If you live in Austin or San Antonio, there’s a good chance you’ve experienced a hail storm.
A hail storm can be a seriously destructive force. Depending on the size of the hailstones, they can cause massive damage to property, particularly hail damage to roofs. If you have recently experienced a hail storm and noticed damage to your roof, you may be wondering what steps to take next.
In this guide, we’ll discuss what hail damage on a roof looks like and the steps you should take in order to get it repaired.
Table of Contents
Inspect Your Roof For Hail Damage
First things first, you need to look closely at your roof for any hail damage. It’s important to note that hail damage isn’t always obvious. Of course, if you see things like cracked tile shingles, that’s obviously hail damage. But on asphalt shingle roofs, it can be more subtle.
Start by looking for any small dents or divots in your shingles, almost like what you see on fruit when it’s damaged. You also might look for spots where the granules are missing on the shingle. Additionally, check out your gutters, downspouts, and roof vents for any dents.
It has to be said: don’t climb up on your roof if it’s unsafe in any way. You absolutely shouldn’t risk your safety. You are worth more than your roof. If you’re not comfortable on your roof, call an expert to come look at it.
Take Careful Note Of Any Hail Damage To Your Roof
If during your inspection you see any significant hail damage, it’s really important to document it. Take pictures and videos of any damage you see, and make sure to write down the date that hail occurred. Your insurance company will want to know this information when filing a claim.
Additionally, be sure to note the size and shape of any dents or divots in your shingles. This information can help determine the severity of the damage and whether it warrants repairs or replacement. Obviously, the bigger the dents in your shingles, the more damaged they are and the more likely it is that they need to be replaced.
Dealing with a storm-damaged roof and have questions about insurance? Call us for a free roof inspection today.
Get A Professional Roof Inspection
If you have hail damage to your roof, it’s also essential that you get a roof inspection from a professional roofing company.
Why should you get the inspection before you call the insurance company?
Because the experts at a roofing company can give you an unbiased opinion on the damage and whether it needs to be repaired or replaced. This can help you make a better decision when filing your insurance claim and prevent any potential disputes with your insurer.
At M&M Roofing and Siding, we offer free roof inspections. We’ll come to your house and go up on your roof to inspect for hail damage. If we find any at all, we’ll give you a thorough report and lay out for you what your next steps should be.
Call us today for your free roof inspection.
Review Your Insurance Policy
After getting a professional roof inspection, you need to thoroughly review your insurance policy to ensure that it covers roof damage from hail. It’s important to understand what your policy covers and what it doesn’t, so you’re not caught off guard by any surprises during the claims process.
You should also check for any specific requirements or deadlines for filing a claim for hail damage. Some insurance companies have strict time limits for reporting and documenting damage, so make sure you don’t miss out on coverage because of delays.
File Your Claim Promptly
Once you have all the necessary information and documentation, it’s important to file your insurance claim as soon as possible. Delays could result in further damage to your roof and potentially reduce or even deny coverage from your insurer.
You should also be prepared to provide any additional information or evidence that your insurance company may request. This could include photos of the damage, a copy of the professional inspection report, and any receipts for repairs or temporary fixes.
Choose A Reputable Roofing Contractor For Repairs
When choosing a roofing contractor to make repairs on your roof, look for one that is experienced and has a strong reputation for doing excellent work. At M&M we’ve, been installing roofs in Texas and Louisiana for 40 years and have done over 20,000 roofs. We know what makes high-quality work and we 100% guarantee you’ll be satisfied with our work.
If you have significant hail damage to your roof, we can walk you through the entire repair process, from start to finish. We’ll also work with your insurance company to ensure that all necessary repairs are covered.
Beware of storm chaser roofing companies who may try to pressure you into signing a contract or paying for repairs upfront. These companies often use subpar materials and inexperienced workers, resulting in poor quality work that can lead to more problems down the road.
Hail-Proof Your Roof For The Future
Ultimately, you can’t completely hail-proof your roof. If a storm is strong enough and the hail is big enough, there will always be some damage. But there are a few things you can do to minimize the damage done.
First, consider having impact-resistant shingles installed on your roof. If you live in a location where hail storms are somewhat frequent, like Austin or San Antonio, this can be a wise investment. Impact-resistant shingles are made with tougher, more durable materials that can withstand hail better than traditional shingles.
Another option is to have a metal roof installed. Metal roofs are highly resistant to hail damage and can last for decades. They may be a bit more expensive upfront, but in the long run, they could save you from costly repairs or replacements due to hail damage.
Finally, make sure to regularly inspect your roof and address any minor damages before they become major issues. This can help prevent future hail damage and extend the lifespan of your roof.
Final Thoughts
Hail damage to your roof can be a stressful and expensive problem. But, by taking preventative measures and working with reputable roofing companies, you can minimize the impact of hail storms on your home. With proper preparation and maintenance, you can ensure that your roof is resilient against hail storms for years to come.
If you have hail damage to your roof and want a FREE roof inspection to assess the damage, call us today.
Call us today so we can help you with your insurance claim and get your roof fixed or replaced.
