Property · Roof
Hail Damage Severity Estimator
Use hail size, roof age, material, and evidence to set expectations before the adjuster conversation. Document first, verify policy timing, and avoid contractor claim-pressure tactics.
Plain English
A storm hit my roof. How serious might it be?
This helps you organize hail size, roof age, visible damage, photos, and what to ask next.
Start here: Take photos and write down the storm date before repairs change the evidence.
Severity: How strong the damage signs look.
Evidence: Photos, dates, weather notes, and contractor observations.
Cosmetic: Looks damaged but may not affect function, depending on policy and facts.
Claim: A request to your insurer. Kefiw does not decide coverage.
The storm and your roof
Use the largest reported size from your area. NWS storm reports and weather radar archives are public.
Likely claim outcome
HIGH likelihood of full-scope approval
Full replacement scope likely. Adjuster will write up tear-off, full re-roof, flashing replacement, and probably gutters/downspouts.
What the adjuster will look for
- Granule loss exposing asphalt mat (look for dark spots vs surrounding texture)
- Bruising — soft, spongy spots when pressed, often in random patterns
- Mat fracture — visible cracks in the underlying asphalt (verified by lifting tabs)
- Damaged metal flashing, gutters, downspouts (corroborating evidence)
- Ridge cap shingles split or crushed — strong signal
Score breakdown
Hail size — Quarter (1″)4
1″ diameter; severity points scale with kinetic energy.
Roof age (12 yr) factor2
Older shingles bruise easier — granule layer is the protective layer.
Exposure — Open (no large trees, exposed slopes)1
Full hail energy reaches the roof. Strongest claim case.
Material — Asphalt — architectural2
Standard 3-tab + thicker mat. Bruising starts at quarter-to-half-dollar.
Document promptly. Policy notice deadlines vary, and late notice can complicate a claim. Check the storm date, deductible, ACV/RCV terms, likely scope, and photos before deciding. If the damage appears claim-size, contact your insurer or agent promptly. Run the deductible math to see what claim is worth discussing.
Hail damage plus interior leak
If hail or wind opened the roof and water entered the home, the claim may involve two scopes: the exterior roof system and the interior water damage. Keep photos, dates, weather evidence, roof photos, ceiling photos, receipts, and contractor notes together.
Next: Roof Claim Document Checklist and Property Damage Document Checklist.