When a hail storm blows through, it can sound like rocks are pounding down on top of your roof. You are scared to go look at the potential storm damage, but you know you need to. However, once you get out there, you aren’t sure if there is damage. So, how do you know? What does a hail damaged roof look like?
From the ground, it may be difficult to tell if your roof sustained any hail damage. Ideally, you should contact a professional to come out and examine the state of your roof. Keep reading to learn what steps a roofing contractor will take to identify whether damage occurred to your roof during a hailstorm.
How to Tell If Your Roof Received Hail Damage
The first step is looking for areas where granules have been knocked off of the shingles. A change in the shingle’s texture will be noticed and the matting underneath will be exposed. This can be subtle or more obvious, but in either instance, the damage will erode more and more over time. Many contractors will mark hail hits with something that can be washed off, such as chalk. This makes it easier to see the extent of the damage if an insurance claim is filed.
Untreated Hail Damage Will Get Worse
Over time, more granules will begin to get knocked off of the shingles, further exposing the matting beneath and leaving it more vulnerable to exterior environmental elements. Because of this, another way to determine whether your roof has suffered hail damage is to check whether there are granules in the gutters.
Damage that has occurred to your shingles will pose a threat of leaks while also causing deterioration of the shingles. The asphalt will start to bubble up, losing its viscosity and failing prematurely.
Hail Damage Causes Your Property Value to Suffer
While it is true that a damaged roof may not worsen or leak, this does not mean that your damaged roof doesn’t need to be repaired or replaced. When damage occurs, it can negatively affect your home’s property value if left that way. Therefore, it may be in your best interest to contact Advanced Roofing to assess your roof. If the damage is extensive, filing an insurance claim may be the ideal route to take in order to address the problem and have your insurance company help cover the cost.
Your home is a huge investment and one that you’ll want to last as long as possible. So, when that investment takes a hit from a hailstorm, you won’t want to just sit back and allow your property value to diminish while putting your home at risk of potential water damage.
How the Insurance Claim Process Works
Dealing with hail damage on your roof isn’t always straightforward, as the extent of the problem might not be immediately evident. In such cases, it’s crucial to understand how the insurance claim process works.
To begin, it’s wise to have your roof professionally inspected first and foremost. This initial step provides a clearer picture of the severity of the damage. If damage is detected, your next move may be to initiate a hail damage insurance claim.
It’s important not to underestimate seemingly minor damage as waiting until your home’s interior shows signs of water intrusion can lead to higher repair costs while also making the process take longer to resolve. As an alternative, you can opt to call in a trusted roofing contractor like Advanced to perform a thorough inspection and address minor repairs before they escalate into more significant issues. This proactive approach not only safeguards your home from further problems but also helps you avoid future financial burdens. By grasping the intricacies of the insurance claim process and taking timely action, you can protect your property and your wallet from potential headaches down the road.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Hail Damage?
Yes, homeowner’s insurance usually covers hail damage to your roof. When hail storms pummel your home and result in roof damage, your insurance policy is there to offer coverage for the needed repairs or replacement. However, the extent of coverage can vary based on the terms of your policy, including deductibles and limits. In the majority of cases, you can file a claim to help offset the costs of repairing or replacing a roof damaged by hail, offering essential financial protection during such incidents.
Want to Know More About Using Insurance for Roof Replacements?
If you’re eager to explore further information on utilizing insurance for roof replacements and securing your home’s value, don’t hesitate to connect with our team at Advanced Roofing. Our experts are readily available to address your concerns and help you safeguard your home. Feel free to reach out to us today by calling our office at 256-603-9171.
