Detecting and Repairing Hail Damage to Roofs
The roofs over our homes and businesses offer security, protection, and comfort from the environment and our surroundings. Funny enough is how we take our roofs for granted until something goes wrong. As soon as that first leak begins it seems all our minds can focus on is the roof. That being said, one of the biggest enemies of our roofs is hail. Hail is more than capable of damaging and destroying the important part of our home. Educating ourselves on ways to detect hail damage and how to repair it can save us all time and money.
On the market today you may see some companies advertising hail proof roofs. Be warned that there is no such thing as a completely hail proof roof. Different types of roofs may hold up better to hail than other types of roofs, but none are completely invulnerable to the frozen rain. The two most widely used residential roofing materials, composite and asphalt, are both susceptible to damages. Every homeowner should be able to detect the signs of hail damage.
Each homeowners insurance policy is different; therefore you should be conscious of how the policy handles hail damage. Some insurance companies give you up to a year to make a claim, while others give you less time. Keep this in mind so you make the claim within the time period, otherwise you could be paying out of your own pocket. Know what your policy covers and how to file a claim before you have to deal with hail damage.
Hail damage to asphalt shingles can be difficult to detect immediately after a hailstorm. Some people mistakenly believe that if there are no missing shingles there is no damage. That is not always true. While wind is likely to cause missing shingles, the damage from hail is harder to see.
The first thing to do after a significantly large hailstorm is to photograph the property while hail is still on the ground. Make sure the date is shown in the photograph. Next photograph the entire roof. Even if everything appears normal, take the photos. File these photos away in case they are needed at a future date.
Before you begin a thorough inspection of your roof and gutters, give it enough time to completely dry. A big sign of a worn or damage roof is asphalt granules building up where gutters drain. Be on the look out for weathered areas on your roof and photograph these also.
Always contact a roofing contractor if you are positive you have hail damage or even if you think you may. You will be able to find a company that offers free estimates and inspections and there is no harm in being safe than sorry. Once it has been determined your roof has suffered hail damage it will be time to make your insurance claim. - 23211
On the market today you may see some companies advertising hail proof roofs. Be warned that there is no such thing as a completely hail proof roof. Different types of roofs may hold up better to hail than other types of roofs, but none are completely invulnerable to the frozen rain. The two most widely used residential roofing materials, composite and asphalt, are both susceptible to damages. Every homeowner should be able to detect the signs of hail damage.
Each homeowners insurance policy is different; therefore you should be conscious of how the policy handles hail damage. Some insurance companies give you up to a year to make a claim, while others give you less time. Keep this in mind so you make the claim within the time period, otherwise you could be paying out of your own pocket. Know what your policy covers and how to file a claim before you have to deal with hail damage.
Hail damage to asphalt shingles can be difficult to detect immediately after a hailstorm. Some people mistakenly believe that if there are no missing shingles there is no damage. That is not always true. While wind is likely to cause missing shingles, the damage from hail is harder to see.
The first thing to do after a significantly large hailstorm is to photograph the property while hail is still on the ground. Make sure the date is shown in the photograph. Next photograph the entire roof. Even if everything appears normal, take the photos. File these photos away in case they are needed at a future date.
Before you begin a thorough inspection of your roof and gutters, give it enough time to completely dry. A big sign of a worn or damage roof is asphalt granules building up where gutters drain. Be on the look out for weathered areas on your roof and photograph these also.
Always contact a roofing contractor if you are positive you have hail damage or even if you think you may. You will be able to find a company that offers free estimates and inspections and there is no harm in being safe than sorry. Once it has been determined your roof has suffered hail damage it will be time to make your insurance claim. - 23211
About the Author:
Dan Netko has been helping people deal with hail damage since 1979. Find out how he can help you completely with your insurance claims, roofing repairs and hail damage repairs today.
posted by X - Men @ 1:59 AM
0 Comments
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home