After a terrible hail storm, another one may be in the forecast soon after. But don’t wait until several storms later before you hire professionals to conduct a roof hail inspection. You must file an insurance claim for damage as soon as it’s been confirmed. Taking these proactive measures saves you thousands of dollars on home repairs in the future.
CHECK FOR DAMAGE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE STORM
Chances are you ended up here after searching “When should I inspect my roof after a hail storm?” The answer is as soon as possible. It’s imperative to inspect your roof and arrange for professional contractors to come and document the damage immediately after a severe hail storm. The sooner you check for damage and get it fixed, the better. It’s best not to wait until several storms later because insurance companies can say damage is normal wear and tear, essentially dismissing your claim.
There are many other reasons you should get your roof checked immediately after a storm, such as:
- Hail knocks the protective coating of granules off asphalt shingles. Once the granules are gone, the protective layer underneath is exposed to the elements.
- After the rain and hail, the sun will shine again. When it does, the UV rays will further damage the surface and cause rapid degradation of the exposed material. Then, the roof becomes brittle, which makes it highly susceptible to leaks.
- Hail damage may lead to leaks. After leakage begins, you’ll notice mold, mildew, stains, and foul odors. Leaks add to the expenses of what’s already needed for roof repair.
HAIL STORMS WREAK HAVOC
Hail is consistently the most adverse weather condition each year, costing homeowners and insurers billions of dollars annually. Small or quarter-sized hail, which is only 1 inch, causes severe damage to shingles. The speed of falling hail increases depending on how big the hail is, increasing the possibility of damage. For example, marble-sized hail falls at 20 miles per hour, while baseball-sized hail reaches 80 miles per hour.
Some insurers can use a “cosmetic damage exclusion” to avoid roof coverage. In other words, they can claim the hail only ruined your roof’s aesthetic appeal and there’s no extensive damage. However, qualified roofers can confirm the damage is harmful to the roof’s structure and has caused internal and external issues to your home.
VISIBLE SIGNS OF HAIL DAMAGE
Some roof damage is not easily detectable to the trained eye. Some tell-tale signs of damage, on the other hand, are apparent whether you’re a roofing contractor or not. For instance, clay or slate roofing may have cracks or gouges on the surface. Homeowners with metal roofing may see big white spots or impact dents in the gutters.
PRIORITIZE ROOF COVERAGE IN HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE
Insurance companies believe it’s your responsibility as the homeowner to maintain your home and take steps to prevent leaks and other major issues. If storm damage is ignored and leads to roof leakage, filing a claim at that point may be too late. In other words, you’ll likely pay out of pocket for the repairs, as your roof isn’t covered for the damage.
In the initial stages of signing a homeowners insurance policy, review the document thoroughly to make note of any roof exclusions. Also be sure to identify any time frame limits, explaining when suspected damage must be filed to receive financial assistance from your insurance company.
CALL STONE CREEK ROOFING IF YOU SUSPECT HAIL DAMAGE
You’re not obligated to inspect your roof for hail damage on your own. That’s where our professionals come in. Stone Creek Roofing offers free roof inspections because we understand the importance of reliable protection and coverage.
In addition to our roofing expertise, we’re also specialists in homeowners insurance. We help you navigate the complexities of filing a claim for roof damage, and we work with insurance agencies to come up with a feasible solution to your roofing troubles. We are your allies in the roofing and insurance industry, which sets us apart from the rest. Call the courteous and knowledgeable professionals at Stone Creek Roofing today for peace of mind from our problem solvers.
