Introduction: Storm Damage is Common in Fraser Valley

Fraser Valley experiences strong outflow winds, atmospheric rivers, and occasional hail. Storm damage may not be immediately obvious but can lead to leaks and premature failure. This guide helps you identify damage and navigate insurance claims.

WIND DAMAGE

How Wind Damages Roofs

Wind Uplift:

• Wind creates negative pressure on roof (suction)
• Lifts shingles from deck
• Tears nails through shingles
• Blows shingles off entirely

Fraser Valley Wind Events:

• Outflow winds: 80-120 km/h (common in winter)
• Atmospheric rivers: 60-100 km/h sustained winds
• Microbursts: Sudden, intense downdrafts

Signs of Wind Damage

Obvious Signs:

• Missing shingles: Gaps in roof coverage
• Shingles in yard: Blown off roof
• Lifted shingles: Edges curled up, not sealed
• Torn shingles: Partial shingles remaining

Subtle Signs:

• Creased shingles: Bent/folded from wind
• Exposed nails: Shingles lifted, nails visible
• Granule loss: Wind abrasion removes granules
• Damaged flashing: Bent, lifted, or torn

Where to Look for Wind Damage

Most Vulnerable Areas:

• Roof edges: Eaves, rakes (wind hits hardest here)
• Ridges: Ridge caps often blow off first
• Corners: Highest wind pressure
• Valleys: Wind funnels through valleys
• South/west slopes: Prevailing wind direction

HAIL DAMAGE

How Hail Damages Roofs

Impact Damage:

• Hail strikes shingles at high speed
• Bruises asphalt mat (weakens structure)
• Removes granules (exposes asphalt)
• Cracks shingles (immediate or delayed failure)

Hail Size Matters:

• Pea-sized (6mm): Minimal damage
• Dime-sized (18mm): Moderate damage
• Quarter-sized (25mm): Significant damage
• Golf ball (45mm)+: Severe damage, likely total loss

Signs of Hail Damage

On Shingles:

• Dents/bruises: Dark spots where hail hit
• Missing granules: Circular bare spots
• Cracked shingles: Splits from impact
• Shiny spots: Exposed asphalt (granules knocked off)

On Other Roof Components:

• Dented vents: Metal vents show dents easily
• Dented flashing: Valley flashing, drip edge
• Damaged gutters: Dents in gutters/downspouts
• Dented siding: Aluminum siding shows hail damage

Hail Damage is Often Subtle

Why It's Hard to See:

• Bruises don't always show immediately
• Granule loss may be minimal at first
• Damage accelerates over time (bruised shingles fail faster)
• Need to inspect from roof (not visible from ground)

Long-Term Effects:

• Bruised shingles fail within 2-5 years
• Granule loss accelerates degradation
• Cracks lead to leaks

INSPECTING FOR STORM DAMAGE

When to Inspect

Timing:

• After major windstorm: Within 24-48 hours
• After hail: Within 1 week
• If neighbors file claims: Likely you have damage too

DIY Inspection (From Ground)

What You Can See:

• Missing shingles (obvious gaps)
• Shingles in yard
• Damaged gutters/downspouts
• Dented vents (use binoculars)

Limitations:

• Can't see subtle damage from ground
• Can't inspect north slope (often hidden)
• Can't assess extent of damage

Professional Inspection (Recommended)

What Professionals Check:

• All roof slopes (including hidden areas)
• Shingle condition (bruising, granule loss)
• Flashing damage
• Vent/penetration damage
• Gutter/fascia damage

Cost:

• Free: Many contractors offer free storm damage inspections
• Why free: If damage found, you'll likely hire them for repair

INSURANCE CLAIMS FOR STORM DAMAGE

What's Covered

Typically Covered:

• Wind damage: Missing/torn shingles from wind
• Hail damage: Bruising, granule loss, cracks
• Debris damage: Falling branches, trees
• Interior damage: From roof leak caused by storm

