Finding the right Contractor to Fix the Hail Damage you Detected on your Roof

The roofs of our homes could quite easily be considered the most important part of our homes too. Often times we take for granted the protection and security our roofs offer until a problem arises, but once the problem is present it consumes our thoughts. It is important to be aware of a huge enemy to our roofs, hail. Being educated on the signs of hail damage, and the actions to take if hail damage is present can be a big time and money saver.

To being with, never believe the hype of hail proof roofs! There is no such thing; no roof is completely safe from a beating of ice chunks. There are roofs on the market that hold up better to hail than other types, but never believe your roof is 100 % resistant. Composite and asphalt shingles are two of the most widely used types when roofing residential properties. Both of these types are also susceptible to hail damage, therefore homeowners should be educated on detecting hail damage.

Before a homeowner even begins to examine a roof for hail damage, and preferably long before a hailstorm is encountered, the homeowner will know the insurance company’s policies on hail damage. Different insurance companies have different policies. Some allow for a claim to be filed up to a year after a hailstorm, and some companies do not allow the full year. It is best to know this information before a hailstorm, or at least call the insurance company as soon as possible after the storm.

Asphalt shingles often times are hard for people to detect hail damage. A common misbelief people have is that if there are no shingles missing there is no damage. This is not the case though. High wind is what causing missing shingles while damage from hail is harder to see.

If you believe the hail storm could have caused any damage, the first thing you should do is photograph the property while hail is still on the ground, making sure the date is present on the photo. Your next photo should be of the entire roof. If your roof and house appear to be in good condition after the storm, it is still important to save these pictures incase something does go wrong.

The following day, or after the roof has had time to dry and all water has run off the roof, inspect the area near where the gutters drain. Look for an abundance of the granules that cover the asphalt shingles. Every few days the homeowner will need to climb onto the roof and look for weathered areas on the roof. If hail damage has occurred, the hail will have loosened the granules from the asphalt shingles, these areas will begin to take on a weathered look. Photograph these areas.

Always contact a roofing contractor if you are positive you have hail damage or even if you think you may. You will be able to find a company that offers free estimates and inspections and there is no harm in being safe than sorry. Once it has been determined your roof has suffered hail damage it will be time to make your insurance claim.