When spring and summer roll into Utah, so do hailstorms. Along the Wasatch Front, these storms are more than just a loud evening event; they can bring pea-to-golf-ball-sized hail that chips paint, dents cars, and pounds relentlessly on rooftops. As part of this community, we at Timberline Roofing know the worry that follows: not just “Did my roof take damage?” but also, “Does this mean my roof warranty is gone?”
Our team has worked with homeowners across Bountiful, Salt Lake City, and beyond, and one of the most common questions we hear is whether storm damage voids a roof warranty. The short answer: hailstorms themselves don’t automatically cancel your warranty, but storm damage can expose significant warranty limitations you need to understand. Let’s break it down clearly so you know where you stand.
Understanding What Your Roof Warranty Covers
A roof warranty is a promise, but it’s not an all-inclusive insurance policy. Most warranties cover defects in materials or installation issues, not every kind of damage a roof might experience over its lifetime. That’s why knowing the difference between what’s covered and what isn’t is so important.
For example:
- Manufacturer warranties usually protect against defects in roofing products like asphalt shingles, metal panels, or synthetic tiles. If the product fails prematurely under normal conditions, you may qualify for replacement.
- Workmanship warranties (the kind Timberline offers) cover the quality of the installation itself. If something wasn’t properly installed and that mistake leads to a problem, you’re protected.
But here’s the key: hail and storm damage are typically excluded. That doesn’t mean your warranty is void; it just means storm damage falls under your homeowner’s insurance, not your roof warranty.
Do Hailstorms Void Your Warranty?
So, back to the big question: if hail pummels your roof, does your warranty disappear?
No. A hailstorm does not wipe out your warranty.
What happens instead is that the storm damage itself isn’t included under warranty coverage. In other words, if hail dents your metal roof or cracks a cedar shingle, that damage won’t be repaired under the manufacturer’s or installer’s warranty. But if your roof later has a separate issue, say a shingle fails due to a material defect unrelated to the storm, that coverage is still valid.
Think of it this way: a hailstorm doesn’t void your warranty, but it can create damage that your warranty doesn’t cover. That’s why it’s important to know how your warranty and your insurance work together.
Warranty Limitations Regarding Storm Damage
Here’s where homeowners can get caught off guard. Roof warranties often have specific clauses around storm damage, and hail is a big one. Let’s break down warranty limitations regarding storm damage:
- Acts of Nature Exclusions: Most warranties classify hail, high winds, and heavy snow as “acts of nature.” These events are outside the control of both the homeowner and the manufacturer, which is why they’re excluded from warranty coverage.
- Maintenance Requirements: Many warranties require you to maintain your roof. That means clearing gutters, replacing broken shingles, and addressing leaks promptly. If you let hail damage sit and it causes secondary problems (like water intrusion or mold), your warranty claim for unrelated issues could be denied.
- Improper Repairs: If hail damages your roof and you hire an unqualified contractor to do patchwork repairs, the warranty can be voided. That’s why it’s critical to choose a certified, reputable company like Timberline Roofing when it comes time for repairs.
- Documentation: Some warranties require you to document storm damage and repairs. Skipping thorough documentation can cause issues down the line. That’s where drone inspections and professional assessments come in handy, giving you records you can provide to your insurance and keep for warranty purposes.
How Timberline Roofing Protects You After a Hailstorm
While warranties don’t cover hail damage, your insurance often does. Still, filing a claim and navigating repairs can feel overwhelming. That’s where we step in. At Timberline Roofing, we’re more than just installers; we’re your neighbors, and we’re here when storms hit.
Our storm damage solutions include:
- Emergency roof tarping to stop immediate leaks.
- Temporary repairs to protect your home until full work can be completed.
- Detailed storm damage assessments using drone technology for safe, accurate inspections.
- Estimates and repair plans tailored to your home’s roofing system, whether asphalt shingles, metal, synthetic tile, cedar shake, or flat roofing.
- Gutter repairs and replacements for K-style, half-round, seamless, or aluminum systems that may also take damage in a hailstorm.
We also make sure you have the documentation you need to keep your warranty intact and to strengthen your insurance claim.
The Bottom Line
Hailstorms don’t void your roof warranty, but they do highlight where warranty coverage stops and homeowner’s insurance begins. Your warranty will still protect against defects or installation errors, but storm damage falls outside of that protection. The good news? With the right partner by your side, you don’t have to face the aftermath of a hailstorm alone.
At Timberline Roofing, we take pride in helping Utah families strengthen and protect their homes before, during, and after the storm. If you’ve experienced hail recently or just want peace of mind about your roof’s condition, give us a call today. We’ll provide a free inspection, walk you through your options, and help keep your roof and your family protected for years to come.
