How to read a roof inspection report after hail
A roofer has been on your roof and sent you a report. Here is what the photos and words mean, and what to do next.
What the inspector looks for
After a hail storm, an inspector walks each slope of the roof and checks the parts hail hits first. A good report shows a photo of every finding, so you can see it yourself.
- Granule loss. Asphalt shingles are covered in small granules that protect them from the sun. Hail knocks them off in round, random spots that look darker than the shingle around them.
- Bruising. A hit can soften or fracture the mat under the granules even when the surface looks only scuffed. Inspectors often feel for soft spots and circle them in chalk for the photo.
- Cracked or broken shingles and tabs torn loose by wind during the same storm.
- Dented soft metal. Roof vents, pipe boots, flashing, gutters and downspouts dent easily. Dents there show the storm was strong enough to matter, and they help date the damage.
- Collateral signs around the house, such as dented siding, window screens or air-conditioner fins.
What the words in the report mean
| Word | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Minor | Cosmetic, or worth watching. The roof is still doing its job there. |
| Moderate | Damage that shortens the roof's life in that area; usually a repair. |
| Severe | The area is failing or close to it; it can let water in. |
| Test square | A 10 by 10 foot area an inspector or adjuster marks and counts hits in, to measure damage on each slope. |
| Square | Roofers measure roofs in squares: one square is 100 square feet. |
| Class 4 | The highest impact rating for shingles (UL 2218). Some insurers offer a discount for them. |
What to do next
- Keep the report. Save it or print it. Photos with dates are what everyone will ask for.
- Read your policy or call your insurance company about the deadline for a claim. Many policies allow one to two years after the storm, and some require prompt notice. It depends on your policy and your state.
- If you file a claim, your insurance company sends its own adjuster. The adjuster decides what's covered, not the roofer. You can ask your roofer to be there when the adjuster inspects.
- Ask questions before you sign anything. You choose who repairs your roof. A good roofer explains each finding and points to the photo.
Questions to ask your roofer
- Which photo shows each finding, and where on the roof is it?
- Is this from the recent storm, or older wear?
- What happens if I wait a year?
- Can you be there when the adjuster inspects?
Common questions
What does hail damage look like on a shingle roof?
On asphalt shingles, hail usually leaves round, random dark spots where the protective granules were knocked off, sometimes with a soft or bruised feel underneath, and sometimes cracked or broken shingles. Dents in soft metal such as vents, gutters and flashing are common signs the storm was strong enough to matter.
How long do I have to file a roof claim after a hail storm?
It depends on your policy and your state. Many policies require a claim within one to two years of the storm, and some require prompt notice. Check your policy or ask your insurance company for the exact deadline.
Does a roofer decide whether insurance pays?
No. A roofer documents what they saw on the roof. Your insurance company decides coverage after its own adjuster inspects. The inspection report and photos help that conversation.
What do minor, moderate and severe mean in a roof report?
They describe how much a finding affects the roof's ability to shed water now and over time. Minor is usually cosmetic or worth watching, moderate usually calls for repair, and severe usually means the area is failing or close to it. Ask your inspector to point to the photo behind each one.
Should I get more than one inspection?
You can. A second opinion is reasonable, especially before a large repair. A good report shows photos of each finding so anyone can see what the inspector saw.
See what an interactive roof report looks like, with photos, findings and an assistant for your questions.
Open the sample reportThis guide is general information, not insurance or legal advice. Your policy and your state's rules decide what applies to you.