Manufactured Storm Damage
Deciphering the Clues: Distinguishing Manufactured Damage from Genuine Wind and Hail Impact on Roof Shingles
As a professional roof inspector, I've encountered countless scenarios where distinguishing between manufactured damage and the genuine impacts of wind and hail on roof shingles is crucial. Manufactured damage—deliberately inflicted damage meant to mimic the effects of weather—can complicate insurance claims and mislead homeowners. Understanding the subtle differences between true weather-related damage and that which is fabricated is key to maintaining integrity in roof inspections and ensuring homeowners receive fair assessments. This post aims to shed light on how to identify when wind and hail damage on a roof's shingles might be manufactured.
Identifying Hail Damage
Genuine hail damage to asphalt shingles is characterized by distinct signs:
Random Damage Distribution: Hail impacts are sporadic, affecting random areas across the roof.
Indentations: True hail damage leaves a soft spot where the granules are displaced, and the asphalt layer is exposed or fractured, often with a shiny appearance due to the freshness of the exposure.
Granule Loss: Hailstones dislodge the protective granules, exposing the asphalt layer. The loss is concentrated within the indentation, not spread evenly.
Signs of Manufactured Hail Damage:
Patterned or Uniform Damage: Manufactured damage may show a pattern or uniform spacing, unlike the randomness of real hail.
Tool Marks: Close inspection might reveal tool marks or shapes not consistent with hailstones, such as circular or linear indentations.
Damage to Soft Metals: Real hail damage is often accompanied by dents on soft metal surfaces like vents and flashing. A lack of such corroborating damage can be a red flag.
Identifying Wind Damage
Wind damage presents differently, typically affecting the shingles' edges or corners:
Lifted or Missing Shingles: Genuine wind damage can lift or completely detach shingles from the roof, breaking the sealant strip.
Creased Shingles: Shingles might be creased where the wind has bent them, indicating they were lifted and then settled back into place.
Signs of Manufactured Wind Damage:
Clean Breaks or Cuts: Manufactured damage might show too clean or straight breaks, cuts, or tears in the shingles, inconsistent with wind tearing.
Uniform Damage Direction: While genuine wind damage can show a predominant direction due to storm patterns, manufactured damage might overly emphasize a single direction or pattern.
Lack of Ancillary Damage: Genuine high wind events often leave other evidence, such as debris or damage to surrounding property. An absence of such evidence might suggest manufactured damage.
Expertise Matters
Discerning genuine from manufactured damage requires a keen eye and experience:
Training and Experience: Professional roof inspectors are trained to identify the nuanced differences between real and fake damage. Continuous education and field experience refine these skills.
Technological Aids: Tools like drones and specialized software help inspectors analyze damage patterns and inconsistencies more accurately.
Cross-Referencing Weather Data: Inspectors often cross-reference damage with historical weather data to confirm if reported damage aligns with actual weather events.
Ethical Considerations
It's crucial for inspections to be conducted ethically and thoroughly. Manufactured damage not only undermines trust between homeowners and insurers but can also lead to legal consequences. Honest reporting ensures that genuine claims are honored and fraudulent ones are properly identified.
Conclusion
The distinction between genuine weather-related damage and manufactured damage on roof shingles is subtle yet significant. For homeowners, understanding these differences can aid in transparent dealings with insurance companies. For inspectors, meticulous examination and adherence to ethical standards safeguard the integrity of the profession. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure fairness and accuracy in the assessment of roof damage, maintaining trust in the inspection process and ensuring that damages are rightfully addressed.