Storm Damage Claim: How Insurers Determine Roof Repair or Replacement in San Antonio, Texas

March 21, 2025 6:25 am Published by Trishala Tiwari Storm damage claim goes hand-in-hand with San Antonio, Texas. Hail damage is the major cause of roof problems in the area. When a storm hits, most homeowners keep asking whether they would need a full replacement of their roof or repair would suffice- And most importantly, how would the insurance company decide that? Knowing the criteria set by the insurers in deciding a hail damage storm damage claim would make the process much smoother and easy for you.

The Inspection Procedure

After a storm, the first thing to do is call the insurance company and file a storm damage claim. The insurance company will send an adjuster to view the damage from the storm. It is very significant in whether you are going to be approved for repair or replacement of the entire roof. Some homeowners also tend to employ public adjusters or roofing contractors so that they can get a second kind of opinion. During an inspection, the adjuster starts looking for evidences of any damage due to storms and generally hail or wind. The visual assessment of roofing structure includes internal structures as well, to ensure safety and longevity.

Important Criteria to Evaluate Hail Damages

Insurance companies have various criteria which decide whether sufficient extent of hail damage has occurred and whether repairs or replacement are to take place:

Size and Impact of Hailstones:

Hailstones differ in sizes and may be tiny as peas or as big as a golf ball. They are less damaging the smaller they are; the bigger hail does much damage. Insurers commonly classify poor hails by their sizes and densities of nails impacts, to measure the damage levels.

Granule Loss on Shingles:

Protective granules coating asphalt shingles are knocked off by hail impacts, thus exposing their asphalt layer. This leads to the roofing being reduced in lifespan, and replacement would be ideal.

Bruising or Soft Spots:

Such dent-like features are sometimes not visible. The adjusters feel around for soft spots or bruising of the shingles. If the impact has breached the shingle’s integrity, water will find its way in and causes leaking and more damage over time.

Cracks or Breaks:

Clear signs reveal that there is absolutely severe damage due to hail on the roof covering. The cracks allow moisture to penetrate into the roof leading to the rot and mold issues in the inside of the house.

Age and Condition of the Roof:

An older roof, having existing wear-and-tear, is more plausible to be needed for replacement after the storm. Insurers evaluate whether the roof was approaching the end of its life cycle on expectations.

Percentage of Damage:

This is the rule of thumb many insurers follow: damage to over a certain percentage (say 25-30%) of a roof warrants a full replacement rather than repairs.

When Repairs Are Enough

Your insurer would recommend repairs as opposed to full-on replacement of the roof when the damage is minor and localized. Right here are some examples:

A few missing shingles that can be matched and replaced.
Limited granule loss without structural compromise.
Minor dents or cosmetic damage that doesn’t affect the roof’s performance.

When you need a full replacement.

If the roof is no longer structurally sound, or if the damage is extensive, insurers will be more likely to approve a full replacement. This is typically warranted by:

Granule loss widespread which creates exposure to the asphalt layer.
Shingles that are cracked, broken, or missing, many.
Decking or underlayment structural damage.
Soft spots are indicative of moisture intrusion.

Storm Damage Claim Success Tips

Document the Damage: Take clear photos and videos of your roof, gutters, siding, and everything else outside immediately after the storm. This will prove invaluable in providing evidence toward your claim.
Get a Pro Opinion: Have a trustworthy roofing contractor in the city of San Antonio come and offer a comprehensive inspection and estimate for the damage incurred. This, too, can help validate your claim to insurance.
Know Your Policy: Read your homeowner’s insurance policy and see what it is covering, not only deductibles but also what is being excluded for storm damage.
Do Not Delay: Most insurance companies want a claim to be made as soon as possible after the storm. Any delays caused may have the claim denied or disputed as to whether the storm caused it or not because of the neglect.
Consider a Public Adjuster: A licensed public adjuster may advocate on your behalf if you think the insurance adjuster has underestimated the damage or wrongly denied your claim.

Concluding Thoughts

Claiming storm damage in San Antonio, Texas, is quite daunting; however, knowing how insurers weigh damage caused by hail to a roof puts one in a more favorable position. By documenting damage, getting professional assessments, and knowing your policy, you improve the odds that you will be able to reach a fair outcome-whether in roof repairs or a complete roof replacement. When a storm hits, don’t wait. Secure your property and move quickly so that your roof can receive the care it needs-and your storm damage claims the attention it deserves.