When talking to homeowners about roof inspections, we often hear two common objections:
“I got up on my roof and didn’t see any hail damage.”
“I don’t think I have damage because the storm wasn’t that bad.”
Let’s dive into these concerns and provide some clarity on why roof damage isn’t always obvious—and why it’s important to trust experienced professionals to assess your roof.
“I Got Up on My Roof and Didn’t See Any Hail Damage”
At first glance, this seems reasonable. You climbed up there, inspected your shingles, and everything looked fine. But here’s the reality: hail damage is often invisible to the untrained eye.
Why Is Hail Damage Hard to Spot?
Subtle Impacts: Hail doesn’t always leave dramatic, obvious marks. Small dimples in shingles, cracks, or granule loss may not be noticeable unless you know what to look for.
Lighting and Angles Matter: Damage visibility depends on factors like sunlight and perspective. Even trained professionals sometimes need multiple inspections under different conditions to spot all the damage.
Insurance Adjusters May Miss It, Too: Insurance adjusters often overlook hail damage during their initial inspection. While some adjusters are diligent and thorough, it’s important to remember that their job is to protect the insurance company’s financial interests. Damage is frequently missed until a trained professional points it out.
This is why it’s critical to have a qualified roofing contractor on-site when your adjuster conducts their inspection. A contractor ensures nothing is overlooked and acts as your advocate, holding the adjuster accountable for documenting all visible damage.
The takeaway? Just because you or an adjuster don’t see damage doesn’t mean it isn’t there. A professional inspection is invaluable.
“I Don’t Think I Have Damage Because the Storm Wasn’t That Bad”
This is another common misconception. You might remember the storm, but it didn’t seem like a big deal—or you weren’t even aware it happened. So, how could your roof be damaged?
Why “Not That Bad” Storms Can Still Cause Significant Damage
Cumulative Effects of Multiple Storms: Roof damage often isn’t the result of one catastrophic event. Instead, it happens gradually over time as multiple storms overlap. Small hail impacts from several storms can combine to weaken your roof.
Storms Happen When You’re Unaware: Think about how much time you spend away from home—at work, shopping, or traveling. You’re not always there to witness hail hitting your roof, and even if you are, hail damage isn’t always obvious from the ground.
The Nature of Hail: Not all hail behaves the same.
Large hail can sometimes cause no damage if it’s soft.
Small hail can cause significant damage if driven by high winds.
Why Overlooking “Minor” Damage is Risky
Even small, seemingly insignificant damage can grow into a much larger problem over time. Cracks, punctures, and granule loss can compromise your roof’s ability to protect your home, leading to leaks, interior damage, and costly repairs down the road.
Why You Should Have a Contractor Present During an Adjuster’s Inspection
Many homeowners assume that their insurance adjuster’s inspection is thorough and unbiased. While there are certainly good adjusters out there, it’s important to understand their role: they work for the insurance company.
Adjusters may unintentionally or intentionally overlook damage to minimize the company’s financial responsibility. Having a contractor on-site during the inspection ensures that:
All damage is properly identified and documented.
You have an advocate to ask questions and clarify findings.
The adjuster is held accountable for assessing the roof thoroughly.
What Should You Do?
The best course of action is to have your roof inspected by a professional with experience in storm damage. Contractors who specialize in storm damage have seen it all: damage missed by adjusters, storms underestimated by homeowners, and long-term issues caused by overlooked problems.
Here’s why you should trust a professional inspection:
Thoroughness: Storm specialists perform multiple inspections if needed, using different angles and lighting to catch what others might miss.
Advocacy: If your insurance adjuster doesn’t see the damage, a contractor can work with them to ensure it’s identified and documented.
Experience: With years of expertise in storm damage, professionals know what to look for—and how to protect your home from future issues.
If you’re unsure whether your roof has damage after a storm, don’t rely solely on your own inspection—or trust the adjuster without question. Trust the professionals to evaluate your roof, advocate for your claim, and protect your investment.