How Much Hail Damage to Replace Roof?

How to Spot a Storm Damage

When looking for hail damage, several indicators can tell you if your roof has sustained significant damage. Keep in mind that a professional roof inspection is the best way to confirm hail damage, but these are signs you can look for immediately after a storm.

Visibly Damaged Shingles

Check your roofing shingles for any signs of damage. Asphalt shingles and wood shingles may show signs of impact from large hailstones, such as dents, bruises, or even missing shingles. On metal roofing, hail hits can cause dents or damage entire panels.

Roof Leaks

One clear sign of severe damage is roof leaks. Damage caused by hail can lead to roof leaks, especially in flat roofs or in roofs made from certain roofing materials like wood shake roofs.

Damaged Roof Flashing

Inspect your roof flashing. Hail damage can lead to bent or broken flashing, which can potentially cause further damage to your roof. A reliable roofer may offer a free roof inspection to determine the extend of these damages.

Roof Vents and Other Structures

Roof vents, chimneys, and other structures on your roof are not immune to hail damage. Dents, cracks, or other visible damage on these structures may indicate a hail-damaged roof.

Hail Damage in Wooded or Urban Areas

Hail damage might not be limited to just your roof. If you live in wooded or urban areas, check for damage to surrounding trees and buildings, which might give you an indication of the storm's severity.

Look for Granules in Gutters

If you have asphalt roofing shingles, check your gutters for granule loss. A lot of granules in your gutters could suggest your roof has sustained hail damage.

Missing Shingles

If you find missing shingles after a hail storm, this could indicate substantial roof hail damage.



How Much Hail Damage to Replace Roof?

When deciding whether a roof should be repaired or replaced due to hail damage, the extent of the damage is a critical factor. But how much hail damage is too much? What constitutes 'extensive' damage that warrants a full roof replacement? Here are some key factors to consider:

Percentage of Damaged Roof

A crucial factor in determining whether a roof needs to be replaced is the percentage of the damaged roof. A repair might be sufficient if only a small section of your roof has sustained hail damage. However, if a large portion - typically over 30 to 40% - of your roof is damaged, opting for a full roof replacement is often more cost-effective.

Structural Damage

Any signs of structural damage, such as a sagging roof or significant denting that may compromise the roof's structural integrity, usually warrant a roof replacement. Even if the damage appears localized, it could signify more widespread issues that aren't immediately visible.

Age and Condition of the Roof

The age and condition of your roof before the hail storm can also influence the decision. If your roof was already nearing the end of its lifespan or was in poor condition, it might be more economical to replace rather than repair it, even if the hail damage is not extensive.

Underlayment and Decking Damage

Suppose the hail storm was severe enough to damage the visible roofing material (shingles, tiles, metal panels) and the underlying roof deck and underlayment. In that case, replacement is usually the better choice.

The Extent of Interior Damage

If the hail damage has led to leaks causing significant interior damage - such as water stains, mold, or structural damage inside your home - a full roof replacement might be necessary to ensure the roof is adequately sealed and protected.

Repair vs. Replace: Comparing the Two Options

Deciding between roof repair and roof replacement after hail damage often depends on the extent of the damage, the age of the roof, and advice from professional roofing contractors. Here are six signs that suggest it might be time to replace your roof rather than repair it.

Persistent Roof Leaks

Roof leaks resulting from hail damage are common, and while some may be patchable, persistent leaks are often a sign that a full roof replacement is necessary. These leaks can indicate more significant structural issues that patching or minor repairs cannot resolve.

Significant Granule Loss

While minor granule loss from asphalt shingles can be expected over time, a significant loss of granules due to a hail storm often indicates a need for replacement. Granules protect the shingles from UV rays and weather; their loss can lead to accelerated roof aging.

Widespread Shingle Damage

If a large portion of your shingles is cracked, dented, or missing following a hail storm, replacing the entire roof may be more economical and safer. Repairing individual shingles across a large area can be time-consuming and costly.

Recurring Repair Costs

If your roof has suffered multiple bouts of hail damage and you find yourself repeatedly paying for repairs, it might be time to consider a full roof replacement. Over time, the cost of continual repairs can exceed the cost of a new roof, making replacement the financially sound choice.



How Much Does Hail Damage Repair Cost?

Repair costs for hail damage vary widely based on the severity of the damage, the size of your roof, and the type of roofing material. A homeowner's insurance may cover even the most significant hail damage issues.

however, you still need to know how much it will cost you. Here's a look at the potential cost of replacing different types of roofs after hail damage:

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are among the most common roofing materials. The cost to replace asphalt shingles that have suffered hail damage can range from $350 to $550 per square (a 'square' in roofing terms equals 100 square feet). This pricing can include removing the damaged shingles, installing new roof shingles, and disposing of the old material.

Wood Shingles

Wood shingles are typically more expensive to replace than asphalt shingles. The cost for wood shingles can range from $700 to $1000 per square, depending on the type and quality of the wood used. Hail damage to wood shingles can cause cracks or splits in the wood, necessitating replacement.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is more resistant to hail damage than asphalt or wood shingles, but it can still sustain damage from large hailstones. The cost to replace damaged metal roofing can range from $1200 to $1500 per square. This cost can fluctuate based on the type of metal used and the complexity of the installation.

Flat Roofs

Flat roofs, often made from materials like PVC, TPO, or EPDM, can also sustain hail damage. The cost to replace these materials can range from $300 to $500 per square, though costs can vary widely based on the specific material and the extent of the damage.

Tile Roofs

Tile roofs, which include clay, concrete, and slate tiles, can be significantly more expensive to replace. The cost can range from $1000 to $1500 per square or even higher for premium materials like slate.

It's important to note that these costs are estimates, and repair or replacement costs can be higher or lower based on various factors. It's always a good idea to get a professional inspection and multiple quotes from experienced roofing contractors to understand the full scope of the damage and the associated costs.

Conclusion

It's worth noting that determining whether a roof should be repaired or replaced due to hail damage should not be a decision you make alone. Always consult a professional roofing contractor who can assess the damage and provide expert advice based on your situation. Furthermore, your homeowner's insurance company can also provide guidance, especially as their coverage may influence the financial aspect of the decision.

Nova Home Improvements is one of the best companies offering roof inspection and hail damage repairs. Consulting with such a company can help you make a more informed decision.