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Detecting and Repairing Hail Damage to Roofs
It’s an often forgotten part of our houses, but it is still one of the most important parts. Some might say it is the most important part. We don’t think about it until something goes wrong. For years everything is fine, but when leaks start we can think about little else besides our roofs. Hail can be one of the most significant causes of damage to this important part of our home’s structure. We save in the long run if before we ever have a problem we educate ourselves about detecting and repairing hail damage to roofs.
While some companies may advertise that their roofing methods are hail proof, experts agree that there is no such thing as a hail proof roof. Some types of roofs are more or less resistant to hail, but there is no such thing as a roof that is 100% immune to hail damage. One of the most common types of residential roofing materials, composite or asphalt shingles, can be damaged by hail, and homeowners should learn how to detect 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.
Before you begin a thorough inspection of your roof and gutters, give it enough time to completely dry. A big sign of a worn or damage roof is asphalt granules building up where gutters drain. Be on the look out for weathered areas on your roof and photograph these also.
Once you find evidence of hail damage in the form of weathered hailstone size spots on your shingles, it is time to get a professional opinion concerning detecting and repairing hail to roofs. Many roofing companies offer free inspections. A homeowner can combine a professional’s inspection report with the photographs and submit the material to an insurance company.
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