Hail Damage in Northeastern PA: What Homeowners Need to Know About Roof Damage Insurance Claims

If hail hit your neighborhood this summer, your roof may have taken a beating — even if everything looks perfectly normal from the ground.

Homeowners throughout Shavertown, the Back Mountain, Wilkes-Barre, Scranton and surrounding Northeastern Pennsylvania communities know how quickly summer weather can change.

One minute, it's a typical summer afternoon. The next, the sky turns dark, the wind picks up, and hail is pounding against your roof, siding, vehicles and outdoor furniture.

We saw it firsthand this summer in Shavertown, PA.

The photos and videos accompanying this article were taken during an actual local hailstorm — with hailstones accumulating across decks and outdoor surfaces in a matter of minutes.

And if hail is hitting your deck that hard, imagine what is happening to the roof protecting your home.

The problem?

Hail damage isn't always obvious.

That's why homeowners who experienced a significant hailstorm should consider having their roof professionally inspected — especially before minor storm damage develops into a much larger roofing problem.

Can Hail Really Damage a Roof?

Absolutely.

Your roof is designed to withstand the elements, but that doesn't make it indestructible.

When hailstones strike asphalt shingles at high speed, they can damage the protective surface of the shingle.

Depending on the size of the hail, wind speed, direction of the storm, age of the roof and type of roofing material, hail can potentially cause:

• Loss of protective granules
• Bruising or cracking of shingles
• Exposed asphalt
• Damage around roof vents
• Damaged flashing
• Dented gutters and downspouts
• Damage to siding and exterior components
• Weak points that may eventually allow water intrusion

Some damage is immediately noticeable.

Other damage may not become apparent until weeks or months later.

That's what makes hailstorms particularly concerning for homeowners.

Your Roof Can Be Damaged Even If It Isn't Leaking

This is one of the biggest misconceptions we hear after a storm.

"My roof isn't leaking, so I must be okay."

Unfortunately, that's not necessarily true.

A roof leak is often a later symptom of a roofing problem — not the first sign.

Hail can compromise shingles without immediately creating an opening large enough for water to enter your home.

Over time, exposure to rain, heat, freezing temperatures, snow and additional storms can make those weakened areas worse.

Eventually, what began as relatively small storm damage can potentially contribute to:

• Roof leaks
• Damaged roof decking
• Wet insulation
• Interior ceiling damage
• Mold and moisture problems
• Premature roof deterioration

Finding damage early gives you the opportunity to understand the condition of your roof before the problem gets worse.

What Does Hail Damage Look Like?

Hail damage can be difficult for an untrained eye to identify, particularly from ground level.

On asphalt shingles, a roofing professional may look for signs such as areas of granule loss, impact marks, bruising, cracking or exposed asphalt.

We also inspect other parts of the property.

Damage to gutters, downspouts, metal vents, flashing, siding and other exterior surfaces can provide additional evidence that a property experienced significant hail impact.

That doesn't automatically mean your roof needs to be replaced.

It means the roof deserves a closer look.

We Had Hail in Shavertown — Should I Have My Roof Inspected?

If your property experienced the type of hail shown in these photos and videos, having the roof inspected is a smart precaution.

You shouldn't climb onto the roof yourself.

Wet roofing materials can be extremely slippery, and storm-damaged shingles or decking may create additional hazards.

Instead, have an experienced roofing contractor inspect the roofing system and document anything unusual.

At Crooked Ladder Roofing SWB, we inspect roofs throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania and can help homeowners understand what condition their roof is actually in after a storm.

If there's no meaningful storm damage, that's good news.

If there is damage, you'll have documentation and a better understanding of your options.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Hail Damage in Pennsylvania?

Homeowners insurance may provide coverage for certain types of storm and hail damage, but coverage depends entirely on your individual policy, deductible, exclusions and the circumstances surrounding the loss.

Homeowners should never assume that every hailstorm automatically means a new roof will be covered.

Policies can differ considerably.

Some policies may provide replacement cost coverage, while others may settle covered losses based on actual cash value, which can account for depreciation.

There may also be a specific deductible applicable to wind or hail damage.

That's why one of the most important things you can do is review your policy and speak directly with your insurance carrier or agent about your coverage.

