What to Do If You Have Roof Hail Damage
Hail storms cost Americans billions of dollars every year. When large chunks of ice rain down from the sky, our roofs, cars, and other property take a beating that isn’t cheap to fix. Depending on the damage, you may have to replace your roof entirely.
A well-constructed roof that uses materials made to withstand hail will help you avoid costly repairs and keep your roof in good shape for a long time, no matter the weather.
Elite Remodeling Services is Minnesota’s best roofing company located in Farmington, MN. If you found roof hail damage after a storm, we can work with your insurance provider to restore your home. Give us a call at 952-646-2480 for a free roof inspection.
What Does Roof Hail Damage Look Like?
Hailstones may leave dents, splatter marks, and punctures on your roof. The extent of damage depends on the size of the hail. Larger hailstones fall faster, hitting your roof with shocking force. Fortunately, most hailstones are smaller than two inches, but even tiny hail can cause damage over time.
Hail damage can be hard to spot, but a professional roofer knows precisely what to look for. After a bad hail storm, you may want to schedule an inspection to ensure that the storm didn’t cause any issues with your roof. Even minor problems can lead to costly repairs if you ignore them for too long.
Certain types of roofs are vulnerable to specific types of hail damage.
Shingle Roof
Most shingle roofs have a layer of sandpaper-like granules than can give you clues when identifying hail damage. If you look closely, you might find spots where hail struck the shingles and knocked some of the granules off. It might not seem like much, but the impact would have to be quite powerful to shave off that outer layer.
Metal Roof
Depending on the type of metal roof, it can be very easy to spot hail damage on its surface. Metal surfaces can form dents where the hail hits, which you can spot far away. Flat metal surfaces are especially vulnerable to visible hail damage.
A metal roof’s tendency to dent rather than puncture actually makes it very effective against hail. The primary purpose of your roof is to keep water and other elements out of your home, which metal is exceptionally good at doing. You can avoid the appearance of dents by choosing a metal roof with a steeper slope and corrugated panels.
Functional vs. Cosmetic Damage
Depending on your insurance policy, your coverage may not include certain types of damage. Functional hail damage refers to the damage that threatens the integrity of your roof, keeping it from performing its function effectively. On the other hand, cosmetic damage hurts the roof’s looks, but not necessarily its functionality.
How to Check for Hail Damage Without Going Onto Your Roof
Climbing onto your roof is dangerous unless you know what you’re doing, especially if it could be weakened or damaged from a storm. If a hail storm passes through and you’re wondering if your roof has any damage, here are some ways to tell you might have a problem without leaving the ground.
If you can’t see your roof clearly from below, try checking other parts of your property to get an idea of what damage the hail may have caused. Look for the following signs:
- Dents on gutters and downspouts
- Damaged siding and windowsills
- Holes in window screens
- Dings on your front or back deck
- Dents on top of your car, mailbox, or other metals
If you notice any of these concerns, you should call a professional roofing contractor to schedule an inspection. The inspector will likely find the same damage on your roof and can give you an estimate for repairs.
Homeowners Insurance for Hail Damage
When an inspection reveals significant roof hail damage, it’s time to file a claim with your insurance company. Homeowners’ insurance typically covers hail damage, but the coverage depends on your policy. The insurance adjuster will put together an estimate. However, if you want to ensure that you get the right amount, call a roofing inspector to your home to provide their expertise.
Once your insurance provider approves your claim, you can move forward with a contractor to fix your roof. It’s best to wait for the claim’s approval before making any commitments so that you don’t end up paying to get your roof repaired out of pocket.
From there, your contractor can take over and work with your insurance company for the rest of the restoration process.
Call Our Qualified Minnesota Roofing Professionals
At Elite Remodeling Services, we have over 25 years of experience in residential and commercial roofing projects. We offer services for all your roofing needs, from roof replacement to storm damage restoration.
Got roof hail damage? Our experts perform quality work in Apple Valley, Burnsville, Farmington, Eagan, Lakeville, and Minneapolis, MN. Call us at 952-646-2480 for a free estimate!
