Does Hail Damage = Immediate Roof Repair? (Pricing, Longevity, & More)

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Hailstorms can wreak havoc on roofs, vehicles, and property, leaving behind a trail of damage that requires prompt attention. From shattered windows to dented siding and pockmarked roofs, the aftermath of a hailstorm can be costly to repair.

The unsightly damage combined with high repair costs can leave homeowners frustrated – but is a full roof replacement, or even repairs, necessary?

For over a decade, Rescue My Roof has been helping homeowners achieve their dream homes. We’ve navigated the havoc caused by chaotic Wisconsin weather, and we’re here to help you do the same. 

In this article, we’ll explore whether roof repairs or a replacement is necessary after hail damage. Ultimately, you’ll know whether or not to leave your roof as it is, or invest in a new one. 

Does Hail Damage Lead to an Immediate Roof Replacement?

Hail damage can be serious. If enough damage occurs, it could lead to pesky leaks. 

However, unless your roof has endured severe damage, including immediate leaks and structural damage, a repair or replacement may not be necessary. 

There is no “simple” repair process for hail damage. To repair hail damage, you have to partially – or completely – replace your roof. For homeowners who have recently replaced their roof or bought a home, any roof replacement is probably not feasible. 

But hail damage doesn’t mean you immediately need repairs or a replacement. Hail hits can lead to granule loss over time, meaning that your roof loses 5-10 years of its lifespan. So unless your roof is already damaged, old, or has enough hail damage to be covered by insurance, you don’t need to worry about immediate repairs. 

What is Hail Damage?

Hail damage can be either tough to notice or very easy. When the damage is severe enough (1 inch in diameter or more),  spotting it on your roof will be easier.

We like to compare hail damage to the dimples on a golf ball. Typically, your roof is flat. When hail damage occurs, it will make the texture of your roof comparable to the dimples of a golf ball. 

But just because your roof doesn’t have those large dimples or dents doesn’t mean you don’t have hail damage. You may notice dents/splatter marks on your roof vents, gutters, flashings, and other penetrations. 

If your roof has the above mentioned damage, you may have to file a homeowner’s insurance claim.

Call your homeowner’s insurance first. While a roofing contractor can help you navigate the insurance process, the work cannot begin until the insurance adjuster approves the hail damage claim. 

To learn more about what homeowner’s insurance will and won’t cover, read “Will Insurance Cover My Roof Repairs or Replacement?”

Hail Damage Repair Pricing

As mentioned above, there is no specific repair process for hail damage. So you will be paying the cost of typical roof repairs (replacing a few shingles) or an entire roof replacement, which can fall anywhere between $8,000 – $25,000.

Here are a few factors that can increase the cost of your repairs or replacement:

1. Extent of Damage: The severity and extent of hail damage directly impact repair costs. Minor dents and scratches may be relatively inexpensive to fix, while extensive damage requiring extensive repairs or replacements can be significantly more costly.
2. Materials Used: The materials used in the construction of the property also influence repair costs. For example, repairing a metal roof may be more expensive than repairing asphalt shingles due to material costs and labor requirements.
3. Labor Costs: Labor costs vary depending on the complexity of the repair work and the expertise of the contractors involved. Roofing professionals and auto repair technicians may charge different rates for their services, impacting overall repair costs.
4. Insurance Coverage: Homeowners insurance may cover some or all of the costs associated with hail damage repair, depending on the policy terms and coverage limits. Deductibles and coverage exclusions can also affect out-of-pocket expenses for homeowners.

Do You Need Hail Damage Repair?

Unless your roof is already badly damaged, leaking, or is nearing the end of its life, you do not need a roof replacement directly related to hail damage.

However, if your roof is relatively new but severely damaged, insurance may cover repairs or a full roof replacement. To qualify, most insurances require that the hail must be around 1” in diameter or bigger, and that they find 7-10 hail impact marks in the 10×10 test area.

If you’ve been affected by hail damage, don’t hesitate to contact trusted contractors or auto repair professionals for a thorough assessment and repair estimate.

Learn more about hail damage with “How Much Hail Damage Do You Need For A Roof Replacement” and “How to Tell if Your Roof Has Hail Damage.”
Do you need a roof replacement or repairs in southeastern Wisconsin? Rescue My Roof is a Platinum-Level Certified Atlas Contractor, ready to help with any of your roofing needs. Contact us today to get a free estimate.