Hail Damage Restoration: Services and Process
Hail damage restoration covers the full spectrum of assessment, repair, and rebuilding work required after hailstones strike residential or commercial structures. Hailstones ranging from 0.75 inches in diameter (the threshold at which the National Weather Service classifies hail as severe) to softball-sized stones measuring 4.5 inches or larger can compromise roofing membranes, siding, gutters, windows, HVAC equipment, and structural framing in a single event. This page explains how the restoration process is structured, what variants of damage fall under its scope, and what conditions determine the appropriate level of professional response.
Definition and scope
Hail damage restoration is the professional remediation of physical harm caused by hailstone impact to building envelopes and their components. Its scope extends from surface cosmetic damage — dents, bruising, and granule loss — to structurally significant failures such as cracked decking, breached flashing, and compromised insulation layers.
The practice sits within the broader storm damage restoration services overview, but hail events produce a distinct damage signature that separates them from wind-only or flood events. Hail strikes create circular or oval impact points, strip protective granules from asphalt shingles, and can fracture tempered glass or bend aluminum coping. Unlike flood damage, which is primarily moisture-driven, hail damage combines mechanical impact with subsequent water intrusion — meaning the remediation pathway must address both the breach point and any downstream moisture infiltration.
Contractors operating in this space are subject to state licensing requirements that vary by jurisdiction. The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) maintains published research on hail impact resistance ratings that inform both building material selection and post-storm assessment protocols. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart R) governs fall protection requirements for rooftop workers performing inspections and repairs.
How it works
Hail damage restoration follows a structured sequence. Skipping or compressing phases increases the likelihood of latent moisture damage, failed insurance claims, and premature material failure.
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Emergency stabilization — Within the first 24 to 72 hours after a storm, contractors install temporary protective coverings. Tarping and emergency board-up and tarping services prevent additional water from entering impact breach points before permanent repairs begin.
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Damage assessment and documentation — A qualified inspector evaluates all exterior surfaces systematically: roofing, gutters, siding, windows, and mechanical equipment. The storm damage assessment and inspection process includes photographic evidence collection, impact mapping, and material condition classification. This documentation is the foundation for insurance submissions.
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Insurance coordination — The policyholder files a claim, and an adjuster evaluates the loss. Contractors familiar with storm damage documentation for insurance standards prepare scope-of-loss reports that align with adjuster methodologies. The IBHS recommends third-party impact resistance ratings (e.g., FM 4473, UL 2218) as reference standards when disputes arise over damage severity.
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Material removal and substrate inspection — Damaged shingles, siding panels, or glazing units are removed to expose the substrate. Decking, sheathing, and framing are assessed for moisture infiltration, delamination, or structural compromise.
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Repair or replacement — Material selection depends on damage classification (see Decision Boundaries below). Work must meet local building codes, which in most jurisdictions reference the International Building Code (IBC) or the International Residential Code (IRC).
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Secondary inspection and quality verification — A final walkthrough confirms that all replaced materials meet code, that no breach points remain, and that drainage paths (gutters, downspouts, flashing) function correctly.
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Mold and moisture follow-up — Any water intrusion identified during assessment that penetrated interior assemblies triggers a parallel mold remediation after storm damage protocol, governed by the IICRC S520 Standard for Professional Mold Remediation.
Common scenarios
Hail events produce four primary damage scenarios, each with a distinct restoration pathway:
Roofing surface damage without substrate breach — Granule loss and impact bruising on asphalt shingles with intact decking beneath. Restoration involves shingle replacement and flashing inspection. This is the most common outcome for hailstones under 1.5 inches in diameter.
Full roof assembly failure — Hailstones 2 inches or larger fracture shingles, crack rigid foam underlayment, and allow water to reach the decking. The roof damage restoration after storm pathway applies, often requiring full tear-off and replacement of the roofing assembly.
Siding and exterior cladding impact — Vinyl siding cracks under hail impact; aluminum and steel siding dents without fracture. Wood siding may delaminate. The siding and exterior storm damage restoration process must also evaluate moisture infiltration behind the cladding plane, particularly at penetration points.
Window and glazing failure — Tempered glass resists fracture from hailstones below approximately 1.75 inches, but annealed glass and aged units are more vulnerable. Window and door storm damage restoration involves not only glazing replacement but weatherstrip, frame, and lintel assessment.
Decision boundaries
The central classification decision in hail damage restoration is repair versus replacement, which hinges on damage depth, material type, and code compliance:
| Condition | Repair pathway | Replacement pathway |
|---|---|---|
| Granule loss < 20% of shingle surface | Eligible | Not required |
| Granule loss ≥ 20% or fracture present | Not appropriate | Required |
| Siding dents, no cracking or moisture intrusion | Cosmetic repair eligible | Not required |
| Siding cracked or moisture intrusion confirmed | Not appropriate | Required |
| Glass cracked or seal broken | Glazing unit replacement | Full frame if structural damage found |
A secondary decision boundary governs contractor scope: general contractors handle surface replacement, while structural storm damage restoration specialists must be engaged when hail events coincide with wind loads that compromise roof framing, wall sheathing connections, or load-bearing assemblies.
Storm restoration contractor licensing and credentials requirements add a third boundary. Roofing contractors in states including Texas, Florida, and Minnesota must hold specific state-issued licenses to perform insurance-related repairs, and unlicensed work can void both warranties and insurance settlements. Verifying credential status before work begins is a procedural step enforced in many jurisdictions.
For cost structure variables associated with hail restoration projects, the storm damage restoration cost factors resource provides a breakdown by damage type, material class, and regional labor market.
References
- National Weather Service — Severe Weather Definitions (NOAA)
- Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS)
- OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart R — Fall Protection
- International Building Code (IBC) — ICC
- International Residential Code (IRC) — ICC
- IICRC S520 Standard for Professional Mold Remediation — Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification
- FM 4473 — Impact Resistance Testing of Rigid Roofing Materials (FM Approvals)
- UL 2218 — Standard for Impact Resistance of Prepared Roof Covering Materials (UL)