NOT Covered:

• Wear and tear: Old roof, normal aging
• Pre-existing damage: Damage before storm
• Lack of maintenance: Neglected roof
• Cosmetic damage: If roof still functions

Filing a Claim: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Document the Damage

• Take photos of damage (close-up and wide shots)
• Note date/time of storm
• Save weather reports (proof of hail/wind)
• Document interior damage (leaks, water stains)

Step 2: Mitigate Further Damage

• Tarp roof if leaking
• Move belongings away from leaks
• Document mitigation efforts (photos, receipts)
• Don't make permanent repairs yet: Adjuster needs to see damage

Step 3: Contact Insurance

• Call within 24-48 hours of discovering damage
• Provide policy number, date of loss
• Describe damage briefly
• Request adjuster inspection

Step 4: Get Contractor Estimates

• Get 2-3 estimates from licensed contractors
• Estimates should be detailed (itemized)
• Include photos with estimates
• Don't sign contracts yet (wait for adjuster)

Step 5: Adjuster Inspection

• Insurance sends adjuster to inspect damage
• Adjuster determines what's covered
• You or contractor should be present
• Point out all damage (adjuster may miss things)

Step 6: Review Settlement Offer

• Insurance sends settlement offer
• Compare to contractor estimates
• If too low, negotiate or get second opinion
• You can hire public adjuster if needed

Step 7: Complete Repairs

• Hire licensed contractor
• Insurance pays depreciated value upfront
• Recoverable depreciation paid after completion
• Submit final invoice to insurance

Common Claim Issues

Claim Denied:

• Reason: "Wear and tear, not storm damage"
• Solution: Get independent inspection, appeal decision

Lowball Settlement:

• Reason: Adjuster underestimates damage/cost
• Solution: Provide detailed contractor estimates, negotiate

Partial Approval:

• Reason: Only some damage covered
• Solution: Review policy, appeal if warranted

WIND/HAIL DAMAGE REPAIRS

Minor Repairs

Replace Missing Shingles:

• Cost: $200-500 (5-10 shingles)
• Timeline: Same day
• Insurance: May be below deductible

Replace Damaged Flashing:

• Cost: $300-800 per section
• Timeline: 1-2 days

Major Repairs (Full Replacement)

When Full Replacement Needed:

• Hail damage on 30%+ of roof
• Widespread wind damage
• Adjuster deems "total loss"

Insurance Coverage:

• Replacement Cost Value (RCV): Full replacement cost
• Actual Cash Value (ACV): Replacement cost minus depreciation
• Deductible: You pay (typically $500-2,500)

PREVENTING STORM DAMAGE

Wind Resistance Upgrades

6-Nail Installation:

• Use 6 nails per shingle (not 4)
• Better wind resistance
• Required for high-wind warranty
• Cost: Minimal ($200-300 extra on typical roof)

Sealed Shingles:

• Adhesive strip seals shingles down
• All modern shingles have this
• Takes 2-4 weeks to seal (warm weather)

Impact-Resistant Shingles (Hail):

• Class 4 (UL 2218): Highest impact rating
• Brands: GAF ArmorShield II, IKO Nordic, Owens Corning Duration Storm
• Cost: 10-15% more than standard shingles
• Benefits: Insurance discounts (10-30%), better hail resistance

Regular Maintenance

Annual Inspection:

• Check for loose/damaged shingles
• Repair minor damage before storms
• Trim overhanging branches

The Bottom Line

Storm damage may not be obvious but can lead to premature failure. Inspect after major storms and file insurance claims promptly (within days, not months). Document everything.

At RJ Roofing Bros, we offer free storm damage inspections. We'll assess damage, provide detailed estimates, and help you navigate the insurance claim process. We work directly with insurance adjusters and ensure all damage is documented. We've helped hundreds of Fraser Valley homeowners with storm damage claims.

Storm damage? Call (604) 997-1292 for free inspection