Nobody wants to experience the destruction of a hail storm, and Austin homeowners should take proactive steps to ensure that their roofs are protected during a significant natural disaster.
In some cases, hail damage can require the entire roof to be replaced. Depending on the coating and type of shingles used on the property, a complete replacement can cost thousands of dollars.
Thankfully, there are a few ways to reduce the cost of roof replacement and hail damage repairs following a hail storm. It is essential to understand that your insurance company should cover replacing an entire roof. You should also be aware of any limitations in coverage before filing an insurance claim for roof repairs.
How Long Will a Roof Last after Hail Damage?
Hail damage can cause serious harm to your roof, leading to costly repairs and replacements.
Understanding how long a roof will last after hail damage and the recommended measures can help you protect your home and ensure it is in good condition for many years.
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Get a Free Roof Hail Damage Estimate
Typically, after a hail storm, you should have a complete roof inspection done. This will help identify any immediate damages and underlying issues caused by the hail storm.
Repair costs can be high, but some companies offer free storm damage roof estimate to minimize the hail damage repair cost, which can be a great way to stick to your budget.
Trained professionals can inspect the entirety of your roof and identify any damage, and make recommendations for proper repairs. If the damage is significant and warrants complete hail damage repair, it is crucial to address it quickly and prevent further complications.
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Contact an Insurance Company
Once any hail damage has been identified, you should contact your insurance company to discuss compensation for all kinds of hail damage roof repair expenses. It may need to examine the roof and have you submit an insurance claim.
In extreme cases, the insurance company might deem it necessary for you to replace the entire roof if the damage is too extensive to repair.
What Size of Hail Causes Roof Damage?
Knowing what size hail can cause roof damage is critical for homeowners in protecting their investments. Hailstorms, which often accompany severe weather, are common in the U.S.
Large hailstones can cause significant damage to roofs, shingles, gutters, and windowpanes when they strike. As a result, the severity of the issue will also vary according to the size.
Any hail size can cause roof damage and require extensive roof repair, but the more significant the hail, the more damage it can cause. If the hailstones are 1 inch in diameter or larger, there’s a good chance they’ll create visible damage on a roof.
Homes with shingle roofs will experience the most obvious damage, as stones of this size may be prone to splitting the shingles, so it’s best to inspect your roof if you suspect severe damage.
Should I Claim Hail Damage on My Roof?
Are you a homeowner who’s taken a direct hit from a storm? If so, you may be asking yourself whether or not you should seek an insurance claim for hail damage on your roof. The short answer to that question is yes.
Hail damage can be seriously problematic for your roof and lead to even more costly repairs. Understanding what hail damage is and how to address the issue correctly is essential.
Get ahead of storm damage with our complete guide on hail damage roof estimates in Austin, Texas for 2023. Be informed, be prepared! #HailDamage #RoofRepair
Read the full blog here:https://t.co/5l4ffY2Nxp pic.twitter.com/3heV1TpQFD— Austin Roofing & Water Damage | WDR (@WDRofAustin) July 21, 2023
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Thoroughly Inspect Before Carrying out a Roof Repair
At the first sign of hail damage, inspecting your entire roof is essential. Even if only a limited area seems to be impacted, it’s crucial to inspect the whole hail-damaged roof to determine the full extent of the storm.
If an extensive issue is found, you must replace the entire roof immediately. Trying to repair hail damage can be costly, so it’s essential to determine whether it is cost-effective to proceed with a roof replacement in the first place.
While replacing the shed might present a higher upfront cost, not addressing damage can result in even more pricey repairs.
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Seek Hail Damage Claims
Homeowners need to know what the insurance claim process is like. You can’t just ask for compensation without showing the agency proof of damage due to a severe storm.
Insurance companies may also not cover the full cost of damage sustained from hail storms. Visual proof can strengthen your case, such as pictures and videos of the split shingles and broken gutters.
What to Inspect Before Conducting Hail Damage Repairs
Spotting hail hits can be extremely difficult for the average homeowner. A professional roof inspection is so important before any repairs begin.
Visual Damage
During the inspection, the expert will look for visual signs of damage. This helps to assess the situation accurately without relying on witnesses or your neighbor’s accounts.
Check for Homeowner’s Insurance
It is also important to know that many insurance companies offer homeowner’s insurance that covers hail destruction. If you are uncertain whether or not your policy applies, contact your insurance company to confirm what the agency provides.
Property Damage
Aside from hail issues, inspecting for any signs of property damage, wind damage, and missing shingles from asphalt roofs is essential. This is of utmost importance because neglecting to address any of these potential issues can result in the need for an entirely new roof down the line.
Furthermore, if any of these issues are found, and the proper repairs are not made, you may be in danger of losing money that a homeowner’s insurance policy should cover.
Getting a Free Estimate for a Hail Damage Repair
As homeowners, you understand that a thorough assessment and repair for storm damage is essential for protecting your property’s integrity and value.
Free estimates can give you peace of mind knowing that you are getting the most accurate review and assessment of the damage done to your roof and the best path forward for its complete repair.
Moreover, assessing a roof for storm damage can be difficult for the untrained eye. You might mistakenly assume that the most visible damage is all the metal roof sustained. Still, without a full inspection and assessment done by a professional, you could miss underlying issues causing roof leaks or other problems.
Pay attention to the signs of a leaky roof, such as discolored patches on the ceiling, mold, or peeling paint due to moisture, which could lead to costly repairs and replacement in the future if left unnoticed. In this case, a free estimate can be a lifesaver.
Getting an estimate provided by experienced and local roofers is a great way to assess the potential damage due to a strong storm or another severe weather event. It also allows homeowners to make an informed decision regarding how to fix the problem best and if it makes more financial sense to make the repairs or replace the roof completely.
How to Inspect Asphalt Roofs
One of the first signs of damage to an asphalt roof can be broken pipes and other roof components. If your pipes appear crushed, broken, twisted, or otherwise damaged, you must inspect for further hail issues before attempting any repairs.
Look carefully for any signs of cracks or fissures in the asphalt shingle. Make sure you also inspect the vents and skylights for cracks. It’s also important to carefully check the flashing around the roof, as it can be more easily damaged by hail. Check for any bends or warping that could be from storm damage.
All of these issues should be addressed to prevent any further damage or leaks in the future.
Final Words
Having an expert complete a professional inspection means they will look for any problems that storms and extreme weather conditions may have caused. Usually, this will include looking for damaged shingles, missing fasteners, and other structural damage that can often go unseen.
This is a critical step for those dealing with insurance claims for weather-related events. With the evidence gathered by a professional roofer through free estimates and thorough inspection, your insurance claim process will be much smoother.
To summarize:
- Inspect your roof for hail damage.
- Don’t make any repairs until you make a claim.
- Talk to your insurance company.
- Make sure to talk to a professional to get your repair or replacement.
