FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Hail damage?

mikehammer | Posted in General Discussion on May 6, 2003 02:05am

We just had a hail storm here in MI that lasted 10-20 minutes. The hail was marble sized and I now have loose roofing granules (from regular 3 tab shingles) all over the car, driveway, patio and I can see it on the roof too.

How do you determine if it’s time to call the insurance guys? The roof is the original and 20yrs old. Any ideas?

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. User avater
    IMERC | May 06, 2003 03:34am | #1

    Call the insurance guy.

  2. User avater
    Adele | May 06, 2003 03:53am | #2

    Mike- get a head start on your neighbors and call 3 roofing companies to come out and do a free estimate- then you'll have the paperwork to give to the insurance agent when he asks for it.

    (Estimates for roofs are free here in FLA, don't know about your state, shouldn't of made the assumption they were free)

    But, but, its SUPPOSED to taste like that!

  3. User avater
    rjw | May 06, 2003 04:00am | #3

    Ahh, 20 year old 3 tabs 

    You might get enough to buy the gas for a trip to the big box to price shingles, but probbly not enough for gas for the trip home.

    _______________________

    10 .... I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful.

    11 For no one can lay any other foundation than the one we already have--Jesus Christ.

    1 Corinthians 3:10-11

    1. User avater
      RichBeckman | May 06, 2003 04:11am | #4

      I've done one insurance roofing job. Supposedly it was for hail damage. For the life of me, I couldn't see any thing on that roof that looked like damage, let alone hail damage. It was worn out though. I did a complete tear off and reroof. Insurance thought I was two or three hundred dollars high but they payed the rest of it (minus the deductable I assume).

      So from my extremely limited experience of one roof I would say you've just got a free roof! Doesn't make any sense to me, but I hope it works out for you.

      Rich Beckman

      Another day, another tool.

      1. joeh | May 06, 2003 04:40am | #5

        Here in Sunny California, every Fall the Santa Ana winds blow. And when they do, fences with rotten posts blow over. And when they do, the Homeowners Insurance pays up to replace them.

        Joe H

      2. User avater
        ProBozo | May 06, 2003 04:46am | #6

        Just keep in mind the latest trend in home insurance...one claim, and the co. drops you (y'all know what co has been beat up in the news lately over this).  Me, even in a modest starter house, keep a high deductible, and will not make any claim under 10k$.  (Ann premium under $200).  That's what insurance is for, major loss.  Folks across street had adjuster on-site a couple weeks ago because their mailbox was vandalized.  Maybe $100 to replace the box and post.....far less than even a $500 ded.  Wasted time, and now they have a note in the ins. co's file....and in that database that they all share....ferget the name of the industry database -- blacklist thing.

        For a 20 y.o. roof, me, being the fair and ethical person I am (G), I'd figure to bite the bullet and consider it my turf.

  4. Piffin | May 06, 2003 06:25am | #7

    I re-roofed a lot of hail damage when I was in West Texas. It was a regular thing there, with roofs averaging 6-7 years between hail storms.

    HOs could buy two kinds of insurance for hail damage, depreciating life and total replacement.

    If you have total coverage, you should call a roofer to estimate it for the insurance.

    If you haver depreciating life, the roof was already worn out and fully depreciated but you should definitely call the roofer right away - or you will have another kind of claim.

    .

    Excellence is its own reward!

    1. User avater
      BillHartmann | May 06, 2003 03:21pm | #8

      Piffin, et al

      Are you sure about the coverage on the ROOF or is that the way that the whole house is covered? I have never heard of that variation in just roofing.

      There are several standard classifications of home owners insurance HO-1, HO-2, etc. But a couple of those are applicable for any given home. For example some renters and condos. Here is a list.

      http://home.quoteserv.com/homeowners/insurance_information.shtml

      But the actual policies have to be designed for each state and so the details of what is covered will vary. I think that for most HO insurnace the home are all covered for replacement value. However, that can vary. For example I don't think older house are often covered or replacement value.

      And here is another case. My house is 24 years old. Heavy laminated arch shingles (Timberline). About 10 years ago we had a hail storm and I did not realize that I had any damage until my neighbor was replacing his and he told me that he saw the damage when he was on his roof. I could see it when it was pointed out to me. So I filed a claim and got paid. But it was not that bad so I did not replace the roof at that time. While it is showing it's wear the section where the damage was is still is "reasonable" shape. However the front of the house, which no one can see except from a ladder, is getting bad and you can see the pock marks from the hail. A couple of years latter I changed insurance companies and when they check out the house they saw the condition of the roof so I have a rider that exclude the roof from replacement cost and thus it is only cash value on just the roof until it gets replaced.

