Why Most Insurance-Covered Damage Cannot Be Seen From the Ground
Most storm-related damage that insurance policies cover—particularly wind and hail damage—occurs in areas of the home that are not visible from ground level. Roofing systems are engineered in layers, and initial failure often begins at the uppermost or concealed components, such as shingles, underlayment, flashing, ridge caps, vents, and soft metals. Wind uplift can break seal strips, crease shingles, loosen fasteners, or displace flashing without causing obvious missing materials that would be noticeable from the yard. Similarly, hail impact can fracture shingle mats, bruise the asphalt substrate, or compromise granule adhesion while leaving the surface appearing largely intact from below.
Because of this, a ground-level inspection is insufficient to determine the true extent of storm damage. Many forms of covered damage only become evident through a close-up roof inspection, attic evaluation, or aerial/drone documentation. Left unaddressed, these hidden deficiencies often progress into leaks, interior water intrusion, mold growth, and structural deterioration—long after the storm event.
Insurance Responsibility to Bring the Home Up to Current State and Local Code
When a covered loss occurs, the insurance carrier is contractually obligated under the policy’s Loss Settlement, Ordinance or Law, and Replacement Cost provisions (when applicable) to restore the home to a safe, functional condition. This includes compliance with current state and local building codes—not outdated standards from when the home was originally built.
If repairs or replacement trigger code requirements—such as updated roof decking standards, ice and water shield installation, ventilation requirements, or fastening patterns—the insurance company is responsible for covering those code-mandated upgrades when the policy includes Ordinance or Law coverage. Building codes are not optional; they are legal requirements designed to protect life, property, and long-term structural integrity.
In short, if storm damage necessitates repair or replacement, the insurance company must account for all work required to return the property to pre-loss condition or better, including any mandatory code upgrades. Failure to do so results in an incomplete and non-compliant repair, which exposes the homeowner to future damage and liability.