On this page
New Orleans homeowners think about wind and water. Hail rarely comes up, and that is exactly why hail damage goes unclaimed here.
Hail is less frequent on the Gulf Coast than in the plains states, but it does arrive, usually inside the severe thunderstorms that build over the lake and the river through spring and summer. Because nobody is expecting it, the damage sits unnoticed for months. By the time the leak shows up in a ceiling, the storm date is hard to prove and the claim is harder to win.
Understanding Hail Damage
Hail damage refers to the harm caused by hailstones impacting your roof. This damage is unpredictable and varies based on roofing materials. For example, asphalt shingles may show bruises or lose granules, while wood shingles can develop splits or dents.
It’s crucial to distinguish hail damage from other issues, like wind or animal damage, as manufacturing defects can be mistaken for hail damage. A keen eye is essential for identifying the true cause.
Types of Roof Surface Damage
There are various forms of damage that can occur to roof surfaces, each presenting unique challenges and requiring specific attention. Common types of roof surface damage include punctures, which may arise from falling debris or severe weather conditions, leading to potential leaks and structural issues.
Asphalt Shingles Impact
Hail impacts asphalt shingles by leaving bruises or dents that damage protective granules, exposing the asphalt to UV rays and elements. Severe impacts can cause bald spots and soft areas that may lead to leaks over time.
Asphalt shingles typically show more granule loss and bruising compared to wood shingles, and manufacturing defects can look similar to hail damage, making professional inspections essential. Insurance companies often require multiple impact marks in one area for damage claims.
Wood Shingle Deterioration
Wood shingles respond differently; they can crack or shatter from large hailstones, making damage easier to identify. The random damage patterns can result in noticeable breaks, particularly in second-layer installations that lack dense support.
Severe storms can damage up to 30% of wood shingles, sometimes necessitating complete replacement. Insurance assessments also depend on the number of hits across various roof areas.
Metal Roof Effects
Metal roofs usually dent rather than crack, which doesn’t affect performance immediately but can lead to structural issues over time. They can accumulate multiple dents from a single storm, and while metal roofs are durable, repeated strikes can reduce their lifespan.
Insurance coverage evaluates the quantity and depth of dents, similar to other roofing materials. Clay and slate roofs also show clear damage signs, making assessment and repair easier.
Why Hail Damage Gets Missed in New Orleans
Three things work against homeowners in this market.
Nobody goes looking. After a summer thunderstorm most people check for branches and standing water. Hail bruising is not on the list, so nobody climbs up to look for it.
The damage is quiet. Hail rarely punches through a shingle. It bruises the mat underneath and knocks the protective granules loose. From the ground the roof looks fine. What has actually happened is that the shingle lost the layer that shields it from sun, and in a climate with this much summer heat that shingle now ages much faster than the ones around it.
Humidity finishes the job. A bruised shingle holds moisture. Between the humidity here and the heat, a spot of hail damage that would sit harmless in a dry state turns into rot and a leak within a season or two.
The practical consequence: check the roof after any severe thunderstorm, not only after a named storm. Look at the gutters and downspouts for granule buildup, which is the easiest sign to spot from the ground.
Identifying and Assessing Damage
The process of recognizing and evaluating damage to roof surfaces is crucial for maintaining the integrity and longevity of a building. This involves a thorough inspection to detect any signs of wear, deterioration, or structural compromise that may have occurred due to environmental factors, such as severe weather conditions or prolonged exposure to the elements.
1. Inspect the Roof from the Ground
Start by examining your roof from the ground for safety and a broad view of potential damage. Look for spots where shingles are missing or dented, noting any issues with roof accessories like leaf guards or gutter screens.
2. Examine Shingles for Damage
A closer inspection of shingles reveals hail damage signs, such as missing granules or punctures. Check all areas methodically, as different shingle types show damage in various ways, helping you catch issues early.
3. Detecting Hidden Problems
Some damage may not be immediately visible. Feel shingles for soft spots to detect bruising and check gutter guards for deformities, as hail can cause hidden damage in less obvious places.
