Frequently Asked Questions

Hail damage isn't always visible from the ground — granule loss, bruised shingles, and dented flashing are signs that require a close inspection. A thorough evaluation covers the full roof surface, not just obvious impact marks, because degraded shingles lose protective function before they visibly fail. A no-cost storm inspection is the fastest way to confirm what actually happened.

The process begins with a full roof inspection and photo documentation of all damage. Those findings go to your insurance adjuster, who reviews the scope and approves or disputes coverage. Once approved, repairs are completed to insurer specifications and the insurance company is billed directly — you're responsible only for your deductible.

Storm damage from hail and wind is among the most commonly covered losses under homeowners insurance in Michigan. Filing makes sense when damage is widespread enough that repair costs exceed your deductible — which is often the case after Oakland County hailstorms. Accurate documentation determines whether the claim gets approved at the right scope, which is where experienced contractors add real value.

Insurers expect photographs of every damaged section, close-up evidence of granule loss or shingle bruising, and documentation of compromised flashing or penetrations. A written scope matching the damage to each affected material strengthens the claim. Adjusters are trained to approve what's clearly documented — gaps in documentation often result in reduced settlements.

Southeast Michigan sits in a corridor prone to severe convective storms tracking northeast from Indiana and Ohio, producing hail that frequently reaches golf-ball size in Oakland County. Asphalt shingles lose granule protection with each impact, and aluminum gutters and siding dent even from smaller stones. Many homeowners don't realize the damage is covered until an experienced inspector documents it.

Repair targets isolated failures — missing shingles, cracked flashing, or a localized leak source — when the surrounding roof surface is structurally sound. Replacement is warranted when the decking shows rot, flashing failures are widespread, or ice dam cycles have compromised the entire system. The condition of the deck and underlayment, not just the visible shingles, determines which option actually solves the problem.

Ice dams form when heat escaping through the roof deck melts snow, which refreezes at the cold eave edge and forces water back under shingles. Over time, water reaches decking, insulation, and interior ceilings. Ice dam damage is often covered under homeowners insurance when it results in structural water intrusion — documentation of where water entered and what it affected is critical to claim approval.

Installation begins with removing existing shingles and inspecting the decking for rot or structural damage. Ice and water shield goes in at the eaves first, followed by underlayment across the full deck, then shingles installed to manufacturer specifications. Flashing at every penetration and valley is replaced, and all joints are sealed. When complete, water drains fully off the slope and no exposed fasteners or open seams remain.

Gutter damage caused by hail, falling limbs, or wind-driven debris is typically covered when it's part of a broader storm damage claim. Insurers look for documentation showing damage to hangers, seams, end caps, or sections pulling from fascia — not wear from normal aging. Filing gutters alongside a roof or siding claim is common when the same storm caused all three failures.

Both are manufacturer-granted credentials requiring verified installation training, licensing, and customer satisfaction standards — not available to all applicants. Owens Corning and GAF extend enhanced warranties only through credentialed contractors, meaning lifetime warranty eligibility depends on who installs the product. Homeowners who use non-credentialed contractors may lose access to the strongest warranty tiers the shingle manufacturer offers.

Water typically travels along rafters or sheathing before dripping visibly inside, so interior staining is a late indicator. Earlier signs include granules accumulating in gutters after rain, flashing pulling away from chimneys or vents, and shingles that feel spongy underfoot. Catching a leak at the flashing or shingle level prevents it from reaching insulation or framing where repair costs increase significantly.

Repair works well when damage is isolated to a few panels and the surrounding siding is structurally sound with acceptable weatherproofing. Full replacement becomes the better choice when moisture has reached the wall sheathing beneath, multiple sections are failing, or matching the existing profile and color accurately isn't achievable. The decision point is whether water intrusion risk is contained to visible panels or has already moved behind the surface.