Hail can cause more damage than you think. Your roof might seem intact, but it could be hiding damages that could cause problems over time. You could go up and check for hail damage on your roof, but if you don’t know what signs to look for, you might overlook them.
When in doubt, it’s best to leave the job to roof repair experts like Viking Contractors LLC. They’ll assess your roof, repair the damages, and even fix issues that are not caused by hail.
What Does Hail Damage on Roof Look Like?
It depends on the type of roof your home has. Hail damage to roof shingles varies depending on the material. For example, roofs with wood shingles can have the following issues after a hailstorm:
- Brown or orange-colored splits
- Splits in shingles with sharp edges
- Splits in shingles without edge damage
- Dents and impact marks
Meanwhile, the shingles on asphalt roofs might feature the following signs:
- Black hail hits
- Loss of granules (leaving the roof exposed)
- Minor and soft hail hits
- Shiny asphalt or mat
- Blisters and flakes
Old roofing systems are especially vulnerable to hail damage. Hailstorms often leave them with the following problems:
- Loose seals
- Missing shingles
- Roof deck debris
- Slate roofing cracks
- Slim lines an inch from the shingles over them
- Divots close to shingle edges
- Impact signs on roof window sills, siding, and casings
After a hailstorm, you can check for these signs when you remove the hail from your roof. If you only find minor damages that you can repair on your own, go for it. However, if the damage is extensive, you’re better off leaving it to the pros.
Benefits of Hiring Roof Repair Experts
So you’ve concluded that you can’t fix the hail damage on your roof by yourself, but you’re still on the fence about getting hail damage roof repair. To help you decide, here are some of the advantages of letting a professional team fix your roof.
Promote Safety
Your priority should always be safety. DIYing roof repair would save you money, but it’s risky. You might injure yourself in the process or even slip off the roof. You could also accidentally cause more damage if you’re not well-versed in roof repair.
In comparison, professional roofers know how to safely handle roof equipment, inspect damaged roofs, and repair them. Once they’re done, you can rest assured that your roofing system is sound and your home is safe to stay in again.
Know What Signs to Look For
Experts are trained to inspect the roof for hail damage so that they can spot even the most minor issues.
Professional roofers start their inspection before stepping on the roof, checking the house’s painted surfaces and decks for hail damage. If there are any, they make the educated guess that the roof shingles must be damaged (even if the damage is internal and unseen).
Then, they climb onto the roof to identify the type and extent of hail damage. For instance, is the damage external or internal? Does it require a minor shingle repair or a full-on replacement?
Typically, if the hail is between the size of a quarter and the size of a golf ball, the damage is usually minimal and difficult to spot. If it’s bigger, then the damage will be more noticeable.
Save Money
Experts will help you choose between roof repair and replacement—And believe it or not, repairs aren’t always the cheapest option!
They’ll write a report detailing the damage type and extent with consideration to code compliance and safety regulations. They’ll also note a repair or restoration strategy. Roofers consider the following factors in deciding which fix to recommend:
- Age: If the roof is relatively old and perhaps leaking, it’d be more expensive to repair because it’ll need replacement in a few years. In contrast, new roofs are usually worth saving.
- Damage Level: In cases of severe damage and structural problems, it’s better to replace the roof system. Meanwhile, repairs would suffice for aesthetic and minor damages.
- Damage Spread: Barriers, such as adjacent homes, tree covers, fences, and landscaping, can block hail. If any structures partially prevent damage, roofers might repair the damaged areas only, which is cost-effective.
- Home Resale Plans: If you plan to sell the property soon, roofers might recommend replacement. Investing in a new roof can boost your curb appeal and home resale value, resulting in a better return on investment.
Help With Insurance Claims
According to Verisk, over 7.1 million U.S. properties suffered from hail damages worth over $13 billion in 2019. Roof damage services can help you avoid contributing a large sum to this year’s statistics by maximizing your insurance policy.
It’s mandatory for insurance companies to cover roof hail damage restoration in hail-prone states. So, don’t hesitate to call your insurance representative after a hailstorm. After all, most homeowner’s insurance plans cover hail damage roof repair.
A roofing service can work directly with your insurance company. Professional roofers will get information about the types of repairs covered under your insurance policy to ensure the costs are covered.
Moreover, insurance companies can’t legally raise your rates or cancel your insurance over an act of nature. In other words, you don’t need to worry about unpleasant surprises concerning your insurance premiums and deductibles.
Tip: Once the service files the claim, your insurance representative will send an inspector to examine your roof, so you’ll want to be ready with all the needed documents. Prepare photographs of the damaged spots and any receipts if repairs are underway or finished.
Get Experts in Hail Damage Roof Repair
Need expert roof repair after a hailstorm? Viking Contractors LLC team can put in the work to restore your roof to its pre-hail glory with long-term, reliable solutions.
Hail damage roof services will help you get your life back to normal in no time. After all, you can count on expert roofers to identify all the issues, recommend the best solution, and get all or most of your damages covered by your insurance company. Best of all, they prioritize the safety of your loved ones and property!
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