No homeowner likes to check the weather report and see a hail storm is on the way. Hail of any size can do a great deal of damage to a home – even if you get smaller pellets. And the most vulnerable part of your home is the roof.
Once a hail storm has passed there are several steps every homeowner should take to ensure their roof has not been compromised. First, NEVER go up onto your roof during a storm! It is unsafe and could lead to injury or worse. Stay inside until the weather has cleared completely.
If the storm was particularly intense and you suspect your roof may have been damaged by hail, call a professional roofing company to conduct an inspection. Not only does a seasoned roofer know how to operate safely on a roof, they are also able to identify and assess potential damage with an experienced eye.
Do this before you call your insurance company. The insurance company will want to know the extent of the damage before sending out an adjuster. Having a report ready will speed the process. In addition, some insurance companies will attempt to steer you to a “preferred” repair contractor. You DO NOT have to hire the company the insurer recommends – the choice of contractor is yours.
Assessing the Damage
A good roofing contractor will check your roof, gutters and siding for any signs of damage. Things we typically look for include:
- Yard debris: Are there any missing shingles or broken siding panels strewn about your yard?
- Structural damage: Have objects such as tree limbs or yard toys landed on your home?
- Broken siding: Is there visible siding damage such as dents or cracks?
- Damaged roofing: Are you missing shingles or fascia, or any obvious pitting or holes?
During an inspection a roofer will be able to diagnose hail damage such as:
- Small cracks not apparent from the ground.
- Roof underlayment “bruises” caused by hail strikes.
- Cracked, missing shingles or loose roof tiles on the roof.
- Split, loose or damaged siding.
- Paint and trim damage.
After the inspection, the roofer will make a thorough report on all storm damage to be shared with your insurance agent. They can then book the repair work with you at your convenience. Do this sooner rather than later if a leak could be a threat.
Before you call your insurance agent:
- Review your policy: Make sure it includes wind and hail damage. If not, invest in a separate wind insurance policy that will cover any future damage.
- Determine your deductible: Be aware that filing a claim will raise your Ask if the amount paid by the insurance company will exceed your deductible by enough to make financial sense. Otherwise, you will be paying out of pocket.
- File your claim quickly: There may be a time limit for hail damage claims, as many policies require that you file a claim within two years. Keep all receipts for any work you have had done, which you can submit with your claim for reimbursement. Attach any photos taken by the roofer.
Professionals in Home Repairs
After a hail storm, call Allstar Construction for a free, no-obligation storm damage inspection to check the state of your roof, siding, windows and gutters. As part of our free inspection, we will take detailed photos for our records and to support your insurance claim.
Once the inspection is complete, we will provide you a report of the inspection results along with our recommendations on any necessary repairs. If you need to file a claim, Allstar Construction can assist you in navigating the process from beginning to end.
Contact Allstar Construction for Roof Repairs
Call us today for a free storm damage repair inspection if you suspect hail damage to your roof and other exterior systems. Rest assured, we have helped thousands of home and business owners over the years with their claims. Get started online or call us at 701-315-8150.
