Qualified roofing experts can determine whether you need a full replacement caused by hail or just repair. Below are the key indicators to watch for:

The most immediate and noticeable signs of hail damage are divots and craters, unusual marks on your roofing materials. Black semi-circles or round divots in the shingle are indicators that the asphalt granules have been blown out or driven further into the core of the shingle.

Granules are your roof’s front line of protection and provide the depth of the shingle’s color. They also safeguard the shingles from UV rays and add weight to the shingles.

When granules are scraped off at hail impact sites, the shingle’s lifespan can be reduced by as much as 10 years. We experienced this in the 2024 hailstorm in Orland Park and Palos Heights. The granular loss exposes the asphalt coating, accelerating the aging process of your roof. Excessive granule loss may also be seen as the granules accumulate in your gutters and downspouts after a storm.

Ignoring hail damage can lead to troubling long-term effects. Leaks are a common consequence of a failing roof, leading to water damage inside your home, which can include stains on ceilings and walls, wood rot, and even electrical issues. Over time, a leaking roof may cause mold growth affecting your home’s walls, ceilings, and insulation. All these compromise the structural integrity and investment of your house.

Identifying and fixing hail damage promptly helps you maintain the safety and longevity of your roof. When a hailstorm strikes, the initial damage may seem minor or even unnoticeable. However, it is very important to set up a roof inspection to assure the integrity of your roof, as most hail damage can only be seen from above.

Here are the main instances when you should consider reputable roof replacement services:

• Extensive Shingle Damage: A full replacement is necessary when hail causes widespread damage to the shingles, like significant loss of granules. Insurance companies look for significant hail damage within a 10×10 area of each side of your roof. 10 craters must be present within each 10×10 area on the surface of the roof, and each portion must qualify separately.
• Repeated Damage: Homes that have experienced multiple hailstorms and subsequent repairs may reach a point where patching is no longer effective. The repeated stress on the roof structure and materials can weaken their ability to provide adequate protection. In such scenarios, a roof replacement after hail damage ensures the entire structure is reinforced and capable of withstanding future weather events.
• Old or Worn Roof: If your roof is approaching or has exceeded its expected lifespan, hail damage can accelerate its deterioration. Older roofs are more susceptible to damage and less effective in protecting your home through weather events.

2024 saw thousands of homes in Orland Park and the surrounding areas require new roofs due to an impactful hail storm in the Spring. Knowing what your insurance policy covers can help you confidently navigate the repair or replacement process and ensure you get the necessary support and funding to restore your home. Here’s a detailed look at when insurance will and won’t cover hail damage repairs:

Most standard homeowners insurance policies include coverage for hail damage as part of their “peril protection.” This coverage typically extends to the structure of your home and attached buildings, covering repairs or replacements that are necessary due to direct hail damage.

If hail impacts your roof or siding and leads to leaks or structural compromise, your policy will likely cover the costs of restoring these areas to their pre-damaged condition. The primary condition for coverage is that the damage must be sudden and accidental, resulting directly from a hailstorm.

While insurance policies offer substantial coverage, there are circumstances where they won’t cover hail damage. These include:

• Age of the roof: Some insurance policies have specific clauses regarding the roof’s age. Older roofs may only be covered for their depreciated value, meaning the homeowner might be required to share the cost for a full roof replacement.
• Maintenance issues: If an insurance adjuster determines that poor maintenance or pre-existing wear and tear exacerbated the damage, the claim might be reduced or denied.
• Cosmetic damage: Some policies exclude coverage for damage deemed purely cosmetic. This means that if the hail damage does not affect the structural integrity or functionality of the roof or siding, the insurance may not cover the repair costs.

Here are some essential tips to help you through your claim.

• Document the damage: Ask the roofing specialist to take clear photos or videos of the damage. Document all areas of any related damage around your home.
• Review your insurance policy: Immediately after the storm, look at the specifics of your insurance policy (or call your agent) and review your coverage limits, deductibles, and any exclusions. Knowing these details will help you set realistic expectations for the claim process.
• Get a professional assessment: Working with a local, reputable roofing company is the first step to navigating a claim. A professional roof inspection will provide the needed assessment of your roof and provide a detailed report of the damage to support your claim.
• Contact your insurance company promptly: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the damage is documented by a roofing professional. You may submit this contractor’s report of the damage to make a claim. Prompt reporting complies with policy requirements and helps in quicker claim processing so your roofing work can begin.
• Keep records of all communications: During the claims process, maintain records of all communications with your insurance company, including emails, calls, and in-person meetings. This documentation can be invaluable if disputes arise.
• Payment: The insurance company issues the check directly to the homeowner, usually in 2 payments. The homeowner is then responsible to pay the roofing company.
• Follow up: Stay in regular contact with your insurance adjuster and promptly provide any additional information they request to avoid delays in processing your claim.

Chicago is no stranger to severe weather, with storms frequently bringing hail and damaging winds that can take a toll on your roof. Such weather conditions highlight the necessity of maintaining a robust roof capable of withstanding nature’s challenges. Part of maintaining your roof’s integrity includes scheduling a professional inspection after a hailstorm to ensure that all damage is identified and appropriately handled before minor issues escalate into major problems.

If you’re dealing with hail damage in Orland Park, Palos Heights, and the larger Chicago area, trust Lang Home Exteriors for expert roof replacement services. While we offer both repair and replacement services, the benefits of a comprehensive roof replacement—such as increased safety, enhanced curb appeal, and improved property value—make it a worthwhile investment.

Don’t wait for minor hail damage to become a major problem. Contact us today for a professional roof inspection and consultation!