Why hail claims split into two numbers
Hail damage to asphalt shingles is often subtle from the ground: bruised mat, displaced granules, fractured fiberglass beneath the surface. One adjuster counts eight hits per test square and approves a full slope; another counts five and calls it repairable. Add brittle older shingles that can’t be repaired without breaking more, a discontinued color, and code-required underlayment, and two honest estimates can be thousands of dollars apart.
What we document on an Illinois roof
- Hits per 10×10 test square on every slope and elevation, with chalk-circled photos.
- Collateral damage — gutters, downspouts, window wraps, AC fins, soft metals — that confirms hail size and direction.
- Shingle brittleness and repairability, including whether sealed tabs can be lifted without damage.
- Layers, decking condition, ice-and-water shield, drip edge and ventilation requirements.
- Pitch, height and access charges that apply to steep or two-story roofs.
Matching and siding
Hail claims in Illinois usually involve siding too. When undamaged siding can’t be matched to replacement pieces, the question becomes how far the repair has to extend. Policy language, Illinois claim-handling rules and the actual product availability all bear on that answer. We document color, profile and exposure so the panel can see the mismatch rather than argue about it.
Prior damage and wear arguments
If your area has had more than one hailstorm, the carrier may say some damage predates its policy or results from age. We use storm-date data, the condition of collateral metals and the freshness of fractures to separate one event from another. If the carrier is denying coverage outright rather than disputing cost, we’ll tell you that appraisal may not be the right tool.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know the date of the hailstorm?
Weather-data services and National Weather Service storm reports can show hail events near your address. We include that history in our file.
My shingles are only lightly marked. Is it worth appraisal?
It depends on the roof’s age, repairability and how much siding and metal damage is included. A short estimate review usually answers that.