What to Do After a Hailstorm Damages Your Roof

Roof Inspection After Storm Damage

Hail damage can be destructive and cause damage to your home exterior including your roof, air conditioner, windows, siding, and more. When large hail rains upon your roof, asphalt shingle granules may become loose or even fall off. Damaged granules disconnect from your roof shingles and collect in your gutter, often hindering its ability to do its job. Hail can also break the shingle itself.

Older roofs are more susceptible to hailstorm damage because they can begin to deteriorate, and their integrity may be compromised easier as a result of hail damage.

Hail is the leading cause of roof damage in the spring and fall, and a primary threat to your roof integrity. At times, the dents and holes created by hail can create problems immediately. Other times, they may go undetected until later. To avoid pitfalls that come with roof damage from hail, learn what to do after a damaging hailstorm.

It’s too dangerous to try to conduct a roof inspection on your roof yourself, so if you suspect your roof has been damaged by hail, contact a reputable roofing contractor and have it inspected promptly. They will look for missing shingles, dimpled shingles, or cracks in the shingles themselves. Only a pro roofer or insurance adjuster can determine if you have enough hail damage to need a new roof.

How severely your roof gets damaged by a hailstorm depends on a few factors: your roof material, the age of your roof, your roof slope, the quality of installation of your current roof, hail size, hail density, and the velocity and angle of the hail. Hail damage can impact the integrity and longevity of your roof.

Practical Steps to Take Before and After the Storm

Many homeowners fail to realize how important it is to get their roof inspected by a professional two times a year: in the fall and in the spring. The beauty of scheduling regular inspections is that problems can be caught early enough that you don’t get the cascading damage many people struggle with when a leaky roof springs up. When water penetrates a roof it causes mold, mildew, wood rot, and more. If you schedule these inspections like clockwork, you are less likely to have monumental trouble beyond the normal need for roof repair and replacement.

Here are some steps to help you address your roof issues after the storm safely and promptly.

1. Check your gutters for signs of damage.

If you have big dents or cracks in your gutters, gutter guards, or downspouts, get your roof inspected by a reliable roofing contractor.

2.Check your home’s windowsills and siding for damage.

Look for dents, dings, or other signs of hail impact. When you have significant roof damage, you will likely have significant damage to your siding and windowsills (but they are easier to spot from the ground).

3. Check the metal fascia

Take a look at your metal fascia on the roof eaves for signs of hail damage.

4. Check your air conditioner

See if there are any signs of hail damage, such as dents or dings.

5. Check the remainder of your home exterior

Look at your shed, deck, and more. Make a note of everything you found that was damaged.

6. Contact your insurance company immediately

Let them know you suspect you have hail damage on your roof. Hail damage can cause moisture penetration in your home; to avoid the hassles of water infiltration, contact your insurance company quickly after a hailstorm.

7. Be aware of storm chasers, particularly after hailstorms.

Unfortunately, storms can sometimes be followed by people who scam others. When people come into town right after a storm, they often try to prey upon homeowners with the pressurized sale of a new roof. They often ask for too much money up-front (one-third of the total cost is customary, but storm chasers may require much more than that up-front). Find out the physical address of any contractor you consider, and read about their track record of successful roof replacement in your area. Trust your gut when it comes to hiring a contractor for any major repair.

8. Contact at least 3 roofing companies to get estimates on your roof replacement.

When it comes to a large investment like a roof, it pays to find a contractor you can trust, and it may not be the first one you call. Check with the BBB, online reviews, and friends and neighbors about reputable roofing contractors in your area.

Before you hire anyone, check with your local and state agencies to discover if your preferred roofing contractor is licensed and qualified to replace your roof. Roof contractors will inspect your roof including shingles, roof vents, chimneys, skylights, and other roofing features. They look for chipped surfaces, dents, and more.

9. Review the 3 estimates you received from the roofing contractors you contacted.

Companies should have talked with you about roofing materials, financing options, warranties, and scheduling for your roof installation.

10. Contact your insurance provider

Call or email them to gain an understanding of your coverage, deductible, and the process involved. Factor in what your homeowner’s insurance will cover and what they won’t cover. When you file an insurance claim, document the hail damage that occurred, and keep receipts for the work you have done to fix the damage. Insurance policies typically cover these expenses when they’re submitted with a claim.

11. Schedule your new roof installation.

Get Reliable Roof Repairs and Replacement

When hailstorms damage your roof, contact Refined Exteriors for a quality roof replacement. Our superior materials and experienced roofing team will make sure your home is well protected and your roof material performs with excellence for years to come.

Schedule a free consultation today, and read our online reviews.