      BTW, the contents portion of insurance does come either way and IMNSHO it is a waste of money to get anything other than replacement value on contents. The cost is not much more. In the typical claim it does not make that much difference. But in a big claim it can really make the difference.

      A WARNING FOR LURKERS -

      I know that there are typcially a lot more people read these than post and this is the type of question many people that are HO might see it. When there are large storms there are "repair specialist" that follow the storms. They are not know as "specialist" for their special ability to repair damage caused by storms, but rather the ability to repair the HO's bulging wallet. Any repair to the actual home is accidental and in some cases worse than the orginal.

      And there are people that will buy up local roofing companies (or "lease them" for a couple of months) so that they have a local name, address, and add in the yellow pages. SO BE CAREFUL.

      For something like hail damage the need for repairs are not immediate and if possible wait several months.

      INSURANCE CANCELLATION -

      I am in the KC area. We had a very bad, wide coverage ice storm last winter and will often have a "good" hail storm every couple of years. But for the most cases the damage only covers a small area.

      Anyway after the ice storm a number of people where getting non-renewal notices because of "excessinve" claims. Either pressure from the state insurance commission or a new law has changed that weather related damage is not counted in determining renewal. And now with the toronada I learn the news reports already commenting that the claims will not affect the insurance.

      But for any one that has any questions about whether to make a "small claim" they can check with there state insuracne comission to see what are the rules in your state.

      Also note that will large area of claims that the insurance companies will be scraping the bottom of the barrel for claims agents. When I had the hail damage the adjustor put down that I had a wood roof, not composition, and if was prcessed they only wanted to pay for replacing the damage shingles and not replacing the whole roof.

      1. Piffin | May 09, 2003 03:55am | #10

        RE your Q, This was in texas so maybe they had different policy levels than other states, but, Yes, some of the HOs had total roof coverage. I think it was sold as an optioonal rider.

        Good point about the traveling storm roofers. We called them "Hail Hounds", working out of the back of a station wagon..

        Excellence is its own reward!

  5. User avater
    BossHog | May 06, 2003 04:09pm | #9

    We had a hail storm last year that was pretty severe. I called our insurance company and asked them to look at our roofs. (2 houses) It was about 6 weeks before they came out due to the backlog of cases.

    They called me at work a couple of days later, and told me what they found. One house was fine, they said. (And I agreed) The other house had an older roof and was damaged. They said the roof on the house needed replaced, but not the garage. (It had a newer roof)

    There was some siding damage they said, but it looked old. I told them it was that way when I bought the house. (Which was true) So they didn't cover that.

    The adjuster said they would drop a check in the mail in a couple of days. I got it and put it in savings.

    I figure it's their business to determine what they're covering and what's a reasonable settlement. I didn't scam them or lie to them. So I don't see any problem with the settlement. So I'd suggest doing exactly what I did - Call the insurance company.

    BTW - I do plan to replace the roof. Just haven't gotten around to it yet.

    Don't confuse busiwork with productivity.

    1. Piffin | May 09, 2003 04:04am | #11

      Here's another interesting tidbit on this topic, more or less.

      A neighbor has a camp that is a rental house with a 2/12 roof and double coverage about ten or twelve years old. He bought new ionsurance coverage when he started renting it out and the insurance company sent out an inspector who apparently doidn't like the looks of the roof. They refused to cover him unless he got it re-roofed. Neighbor didn't like it but it makes sense when you consider that they were responsible for covering everything inside that might get damaged in a leak, not to mention that the sky's the limit with rentals..

      Excellence is its own reward!

  6. twogroovy | May 11, 2003 04:18am | #12

    Did you save any of them? They may or may not be proof. If you get an insurance fella to come out and assess your marbles, pay your deductable, start upping your premiums now, and learn how to patch shingles. The latter, the insurance man wouldn't know anything about.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business

Join some of the most experienced and recognized building professionals for two days of presentations, panel discussions, networking, and more.

Featured Video

How to Install Exterior Window Trim

Learn how to measure, cut, and build window casing made of cellular PVC, solid wood, poly-ash boards, or any common molding material. Plus, get tips for a clean and solid installation.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Building Codes
  • Old Boots Learn New Tricks
  • Install Denim Insulation Like a Pro

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data