Hail is a form of solid precipitation that consists of small balls of ice. It is one of the most dangerous types of precipitation, and it falls often during thunderstorms in spring, summer and early autumn.
As these balls fall from the sky, they can cause considerable damage to property, especially the roofs of homes, barns and other buildings.
If your home was recently affected by a storm involving hail, it’s important to have your roof inspected for damage as soon as possible.
Have your Roof Inspected
Hail damage can be subtle, and it is often impossible to see from the ground. However, even minimal damage from a hailstorm can cause your roof to leak sometime in the future. To check for hail damage, you must look at the roof up close. For your safety, consider calling a professional contractor from your area to identify the condition of your roof.
Signs of damage caused by hail may include:
- Dents in metal portions of the roof, such as flashing and roof vents.
- Dents in flat parts of the roof.
- Missing granules of asphalt.
- Bruised and/or cracked shingles.
Keep in mind that, if you file a hail damage claim with your homeowner’s insurance provider, the company has a right to inspect the damage and will most likely send an adjuster out to inspect before it will approve the claim. Your insurance provider will also impose a limit on how much it will pay for the repairs to your roof. For this reason, it’s best to call your insurance company before you attempt to repair the roof.
Repairing the Roof
Even if you find only a small amount of hail damage on your roof, it is still necessary to have it repaired in order to prevent serious problems in the future. To ensure that your roof is repaired properly, it’s typically best to hire a professional contractor to complete the job. Make sure that the contractor you choose has a good reputation, adequate insurance and a significant amount of experience.
If you are concerned about the contractor’s merits, check with the Better Business Bureau or read online reviews from past customers.
After the contractor has inspected your roof, he or she will provide an estimate to repair the damage. Depending on the extent of the damage, repairs may involve the replacement of a few damaged shingles to the installation of a new roof.
