Having a good roof is key to keeping your residential or commercial building secure from harsh weather conditions. Unfortunately, hail has led to huge losses worth billions of dollars both in the US and beyond.
Even worse, hail damage will not only affect the roof. The windows, cars, and many other things around the home will get damaged too.
Whether the hail storm caused notable holes on the roof or the roof was completely damaged, only a professional roofing pro can tell. Fortress Roofing are experts at caring for roof hail damage in Salt Lake City.
Signs of Hail Damage
#1. Dented Gutters or Downspouts
If you notice some dents in the gutters or downspouts, it is a sure sign of more damages on the roof. You may also notice that the gutter screen is dented which also signifies roof hail damage.
#2. Exposed Roofing
If yours is an asphalt roof, you may notice some missing pieces on your roof. At times, you may also notice some underlying materials where the roof was knocked off.
Also, there may be some shiny spots that require immediate attention.
#3. Cracks on the Roofs Shingles
Based on the intensity and the speed of the weed, the roof may develop some cracks or some deep dents. Even more unfortunate, you may find cracks in different parts of the roof.
#4. Recent Hailstorm in Your Area
If there has been a hail storm recently, there may be some minor or major damages on the roof. And the only way to find out if this is the case is to hire a professional roofer to check your roof.
What Happens After Hail Damage?
Get Professional Help for Your Roof Inspection
If there’s been a recent storm in your area, the first step is to conduct a visual inspection of your roof. You can hire a roofing expert to check the extent of the roof hail damage in Salt Lake City so you can know the appropriate actions to take.
Here are some areas that require checking:
- The attic spaces
- Overhead lighting fixtures
- Ceiling
- Gutters
- Sidings & window casings
- Air conditioner
- Vents
- Chimney
- Shingles
Contact Your Insurance Company
If there’s evidence of roof damage after the inspection, the next step is contacting your insurance provider. You need to have well-organized notes and photos from the inspection as proof of damage.
It is important to note that though hail roof damage is covered by insurance, the coverage differs. Your choice of an insurance company, policy, and your location will apply when getting your compensation.
Though most insurance companies offer a grace period of 1 year to file a claim after hail damage, don’t wait for too long. Get an on-site inspection with your insurance adjuster.
Remember, your insurance payout will vary depending on the roof type and your choice of insurance carrier.
The insurance company may also decide to hire their adjustor to estimate the amount of your compensation. In this case, you should also hire your own inspector so your interests are represented in the meeting.
As we mentioned earlier, you need professional help with your roof inspection after a hail storm. A person that will notice even the hard to find roof hail damages on time.
Get a Roofing Contractor to Handle the Repairs
Once you agree with the insurance company, you can allow the roofing expert to proceed with the repairs. Depending on the extent of the damages, he may replace the damaged part of the roof or install a new roof.
There are times when the insurance company may decide to withhold your compensation until the repairs are complete.
How to Protect Your Roof from Hail Damage
- Get Professional Help with Installations: Though it is possible to DIY your roofing project, professional help is recommended.
An expert roofer will know the best roofing materials and the best way to install the roof.
- Clear all Overhanging Limbs: if the trees near your home or offer have some overhanging limbs, cut them off. This will ensure that no limbs fall on the roof if there is a hail storm in your area.
Also, it is important to get rid of all rotting trees near your building so they don’t end up falling on the roof.
- Install Hail-Resistant Roofs: if the materials used in constructing your roof will easily get damaged by a hail storm, replace them. This may seem expensive but in the end, will save you lots of expensive repairs.
For instance, class 4 shingles with UL 2218 impact resistance will resist hail stone force up to 110 mph.
- Get an Insurance Cover: having an insurance policy to cover all roof hail damages is not an option but a necessity. It’ll give you the assurance that you’ll receive compensation if there are any damages from hail storms.
- Conduct Periodic Checks on the Attic: with periodic checks, you’ll be able to notice any faults with the roof on time. Also, you’ll handle the repairs on time so that any hail storm will find the roof in great condition.
Prepare for Anything
The possibility of hail storm damage may not be common but can happen without warning. The most important thing is being ready for anything that may happen after a hail storm.
Keep your roof in great shape so it can withstand the impact of any harsh climatic conditions. Remember, handle any repairs on time as any delays may result in even more expensive damages.