After a hailstorm, many commercial property owners and homeowners may assume that if their roof is still intact, everything is fine. Unfortunately, what appears to be minor hail damage today can evolve into major structural issues that cost thousands—or even millions—down the road.
Insurance companies know this. That’s why they often downplay hail damage or outright deny claims, hoping policyholders will accept their assessment and move on. But ignoring even minor hail damage can lead to roof deterioration, leaks, energy loss, and decreased property value—problems that are exponentially more expensive to fix later.
For commercial property owners managing warehouses, retail centers, office buildings, or apartment complexes, the stakes are even higher. Delayed roof damage can lead to tenant complaints, liability risks, business interruptions, and skyrocketing repair costs.
This article will expose how hail damage gets worse over time, how insurance companies avoid paying legitimate claims, and what steps you can take to protect your investment and ensure a fair settlement.
How ‘Minor’ Hail Damage Becomes a Major Financial Problem
Even if your building’s roof looks fine after a hailstorm, unseen damage could be compromising its integrity. Here’s how:
1. Accelerated Roof Deterioration
Hail impacts weaken roofing materials by dislodging protective granules from shingles or creating small fractures in membrane and metal roofs. This speeds up UV degradation, material shrinkage, and overall structural weakening, leading to early roof failure.
For flat or low-slope commercial roofs: EPDM, TPO, and PVC membranes are particularly vulnerable to hail impact, which can create microscopic cracks that expand over time.
2. Hidden Water Leaks & Mold Growth
A tiny puncture in a roof membrane or a weakened seam might not leak today—but after a few heavy rainfalls, moisture intrusion can seep into insulation layers, decking, and even interior walls.
For commercial buildings, this means:
- Water damage to inventory, tenant spaces, or office equipment
- Mold growth that can lead to health hazards and lawsuits
- Structural rot that increases repair costs exponentially
3. Higher Energy Costs & Reduced Efficiency
A compromised roof allows heat and moisture to escape, reducing insulation efficiency. For commercial buildings, this results in higher heating and cooling costs—a serious concern for businesses managing large square footage or climate-controlled environments like data centers, warehouses, and medical facilities.
4. Tenant and Business Disruptions
For landlords and commercial property managers, roof damage that goes unaddressed can quickly lead to tenant complaints, lease disputes, or even lawsuits. A leaking roof in an office building, hotel, or apartment complex can lead to unhappy tenants, lost revenue, and legal liability.
5. Decreased Property Value & Insurance Complications
When hail damage goes unrepaired, it can devalue your commercial property. If an inspection reveals roofing issues, it could scare away potential buyers or force costly last-minute repairs before a sale.
Even worse, if you fail to file a claim within your policy’s timeframe, your insurance company might later deny coverage entirely, claiming the damage is due to “wear and tear” instead of hail.
How Insurance Companies Downplay Hail Damage—And Why You Shouldn’t Accept Their First Answer
Insurance companies are not in the business of paying out large claims if they can avoid it. Here are the most common tactics they use to deny or underpay hail damage claims:
1. Claiming the Damage is ‘Cosmetic’
Many insurers argue that dents or granule loss on a commercial roof are purely aesthetic and don’t require repairs. But structural integrity can be compromised long before visible leaks occur.
2. Blaming ‘Pre-Existing Conditions’ or ‘Normal Wear & Tear’
Insurance adjusters often cite aging materials or previous damage to justify lowballing payouts—even if your policy should cover hail damage.
3. Ignoring Flat or Low-Slope Roofs
Some insurers focus only on visible shingle damage and ignore membrane, metal, or built-up roofing systems, which may have subtle but serious hail impact fractures.
4. Delaying the Claims Process Until It’s Too Late
By stalling inspections, requesting excessive documentation, or downplaying damage, insurers hope policyholders miss their deadline to file a claim, leaving them without coverage.
How to Protect Your Investment: A Hail Damage Inspection Checklist for Commercial Property Owners
To ensure hail damage doesn’t go unnoticed and you get the insurance payout you deserve, follow this checklist:
✅ Conduct a Ground-Level Inspection
- Check HVAC units, skylights, metal fixtures, and siding for dents or damage—these can indicate that your roof took a hit, even if damage isn’t immediately visible.
- Look for water stains on ceilings, walls, or inside mechanical rooms.
✅ Inspect Roofing Materials (Or Hire a Professional)
- For TPO, EPDM, and PVC flat roofs: Look for punctures, seam separation, or bubbling.
- For metal roofs: Look for impact dents that may lead to premature coating failures.
- For shingle roofs: Check for missing granules, cracks, or bruising.
✅ Check Drainage Systems
- Hail impact can clog or dent gutters and downspouts, leading to poor water drainage and increasing leak risks.
✅ Document Everything with Photos & Videos
- Take high-resolution images before and after storms to establish a clear record of property condition.
- Capture timestamps for weather reports showing hail size and storm impact in your area.
✅ Request an Independent Inspection
- Do NOT rely solely on your insurance company’s adjuster.
- Hire a licensed public adjuster or a reputable roofing consultant with experience in commercial hail damage claims.
✅ File a Claim Promptly & Push Back on Denials
- Act fast. Many policies have a limited window (as little as 6 months in some cases) to file a hail damage claim.
- If your claim is denied or undervalued, request a reinspection and escalate the dispute with professional support.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let ‘Small’ Hail Damage Cost You Big Money
Hail damage is one of the most misunderstood and underpaid types of property insurance claims. Whether you own a commercial building, rental property, or home, ignoring seemingly minor hail damage today can lead to massive financial losses in the future.
Don’t wait until leaks start forming, tenants complain, or repairs become unavoidable. The best way to protect your investment is to:
✅ Get a professional inspection after any major hail event.
✅ Document and file your claim properly—don’t rely solely on the insurer’s assessment.
✅ Push back against claim denials or lowball offers with the help of a public adjuster.
If you suspect hail damage or have been underpaid or denied by your insurer, we at The David Group can help. Send us a message through our contact page or homepage, and we’ll reach out as soon as possible.