After a hail or windstorm, stay clear of downed lines, photograph damage from the ground, cover any openings with a tarp, and report the claim to your insurer. Hail damage often doesn't leak right away, so have a roofer inspect and document bruised shingles, lifted tabs, and dented metal even if nothing is dripping.
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Severe thunderstorms are a regular part of Georgia weather, especially in spring, when hail is most common across the state. Storms can also bring damaging straight-line winds, and occasionally tornadoes. Add Atlanta's dense tree canopy and you get three kinds of roof damage: hail impacts, wind-lifted or missing shingles, and limbs or whole trees on the house.
What storm damage looks like
- Hail: dark spots or bruises where granules were knocked off, cracked shingles, and dents in gutters, downspouts, metal vents, and AC fins. Granules collecting at downspout outlets can be a clue.
- Wind: creased, lifted, or missing shingles, exposed underlayment, and shingles in the yard. A crease along the top of a tab can mean the seal has broken even if the shingle is still there.
- Tree impact: punctured decking, broken rafters, and torn flashing. Even a large limb that doesn't go through can crack framing underneath.
Hail damage often doesn't leak right away. Bruised shingles can lose granules and fail months later, which is why an inspection after a significant hailstorm is worthwhile even if nothing is dripping.
What to do after a storm
- Make sure everyone is safe. Stay away from downed power lines and report them to Georgia Power or your electric co-op.
- If a tree is on the roof, keep people out of the rooms underneath until it's assessed.
- Photograph damage from the ground: the roof, gutters, siding, windows, cars, and hail on the ground with a coin or ruler for scale.
- Get any openings covered with an emergency tarp. Insurers generally expect homeowners to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage.
- Call your insurance company to report the claim, then have a roofer inspect and document the damage.
Working with insurance
Storm damage to a roof is commonly covered under homeowners insurance, but policies differ. Some Georgia policies carry a separate wind or hail deductible, sometimes a percentage of the home's insured value rather than a flat amount. Read your declarations page or ask your agent. An insurance adjuster will usually inspect the roof; many homeowners have their roofer meet the adjuster so damage isn't missed.
Georgia law includes specific protections for homeowners who sign a residential roofing contract that depends on an insurance claim being approved, including a limited right to cancel if the claim is denied. Read any contract carefully before signing, and contact the Georgia Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire if you have questions about a claim.
Watch out for storm chasers
After big hail events, out-of-area crews often go door to door. Many are legitimate, but be cautious of anyone who:
- Pressures you to sign on the spot or asks for a large payment upfront.
- Offers to "cover" or waive your deductible. That can be a form of insurance fraud.
- Can't show proof of insurance or a local business address.
- Asks you to sign a document that hands control of your insurance claim to them.
Need someone to look at storm damage? Request a roofing contractor and mention the date of the storm.
Frequently asked questions
When is hail season in Georgia?
Hail can fall any time severe thunderstorms occur, but in Georgia it is most common in spring, roughly March through May, with additional storms in early summer.
Does homeowners insurance cover hail damage to my roof?
Hail and wind damage are commonly covered, but policies vary. Some Georgia policies have a separate wind or hail deductible, sometimes set as a percentage of the home's insured value. Check your policy or ask your agent.
Is it okay for a roofer to pay my deductible?
Be wary of any contractor who offers to waive, absorb, or rebate your deductible. It can amount to misrepresenting the cost of the claim to your insurer, which can create legal problems for you.