Storm Damage vs. Normal Wear: What Will Insurance Cover on Your Roof or Siding?

When you spot cracked shingles, dented siding, or a mysterious ceiling stain, your first question might be: Is this covered by insurance? The answer depends on one key distinction — whether the damage is the result of a recent storm or simply part of your home’s natural aging process. At Hammerside Exteriors, we regularly help Minnesota homeowners navigate this line. Understanding the difference between storm-related damage and normal wear can help you determine your next steps — and whether insurance will be part of the solution.

What Counts as Storm Damage?

Storm damage is sudden, often widespread, and caused by a specific weather event — such as hail, high winds, heavy rain, or falling debris. Most homeowner’s insurance policies are designed to cover these unexpected incidents, especially when they compromise the roof or siding's ability to protect the home.

Common examples of storm damage include missing shingles, hail bruising on asphalt roofs, bent or torn siding panels, or even water intrusion from lifted flashing. These signs may appear immediately after a storm or become evident in the days or weeks that follow. If the damage can be linked directly to a specific weather event, there's a strong chance it may qualify for an insurance claim.

It’s important to document damage as soon as possible. Take photos, write down the date of the storm, and schedule a professional inspection — the sooner, the better.

What Is Considered Normal Wear and Tear?

Normal wear develops slowly over time due to exposure to sun, rain, snow, and seasonal changes. It includes the kind of gradual deterioration that occurs even with well-maintained homes. Insurance companies typically view these issues as the homeowner’s responsibility and won’t cover repairs unless the damage was made worse by a sudden, external event.

Examples of normal wear include fading shingles, cracked caulk, brittle siding, curling edges, and general granule loss. If your roof or siding is past its expected lifespan — even if it still looks mostly intact — insurers may not honor a storm-related claim unless there’s undeniable evidence of new impact.

Knowing the age and maintenance history of your materials can help determine whether damage is due to long-term wear or something more recent.

Why the Difference Matters

When filing a claim, the insurance adjuster’s job is to decide whether the damage was sudden and accidental (which is covered) or the result of age and neglect (which is not). If they determine the materials were already deteriorating, they may reduce the payout — or deny the claim altogether.

That’s where having an experienced contractor on your side makes a difference. At Hammerside, we perform detailed inspections with photographic evidence and clear reports that homeowners can submit with their claim. In many cases, we’re able to point out damage that qualifies for coverage — even when it may not look serious at first glance.

What to Do After a Storm

If you suspect your home has been affected by a storm, start by looking for visible signs of damage. This might include shingle debris in the yard, new water stains on your ceiling, or small dents in your siding. Even if everything looks fine from the ground, subtle hail or wind damage can weaken your exterior and shorten its lifespan over time.

The best next step is to call for a professional inspection. At Hammerside, we provide thorough evaluations at no cost and give you an honest assessment. If the damage meets insurance thresholds, we can guide you through the claims process — including meeting with your adjuster and ensuring the full scope of repairs is covered.

Storms are a fact of life in Minnesota — but dealing with damage doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Knowing the difference between what’s covered and what isn’t gives you the power to make smart, timely decisions for your home. And when you're not sure where to start, we're here to help.

Suspect roof or siding damage after a recent storm? Let’s take a look.
Contact Hammerside for a free inspection and expert guidance every step of the way.