Storm-season volume
After a major hail or wind event, field adjusters may be scheduled for many roofs a day. Short visits make it easy to skip a slope or miss smaller items.
The short answer
If storm damage was missed, it does not mean it isn't covered. It means it hasn't been documented and proven yet.
Insurance companies routinely review new information after the first inspection. Many carriers have staff whose whole job is reviewing added items. What gets damage paid is clear evidence: the storm date, photos of each damaged area, measurements, and a scope that matches what is actually on your roof.
Why it happens
How damage gets missed
Most adjusters are doing their best. After a big storm, a lot works against a complete inspection.
Not every slope was walked
Steep, tall or wet roofs are often checked from a ladder or the ground. Damage on the back or upper slopes can go unseen.
Hail damage can be hard to see
A hail bruise that cracked the shingle mat is often felt as a soft spot before it is visible. On flat roofs, hail can fracture the membrane under the surface with almost no sign from above.
The whole roof system wasn't checked
Ridge caps, vents, flashing, skylights, gutters, and other soft metals are easy to leave off. Dents in soft metals are also key proof of hail size and direction.
Hidden and code items
Extra shingle layers, damaged decking, drip edge, ice and water shield, and ventilation required by local code are often not on the first estimate.
Measurement errors
Wrong square footage, pitch, or waste factor can shrink an estimate even when the damage itself was found.
Know the difference
What qualifies as damage, and what doesn't
This is where most claims are won or lost. Insurance pays for sudden storm damage, not age and wear. Your inspector has to tell the two apart and show the proof.
Usually qualifies Storm damage
- Hail fractures and bruisesImpacts that crack the shingle mat or knock granules loose down to the asphalt.
- Wind-creased or torn shinglesShingles lifted past their seal, creased, cracked or missing, even if most are still in place.
- Punctured or fractured membranesHail strikes on flat roofs, including fractures under the surface of the membrane.
- Cracked tile, slate or metal panelsFresh breaks and dents that let water in or shorten the roof's life.
- Damage found during tear-offWet or broken decking and flashing tied to the covered storm.
Usually doesn't Wear and other causes
- Normal aging and weatheringGranule loss, curling and cracking that build up over years.
- Blistering and manufacturing defectsThese can look like hail but have a different cause. They may fall under a manufacturer warranty instead.
- Foot traffic and tool marksScuffs, scrapes and dents from people, equipment or prior work.
- Old or prior damageDamage from an earlier storm that was already paid or never repaired.
- Cosmetic-only dentsSome policies exclude dents that don't affect how the roof sheds water. Check your policy for a cosmetic damage exclusion.
Test squares
A 10 ft × 10 ft square on each slope, with every hit counted and photographed.
Fresh vs. old breaks
New hail breaks are bright with sharp edges. Weathering cracks are gray and rounded.
Storm verification
Hail size and date matched to weather records for your address.
What happens next
From missed damage to a complete scope
Every claim is different, but this is the usual order.
Review the adjuster's estimate
Compare what was written against what is on your roof. Look for missing slopes, items, layers and measurements.
You and our teamfor freeFull inspection of the roof system
Our trained inspectors check every slope and every component. We mark test squares, take dated photos, measure, and verify the storm date and hail size.
Our teamby drone or on the roofDamage report submitted
We prepare a detailed photo report and line-item scope that shows what was missed and why it is storm damage. It goes to your insurance company for review.
Our teamyou keep a copyRe-inspection, if needed
If the carrier wants to see it, you can ask for a re-inspection. We meet the adjuster at the property and walk the roof together, showing each item in person.
Adjuster and our teamat your propertyUpdated estimate and the work gets done
Approved items are added to your claim, and the work is performed by a licensed Approved Contractor.
Carrier decidesthen an Approved Contractor builds
If you still disagree
Many policies include an appraisal clause for disagreements over the amount of a loss, and every state has a department of insurance that takes consumer complaints. Your agent or an attorney can explain those options. Our job is the roof: documenting the damage and proving it to anyone who asks.
Don't wait too long
Policies set time limits for reporting damage and for reopening a claim, often counted from the date of the storm. Check the "Duties After Loss" section of your policy, and contact us as soon as you think something was missed.
Why it matters who looks
You need someone who knows the difference
Calling everything damage gets a report ignored. Missing real damage costs you a roof. SkyView Restoration Group is a team of roofing experts with 25+ years in insurance restoration, working with our roofing partners, Precision Construction and River City Roofing.
- We've seen every side of a claim. Our team has worked alongside engineers, consultants, attorneys, carriers and roofing experts nationwide.
- We document, we don't guess. Every finding has a photo, a location and a reason.
- We check the whole system. Shingles, tile, metal, flat roofs, flashing, vents, gutters and code items.
- Full attention on you. We take the time to get it right. Construction is performed by licensed Approved Contractors.
No damage? You still get a clear answer.
If we don't find storm damage, we'll tell you straight and give you a Clearance Certificate to keep on file for your insurance and any future storm claim.
Talk to our team
Think something was missed?
Tell us about your roof and your claim. We'll review your estimate, inspect the whole roof system for free, and give you a damage report you keep.
Call or text
(865) 355-4307
Email