What Should You Do After a Hailstorm?

If a major hailstorm has just moved through your neighborhood, don't panic — but don't ignore it either.

1. Document What Happened

Take photos and videos of the hail if it is safe to do so.

Photograph hailstones next to an object that provides scale, and document visible damage around the property.

Take pictures of damaged:

• Gutters
• Downspouts
• Siding
• Screens
• Outdoor furniture
• Vehicles
• Landscaping
• Roofing materials visible from the ground

Save those photos and videos.

They may become useful documentation later.

2. Don't Climb Onto Your Roof

Roof inspections should be left to professionals.

Aside from the risk of falling, walking on a damaged roof can potentially disturb roofing materials and make it more difficult to determine what damage resulted from the storm.

3. Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection

An inspection can help determine whether there are signs consistent with hail or wind damage and whether additional action may be appropriate.

A professional roofer can also photograph and document areas of concern that aren't visible from the ground.

4. Review Your Insurance Policy

Before assuming anything about coverage, understand your policy.

Look at your:

Deductible

How much are you responsible for before insurance coverage applies?

Wind/Hail Deductible

Does your policy have a separate deductible for wind or hail?

Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value

How would a covered roof loss be valued?

Exclusions and Limitations

Does your policy contain special provisions regarding the roof, its age or storm damage?

When in doubt, speak directly with your insurance company or licensed insurance professional.

5. If You File a Claim, Keep Good Records

If you decide to file an insurance claim, keep photographs, videos, estimates, receipts and notes regarding conversations with your insurance company.

Write down dates, names and relevant information.

Good documentation can make the process much easier to follow.

Don't Wait Until You See Water Coming Through the Ceiling

This is especially important.

After a major storm, homeowners sometimes wait months before having their roofs checked because they don't see an obvious problem.

Then the next major rainstorm arrives.

That's when the ceiling stain appears.

By that point, water may already have found its way beneath the roofing system.

A post-storm roof inspection isn't about assuming the worst.

It's about knowing what you're dealing with.

Be Careful With "Storm Chasers"

Major hailstorms often attract roofing companies from outside the area.

Some may be legitimate contractors.

Others may arrive immediately after a storm, aggressively knock on doors and disappear from the community months later.

Your roof is too important for that.

Before hiring anyone, homeowners should research the contractor, check references, verify that the company is properly registered and insured, and understand exactly what they're signing.

Most importantly, don't let anyone pressure you into signing paperwork simply because a storm came through your neighborhood.

Local Roofers Serving Northeastern Pennsylvania

Crooked Ladder Roofing SWB isn't a company that arrives in Northeastern Pennsylvania because a hailstorm happened.

We're already here.

We work in the communities we serve throughout Shavertown, Dallas, the Back Mountain, Wilkes-Barre, Kingston, Pittston, Nanticoke, Mountain Top, Scranton and surrounding areas of Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties.

We understand Northeastern Pennsylvania weather because our roofs have to withstand it too.

From summer hail and thunderstorms to high winds, heavy rain, snow, ice and freeze-thaw cycles, Pennsylvania roofs experience demanding conditions throughout the year.

Think Your Roof Was Hit by Hail?

If your neighborhood experienced a hailstorm this summer — particularly if you saw hail like the storm captured in these Shavertown, PA photos and videos — now is a good time to have your roof checked.

You may have no significant damage at all.

But if something did happen, it's better to know now than after the next heavy rain.

Crooked Ladder Roofing SWB provides professional roof inspections throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.

We'll inspect your roofing system, explain what we find and help you understand your next steps.

Don't Guess About Hail Damage. Get Your Roof Checked.

Serving homeowners throughout:

Shavertown | Dallas | Back Mountain | Wilkes-Barre | Kingston | Pittston | Nanticoke | Mountain Top | Scranton | Luzerne County | Lackawanna County | Northeastern Pennsylvania

Contact Crooked Ladder Roofing SWB today to schedule a roof inspection.

Insurance coverage varies by policy and circumstances. Crooked Ladder Roofing SWB is a roofing contractor and does not determine insurance coverage or guarantee claim approval. Homeowners should consult their insurance carrier or licensed insurance professional regarding coverage and claims.