When you wake up to the sunlight after a hailstorm pounded your roof and windows, it can be scary. You want to know if there’s roof damage, but you might also worry about what you’ll find. For some folks in certain places, this has been happening more often lately.
The tricky thing about noticing hail damage is that sometimes you can’t see it unless you’re on the roof (or have a drone), and even then, you need to know what to look for. This means many roof damage in never get fixed. Over time, this neglect can lead to problems, and by the time you notice, it might be too late to file an insurance claim.
Hailstorms do cause a lot of damage each year. According to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), they result in about $1 billion in damages to crops and property annually. If you suspect your roof might be damaged, don’t wait to have it checked.
Common Locations Of Roof Damage
Here are the areas inspectors check when they look for hail damage on roofs:
Metal Fixtures and Skylights: This includes all the soft metal parts of the roof like flashings, chimney caps, vents, skylights, and metal valleys.
Shingles and Ridges: By examining the shingles and roof ridges, a skilled inspector can figure out how much of the roof is damaged and how big the hailstones were.
What Hail Damage Looks Like
The easiest kind of damage to notice is circular or half-moon-shaped cracks in shingles or tiles. You typically see these after bigger hailstorms. This type of damage is a problem because it weakens the asphalt shingles, making the roof more likely to leak.
In clear signs of hail damage, some shingles will be missing granules, and you’ll see the fiberglass or paper layer underneath. If the damage is recent, it will look dark black and won’t show signs of being exposed to the sun for a long time. Most inspectors focus on recent damage since many insurance policies have rules about how long you can wait to make a claim.
Dimples or dents on shingles also show roof damage. These can be a bit tricky because, like bruises, you might feel them when you push on them but not see them. Unfortunately, even if they’re not visible, they can still make the shingle wear out faster.
Roof Damage: A Good Defense is the Best Offense
To ensure damage is spotted and claims are filed promptly, the best thing to do is ask a qualified roofing contractor in Keller TX for an inspection soon after a hailstorm. If the roofer has a good reputation for honesty, you can trust their advice on whether to file a claim.
Choosing a Roofing Company
Just like hiring any professional, you want to pick someone you feel comfortable with who has lots of experience. The more you practice your craft (or, in this case, climb ladders and walk on roofs), the better you get at it. Some roofing inspectors have been honing their inspection skills for over a decade.
Another thing to consider is the company’s knowledge of the insurance claims process. Knowing what’s usually covered or not in claims means better guidance for homeowners dealing with insurance companies. A professional roofer in Keller TX will help identify all the damage that falls under your policy to get you the most money from your claim.
Lastly, steer clear of storm chasers. Don’t fall for someone knocking on your door and then disappearing when problems or warranty issues arise.
Call Restoration Roofing TX now, and let our team help with your roofing concerns.
Like our Facebook page for more great info about our services.
Restoration Roofing TX
Keller, TX 76248
817-717-6220
https://restorationroofingtx.com/
info@restorationroofingtx.com
