Will insurance replace your roof for hail damage, and how much damage does it take?
What adjusters count as hail damage
- Fractured or punctured shingle mats
- Bruises that feel soft when pressed
- Granules knocked loose in a circular pattern that exposes the mat
- Cracked or split shingles, ridge caps and vents
Scuffs, dents in metal flashing alone, and granule loss from age are not counted as functional damage on shingles.
The test square method
The adjuster marks a 10 by 10 foot square, usually on each slope facing the storm, and counts hits. Slopes that meet the carrier's threshold are approved for replacement. When enough slopes qualify, the rest are often included, because a roof with mostly new slopes and a few old ones is impractical. See test squares.
Other reasons for full replacement
- Brittleness: shingles crack when lifted, so repairs cause more damage.
- Discontinued products: no matching size or color exists.
- Damage spread across many slopes, even if each slope is near the threshold.
Hail size matters
Hail around one inch and larger commonly damages asphalt shingles, though wind speed, shingle age and angle of impact matter too. See hail size and roof damage.
If the adjuster approves less
Ask for a reinspection with your roofer present, provide photos of each slope and any brittleness test, and use the appraisal clause if the dispute is about the amount. See requesting a reinspection.