Storm Damage vs. Normal Wear and Tear: How to Tell the Difference

Why It Matters

Imagine this: a brutal storm rolls through, your roof starts leaking, and your siding looks shredded. You file a claim, expecting coverage. But the insurer denies it—saying it's not storm damage, just “normal wear and tear.”

Frustrating? Absolutely. Costly? Even more so.

Distinguishing storm damage vs. wear and tear isn’t just academic—it can mean the difference between a fully paid repair and footing the entire bill yourself. Whether you’re a homeowner trying to navigate insurance or a landlord prepping for seasonal inspections, knowing what to look for is critical.

Let’s decode the difference so you don’t get stuck with avoidable repair costs—or rejected claims.

TLDR – Quick Guide

Here’s your lightning-fast cheat sheet:

• Storm Damage is sudden, caused by external forces (e.g., wind, hail, lightning).
• Wear and Tear is gradual, due to aging, exposure, and lack of maintenance.

Examples of Storm Damage:

• Missing shingles after a storm
• Dented gutters from hail
• Broken windows from wind-thrown debris
• Flooded basement after heavy rainfall

Examples of Wear and Tear:

• Cracked paint and faded siding
• Roof discoloration from sun exposure
• Rusted gutters from lack of cleaning
• Aging HVAC systems or plumbing leaks

Now let’s get granular.

Detailed Breakdown

What Is Storm Damage?

Storm damage is sudden and accidental. It usually occurs during extreme weather events and shows up fast.

Common causes:

• Windstorms
• Hail
• Heavy rain
• Snow/ice buildup
• Lightning strikes

How to spot it:

• Shingles that were fine before are now missing or curled up
• Water intrusion from damaged flashing or wind-driven rain
• Hail dents on roofing, gutters, or siding
• Trees or debris crashing into structures

Pro tip: Insurers generally cover storm-related damage—if you report it promptly and can prove the timing.

What Is Normal Wear and Tear?

Wear and tear happens over time. It’s a natural result of aging materials and environmental exposure.

Examples include:

• Roof shingles curling after 15–20 years
• Paint peeling from prolonged sun exposure
• Settling cracks in foundations
• Metal rusting or wood rotting due to neglect

Why it matters: Insurance doesn’t usually cover wear and tear. Most policies classify it as maintenance responsibility, not an insurable event.

How to Tell the Difference

Here’s how to become your own forensic home inspector:

Still unsure? Restoration pros like Disaster Experts offer free inspections that can pinpoint the difference—and document it for insurers.

Why Insurance Cares

Insurers love semantics. If they can classify your damage as wear and tear, they’re not paying. But if it’s storm-related, they’re on the hook.

That’s why it’s crucial to:

• Get documentation immediately after a storm
• Take pre-storm photos for comparison
• Hire professionals who know what adjusters look for

Key Takeaways

• Storm damage = sudden, external, usually covered.
• Wear and tear = slow, internal, usually not covered.
• Spotting the difference early can save you thousands.
• Document everything—before and after a storm.
• Use professionals to assess and advocate if you’re unsure.

FAQs

1. Can I claim storm damage if the roof was already old?
   Yes, if the storm caused new damage. But pre-existing wear may reduce your payout or lead to partial denial.
2. How do I prove storm damage to my insurer?
   Use timestamps, before-and-after photos, weather reports, and professional assessments.
3. Will insurance pay for mold from storm water damage?
   Often, yes—if the mold is a result of a covered storm event and is reported quickly.
4. Should I repair wear and tear before storm season?
   Absolutely. Neglected repairs can void future claims if insurers argue they worsened storm damage.
5. Who determines if damage is storm-related or wear and tear?
   Insurance adjusters, but you can challenge their decision with reports from certified inspectors or restoration pros.