Milwaukee sees hailstorms every spring, and homeowners are frequently unsure whether their roof was damaged or just dirty. Here's how Apexium assesses hail damage and what documentation is required for a successful insurance claim.
What Hail Damage Actually Looks Like
On asphalt shingles, hail damage appears as soft, circular bruising, impact points where the hail knocked granules loose and dented the mat underneath. It's not always visible from the ground. A proper hail damage inspection requires getting on the roof and running your hand across the shingle surface to feel for soft spots.
Functional damage, meaning damage that will shorten the roof's lifespan or allow water infiltration, is what insurance pays for. Cosmetic damage (surface marks with no mat penetration) typically isn't covered.
What We Document on Every Milwaukee Inspection
- Hail strike density per 10-square-foot test square
- Direction of storm travel (confirmed by strike pattern)
- Cap flashing strikes (unambiguous damage reference)
- Valley flashing marks
- Age of existing shingles vs. strike evidence
The Insurance Adjuster Visit
Most Wisconsin homeowner policies require a field adjuster inspection before approving a claim. Apexium can be present for your adjuster visit. We've done this hundreds of times and understand how to walk adjusters through the damage evidence. This isn't adversarial; adjusters want clear documentation and we provide it.
After the Storm
Milwaukee hailstorms typically produce a wave of contractors from out of state, many without Wisconsin licenses, working neighborhoods door-to-door in the days after a storm. Wait for a contractor you've verified before filing a claim. An inflated or inaccurate claim creates problems for your policy, not just the insurance company.
Contact Apexium for a free post-storm inspection. We'll tell you honestly if there's a legitimate claim to file.
Have a specific question about your Milwaukee roof? We answer directly.