In March 2017, parts of Virginia experienced fierce storms that unleashed 60 mph straight-line wind gusts and this type of damaging hail. Here in Stafford, the winds blew large jawbreaker size hail completely horizontal and straight into our home denting our air conditioning units, shredding window screens, punching holes across our vinyl siding, and sending roof shingles flying around the yard. It sounded and felt like the polar express was roaring past us! I’ve never experienced anything quite like it.
I could see pieces of roofing shingles from my roof scattered around the yard, but I did not see any noticeable roof damage from the ground. So I asked some of our home insurance experts here at NNINS for help. They know exactly how hail and wind can damage a roof. Here’s what I found out.
Assessing Damage to Your Home After Severe Weather
Tornado and severe weather season in Virginia can bring destructive hail and wind. While damage from severe weather can be hard to prevent, there are measures you can take to protect your home and property. After a severe weather event, exterior damage to your home maybe be obvious, but also may not be obvious with an untrained eye. Years in the home insurance business have taught us how common hidden weather damage can affect a home over time, especially the roof.
How can you tell if you have roof damage?
Generally, damage can be seen as indentations and/or fractures on the shingles' surface. Hailstones vary in size, shape, and hardness and can create a random pattern of dents or depressions. If damage to shingles is not evident, look for indentations on metal flashing, siding, chimney caps, or even skylight flashing.
What are the most common types of weather-related roof damage?
Hail and wind can compromise your home's asphalt roof in a variety of ways and some may be difficult to identify without a trained eye. The most common types are:
- Cracks in the granule-asphalt surfacing may radiate outward from points of impact. Cracks may be present especially if high winds blew the shingles back.
- Exposed fiberglass mats from hail shattering the granule-asphalt surfacing causing it to break away from the fiberglass mat.
- Fractured fiberglass mats may or may not be immediately visible. A fractured mat may result in tears radiating out from the points of impact.
Can several individual shingles be replaced or will you have to replace the entire roof?
It is possible to replace individual storm-damaged shingles. If individual shingles are being replaced, any nails that were removed from surrounding shingles must be replaced and the surrounding shingles must be resealed by hand for the best results. If a significant number of shingles are damaged, replacement of the entire slope is sometimes recommended for the long-term performance of these roofs.
Does home insurance cover weather-related roof damage?
Homeowners insurance can cover roof and other damage from severe weather like wind and hail. Some areas of Virginia are more prone to high wind damage and may warrant a special home insurance deductible on your policy. In specific severe weather instances, your standard deductible would not apply and your wind deductible would be in effect for your claim.
How to Avoid Problems From Roof Damage
It's very important to keep up with annual roof maintenance to ensure your home insurance will protect you when needed. The most common reason roof insurance claims are denied is due to poor maintenance. Remember the potential for hidden damage. If you experience a severe wind and/or hail weather event, it is important to have a professional inspection even if you do not see physical damage. Schedule routine roof and attic checks every year especially as your roof ages.
When buying a home, be sure to have a comprehensive home inspection and pay attention to the roof. They should inspect the framing, sheathing, drainage system, and attic insulation and ventilation, as all of those components are protecting your home.
Avoid roofing repair and replacement scams
Learn more about homeowners insurance in Virginia >
Sources:
https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/LicenseLookup/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title18/agency15/chapter40/section130/
THE NORTHERN NECK INSURANCE INTEGRITY PROMISE — We pledge to provide straight talk and good counsel from our NNINS Virginia insurance experts through our blog. While we hope you find this to be a helpful source of information, it does not replace the guidance of a licensed insurance professional, nor does it modify the terms of your Northern Neck Insurance policy in any way. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy.
