Most Florida homeowners associate roof damage with hurricanes and wind. But hail is a significant and underestimated threat to Pinellas County roofs. Florida ranks in the top 10 states for hail events, with Pinellas County experiencing multiple hail-producing thunderstorms per year, typically during the spring and summer afternoon storm cycle. Understanding what hail damage looks like, how to document it, and how to navigate the insurance process can save you thousands.
Identifying Hail Damage by Roof Material
Asphalt Shingles
Hail damage on shingles has distinctive characteristics:
- Random pattern: Hail hits randomly across the roof surface, NOT in uniform lines (which indicates foot traffic or manufacturing defect).
- Circular bruises: Each impact creates a roughly circular depression where granules have been knocked away, exposing the dark asphalt mat underneath.
- Soft to the touch: Fresh hail bruises feel "mushy" when pressed, because the impact has fractured the fiberglass mat beneath the surface.
- Granule displacement: Look in your gutters and downspouts after a hailstorm. Excess granules (beyond normal weathering) indicate shingle impact.
- Not always visible from ground: Hail damage often requires roof-level or close-range inspection to confirm. What looks fine from 30 feet below may show clear damage up close.
Metal Roofing
- Dents: Circular indentations in the metal surface. Size corresponds to hail size.
- Paint damage: PVDF (Kynar) paint systems resist hail better than SMP paint. Look for cracked or chipped paint at impact points.
- Cosmetic vs functional: Small dents in standing seam don't typically affect waterproofing. Large dents that crease the panel can compromise the seal.
Tile Roofing
- Cracks and fractures: Tile is brittle. Hail cracks concrete tile and chips clay tile.
- Hidden damage: Cracked tiles may not leak immediately (the underlayment provides backup) but will deteriorate rapidly.
- Pattern matching: Insurance adjusters look for impact marks that align with the storm's direction.
Hail Size and Damage Correlation
| Hail Size | Diameter | Shingle Impact | Metal Impact | Tile Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pea | 1/4" | Minor granule loss on aging shingles | No visible damage | No damage |
| Marble | 1/2" | Granule loss, soft spots on older shingles | Minor dents (thin gauge) | Minor chips possible |
| Penny/Nickel | 3/4" | Clear bruising, granule displacement | Visible dents | Cracks possible |
| Quarter | 1" | Significant damage, mat fracture | Noticeable dents | Cracks likely |
| Golf ball | 1.75" | Severe damage, replacement needed | Major dents, paint failure | Breakage |
| Tennis ball+ | 2.5"+ | Catastrophic, penetration possible | Panel deformation | Destruction |
Filing a Hail Damage Insurance Claim in Florida
Step 1: Document Immediately
- Note the exact date and time of the hailstorm
- Check weather records (NWS storm reports confirm hail in your area, which supports your claim)
- Photograph hailstones if possible (place a coin next to them for size reference)
- Document damage to other property: car dents, damaged screens, dented AC units, broken plants. These corroborate hail occurrence.
Step 2: Professional Inspection
- Have a licensed roofer inspect your roof within 1-2 weeks of the event
- A good roofer will photograph each damage point with close-ups showing the characteristic bruise pattern
- They'll measure the density of hits (impacts per 10x10 foot "test square") to establish the extent of damage
- This documentation is critical for your claim
Step 3: File the Claim
- Contact your insurer and file a claim referencing the specific date of the hail event
- Provide your roofer's inspection report and photos
- Request that the insurance adjuster inspect at roof level, not just from the ground
- Have your roofer present during the adjuster's inspection if possible
Step 4: Review the Assessment
- Compare the adjuster's scope to your roofer's findings
- If the adjuster finds fewer damaged areas, request a re-inspection with your roofer present to point out damage
- If damage exceeds 25% of roof area, the 25% rule triggers full replacement to current code
- For disputed claims over $10,000, consider a public adjuster (10% of claim)
Preventing Hail Damage: Impact-Rated Materials
Class 4 impact resistance (the highest rating, per UL 2218) means the material withstands a 2-inch steel ball dropped from 20 feet without cracking. Materials with this rating:
| Product | Type | Impact Rating | Cost Premium vs Standard | Insurance Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GAF Timberline AS II | Shingle | Class 4 | +$1,500-3,000 | 15-30% |
| OC Duration STORM | Shingle | Class 4 | +$1,500-3,500 | 15-30% |
| CertainTeed Landmark PRO IR | Shingle | Class 4 | +$1,500-3,000 | 15-30% |
| Standing Seam Metal (24ga) | Metal | Class 4 | N/A (inherent) | 20-35% |
| DECRA Stone-Coated Steel | Metal Shingle | Class 4 | N/A (inherent) | 15-25% |
| DaVinci Synthetic Slate | Polymer | Class 4 | N/A (inherent) | 15-25% |
The insurance savings from Class 4 impact-rated materials typically pay for the upgrade within 2-4 years. After that, it's pure savings for the remaining 20+ year roof life. If you're in an area with any hail history (which includes all of Pinellas County), impact-rated materials are the financially smart choice.
Get a Post-Hail Inspection
If you've experienced a hailstorm, schedule a free roof inspection before filing your claim. We'll document damage with professional photography and measurements that support your insurance filing. Available across St. Petersburg,Clearwater, and all of Pinellas County.