When the weather outside is frightful, your roof is one of the first places that can suffer damage. High winds, driving rain, and even hail can wreak havoc on your roof, leaving it vulnerable to leaks and other problems. It’s not something you should leave unaddressed for long, as water damage can quickly lead to mold and other serious issues. If you want to assess the damage, take the necessary steps, which include calling your roof repair in Keller, Texas.
What Should I Do If I Have Hail Damage?
As a homeowner. It’s normal to feel a bit overwhelmed when you realize your roof has been damaged by hail. However, it’s crucial to take action quickly to minimize the potential for further damage. Here are a few steps you should take:
Contact Your Insurance Company
If you have hail damage, the first call you should make is to your insurance company. They will likely send out an adjuster to assess the damage and determine if you are eligible for a claim. Don’t make any repairs before this happens, as they may affect your coverage.
Contact a Roofing Contractor
Once you’ve spoken with your insurance company, it’s time to find a reputable roofing contractor to make the repairs. Ask for estimates from a few different companies so you can compare prices and services. Be sure to ask about their warranty policies, as this can give you some peace of mind in case any problems arise after the repairs are made.
Make the Repairs
Once you’ve chosen a roofing contractor, they will schedule a time to come out and make the necessary repairs. This may involve replacing damaged shingles or patching up leaks. The process can take a few days, but it’s necessary to get it done as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
Inspect the Repairs
After the repairs are made, it’s a good idea to inspect them yourself or have someone else do it for you. This will help ensure that the work was done correctly and that there are no issues that could cause problems down the road.
How to Tell If You Have Hail Damage
After a severe storm, it’s a good idea to inspect your roof for damage; else, how will you know if you need roof repair? If you see any of the following signs, you may have hail damage and should call a contractor for an inspection:
Loose or Missing Shingle Granules
Even though hails need to be relatively large to cause damage, they can still loosen the granules on your shingles. The small ice balls fall at a high velocity, and their impact can cause the mineral granules to dislodge from the asphalt shingles’ upper layer. If the hailstones hit your shingles hard enough, they can knock off the granules.
This is particularly true if the shingles are old and starting to deteriorate. The layer is responsible for weatherproofing the roof, and when that is destroyed, the asphalt is exposed to UV radiation and heat, making it harden, crack and become brittle.
Dents or Dimples in Your Shingles
Hailstones can cause indentations or dimples in asphalt shingles. The damage is most likely to occur on the north- and west-facing sides of your roof since those are the areas that get the most sun and are, therefore, the warmest. As hailstones hit these areas, they can cause the shingles to soften and dent.
Cracked or Split Shingles
Another common sign of hail damage is cracked or split shingles. The impact of the hailstones can cause the asphalt to crack or split, leaving your roof vulnerable to water damage. Typically, you will see these damages on the south- and east-facing sides of your roof since those are the areas that are most likely to be hit by hail.
Damaged Metal Components
If your roof has any metal components, such as flashing or vent pipes, hail can also damage those. The high winds that often accompany hail can cause the metal to warp or dent. Things could get worse if the hails are large enough to puncture the metal, as that can create a hole for water to leak through.
Visible Damage on the Gutters and Downspouts
If you can’t access your roof to inspect it, you can also check your gutters and downspouts for hail damage. Sizeable hailstones can cause dents and indentations in these metal components. In addition, the high winds that often accompany hail can cause the gutters and downspouts to become loose and fall off, so be sure to check them for any signs of damage.
Holes in the Roof
The most severe form of hail damage is holes in the roof. These can be caused by hailstones that are large enough, the size of a golf ball or even a softball. Typically, these holes might not be visible from the ground, so you will need to get on the roof to inspect them. You might also be missing some shingles in the area where the hailstones hit.
Leaks in the Attic
If you have hail damage, you might also start to see leaks in your attic. Water can seep through the damaged shingles and cause the wood beneath them to rot. In addition, the leaks can damage your insulation and cause mold to grow. If you see any signs of water damage in your attic, it’s a good idea to call a contractor for an inspection.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Hail Damage?
Homeowner’s insurance typically covers hail damage, but it depends on your policy. You will need to check your policy to see if it explicitly covers hail damage or if it’s included under “wind and storm damage.” In addition, most policies have a deductible for wind and storm damage, so you will need to pay that amount out of pocket before your insurance will cover the repairs.
Your roof repair contractor will also need to inspect your roof to determine the extent of the damage and give you an estimate for the repairs. Once you have that information, you can file a claim with your insurance company. Again, the adjuster will likely come out to inspect the damage and give you an estimate for the repairs.
If you agree with the estimate, the insurance company will send you a check for the repairs. If you disagree with the estimate, you can negotiate with the insurance company or hire a public adjuster to help you.
It’s important to note that most homeowners insurance policies have a cap on the amount they will pay for wind and storm damage. That means that if the cost of the repairs exceeds the cap, you will be responsible for paying the difference. Typically, the cap is around 1% of the value of your home, but it can vary depending on your policy.
Hail damage can cause serious problems for your roof, and the sooner you address the issue, the better. Waiting too long to fix hail damage can result in leaks, rot, and mold. It’s prudent to call a contractor for an inspection. Visit https://dallasftworthroofer.com/keller-roofing/ for more information.
James Kate Roofing & Solar,
2364 N Hwy 287,
Suite 113 Mansfield TX 76063,
9724004707
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