Metal Roof Hail Damage Claims

In Texas, hailstorms can cause significant damage to metal roofs. The hailstones can severely damage ridges, seams, and caps and drastically decrease wind resistance. Moreno Valley Roofer Additionally, even minor hailstone dents can cause microfractures in the protective coating, speeding up the process of corrosion and shortening the lifespan of the metal roofing system. Major insurers often exclude hail damage from their policies. However, there are policies that specifically cover damage caused by hail.

Denting

Denting due to metal roof hail damage can be a challenging claim to make. However, you don’t have to give up hope. With the help of metallurgists, you can win the toughest cases. They can take high-resolution, high-magnification photos of the affected metal and determine whether it is weakened or compromised by the impact. These photos will also reveal whether the metal underneath the coating is damaged and whether or not the hail damage has reduced the service life of the metal.

Denting due to metal roof hail damage is mostly a cosmetic problem and may not require a replacement. However, if the dents are large, it may require more expensive repairs. Denting can also affect the water-shedding capacity of the metal roof panels. It also may compromise the sealant. Luckily, hail damage is less common on stiffer metal roofs.

Puncturing

Puncturing a metal roof is one of the most common types of hail damage, but the extent of the damage depends on the severity and type of metal. While denting a roof can be repaired, punctures can lead to leakage. Fortunately, punctures are not as common as denting.

Most hail damage to a metal roof is relatively small. A hailstone less than a quarter-inch in diameter is not likely to cause significant damage. However, hailstones that are one-and-a-half inches or larger can cause moderate to severe puncturing and denting. In addition to causing cosmetic damage, hail can also cause long-term issues like rot and mold.

Bruised shingles

If your metal roof was damaged in a hailstorm, one of the first things you’ll want to look for is bruised shingles. Bruised shingles will have holes or black colored dots on them. These are signs of hail damage, and they will be a big part of your insurance claim. In addition, you’ll also want to look for impact marks and dents.

You’ll also want to examine metal roof valleys and vents. Any dents and dings on the metal will indicate the size and type of hail that struck your roof. Also, if you’re on a ladder, you can examine the top of your roof. In most cases, the ridge cap is the part of your roof that will get the most hail damage.

Impact marks

Hailstone impact can leave impurities in metal roof panels, causing the metal to oxidize and develop impact marks. These impurities remain on the surface of metal panels until the next rain or snowfall, where they react with the steel core. Each successive rain or snowfall increases the impurity concentration, causing increased rusting.

There are several factors to consider when determining whether or not a roof is affected by hail. First of all, the type of hail is significant. Although small hail is generally not damaging, the increasing size of hailstones means that roofs can be seriously damaged. Most commercial property insurance policies have a limited definition of what is considered “damage,” but there are some limitations on the extent of the damage.

Insurance coverage

If you have a metal roof, you should consider getting insurance coverage for hail damage. Hail can cause hidden microscopic fractures in metal structures and protective coatings. This damage can cause rust to develop quickly and degrade your roof’s longevity. The longer this damage goes without repair, the worse it will become and the less likely your insurance company will be willing to cover it. Unfortunately, many insurers in Texas claim hail damage is only “cosmetic,” and use this broad language to avoid paying for the repairs.

The best way to get insurance for hail damage to a metal roof is to contact your insurance provider. They may be able to help you determine which types of insurance are right for your situation. You may be surprised to find that some policies cover cosmetic damage only, while others only cover structural failure. Be sure to discuss the terms of your policy with your insurance provider before signing anything.