4. Check for Interior Leaks
Inside your home, look for leaks indicated by water stains on ceilings or walls. Inspect the attic for moisture or light, which signals roof breaches. Proper roof maintenance can prevent these issues.
5. Identify Non-Hail Damage
Not all roof damage is from hail. Learn to distinguish hail damage from regular wear and tear or poor installation. Genuine hail impacts are typically scattered and show specific signs like dents or missing shingles. Recognizing these differences is crucial for accurate assessments and claims.
Steps After Discovering Damage
Upon identifying any damage, it is crucial to take a systematic approach to address the situation effectively. Follow up on the repair process to ensure that the damage is addressed satisfactorily and that any necessary preventive measures are put in place to avoid future occurrences.
Schedule a Professional Inspection Promptly
If you suspect hail damage, act quickly. First, inspect your roof for dents, damaged shingles, and leaks. Use a tarp to cover any visible damage to demonstrate your efforts to prevent further issues to your insurance company.
It’s advisable to have a professional contractor conduct a free inspection, as we can identify problems you might overlook. This step is essential because insurance companies often have specific criteria for coverage, such as needing a certain number of damaged spots in a defined area. For safety, let us handle the inspection.
Assess Damage Severity
After the inspection, evaluate the extent of the damage with your contractor. They should provide a detailed report, including photos for your insurance claim. Look for damage patterns, as some policies require multiple impacted areas, such as at least eight spots in a 10-foot by 10-foot section across three locations.
Check your contractor’s Louisiana license. Louisiana requires contractors to be licensed through the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors, and any legitimate roofer will give you the number without being asked twice. After a big storm, out-of-state crews arrive in New Orleans looking for quick work, take deposits, and leave. Ask for the license number, then verify it. TurnKey Roofer holds Louisiana Residential License #890459 and Commercial License #3667. Comparing your home to nearby properties may also be beneficial.
Decide on Repair or Replacement
Once the damage is assessed, decide whether to repair or replace the roof based on the level of damage and your insurance policy. Sometimes insurance may view severe damage as cosmetic, which could complicate coverage for a replacement and impact your policy renewal.
This can be frustrating if you believe the damage is significant. Weigh the pros and cons of repair versus replacement, consider long-term benefits and costs, and consult your contractor for the best options.
Think Your Roof Took Hail? Get It Looked At
Hail damage is worth finding early, while the storm date is still documentable and the claim is still straightforward.
We inspect roofs across New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, Slidell, Covington, Mandeville, Gretna, Harahan, LaPlace, River Ridge, St. Rose, Madisonville, Hammond and Baton Rouge. Louisiana Residential License #890459. Commercial License #3667.
We handle residential hail damage repair and commercial hail damage, and we can take the insurance claim on for you.
Call (504) 226-7070 for a free hail inspection, or reach out through our contact page.
Hail Damage FAQs for New Orleans Homeowners
Does it hail in New Orleans?
Yes, though less often than wind and rain damage. Hail here usually arrives inside severe spring and summer thunderstorms, which is why the damage often goes unnoticed.
How long do I have to file a hail claim in Louisiana?
Policies set their own reporting windows and Louisiana law sets outer limits, so file as soon as you find the damage. The longer you wait, the easier it is for a carrier to argue the damage came from age rather than a specific storm.
Can I see hail damage from the ground?
Rarely. The reliable ground-level sign is granule buildup in the gutters and at the bottom of downspouts. Everything else needs someone on the roof.
What does hail damage repair cost in New Orleans?
It depends on how much of the roof was struck, whether the decking underneath got wet, and whether the whole slope needs replacing to match. A free inspection gives you a real figure rather than a guess, and tells you whether the claim covers it.
Will filing a hail claim raise my premium?
Ask your agent before you file. Carriers treat weather claims differently from liability claims, and the answer varies by policy. Weigh it against the cost of leaving damage to worsen through a New Orleans summer, which is rarely the cheaper option.
