The following hail damage roof inspection checklist can assist Texas residents in evaluating the state of their roof and taking the required steps to speed up repairs in the case of a severe storm.
Austin Roofing & Water Damage | WDR is aware of the psychological and financial strain that extreme weather disasters cause. If your property has suffered storm damage, we suggest you contact your local roofing contractor to arrange a free roof inspection to assess how well your roof is holding up and if you should contact your insurance adjuster.
We will be able to provide a thorough visual inspection photo report explaining all damage or issues detected during the inspection. Our qualified project manager will accurately determine the necessary repairs to restore your property to its original condition.
Make sure you arrange an inspection with a professional roofing contractor as soon as possible if you notice any of these problems. These signs of damage can vary in difficulty for the untrained eye to see, with others requiring an expert’s eye.
Do You Need a Hail Damage Roof Inspection?
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How Do You Inspect a Roof for Damage?
Downspouts, Gutters, and Gutter Screens
Look at your gutters, downspouts, and gutter screens from the ground with an eye for any dents. In situations where the hail severely damages the roof, it is common for the gutters to sustain at least some impact damage. Keep an eye out because dents can vary in size.
Sliding and Windowsills
Next, examine the siding and window sills or casings. Again, if the roof has been seriously damaged, these areas of your home will probably have some damage.
Be sure to pay close attention to any exposed metal, such as the metal fascia on your roof eaves, while you inspect these home components from the ground. Every ding, no matter how small, can suggest the roof was probably damaged.
Air Conditioner and Outdoor Items
Your air conditioners or other devices outside your home are among the few things you can see damage from the ground.
Once again, if the hail storm was solid and big enough to harm your air conditioner or other items, it was probably also strong enough to cause damage to your roof. If you notice the hail damage immediately, you can file an insurance claim with your insurance company for the air conditioner.
Outdoor Painted Surfaces
Last but not least, inspect the entire surfaces outdoors, especially those painted or treated in some way. Paint that has chipped may have been damaged by hail, but it may also mean something else.
Identifying Hail Damage to Asphalt Shingles
The roof’s shingles will be the most crucial aspect of any roof damage inspection. Although it varies depending on the damage and your policy, you have a far better chance of filing an insurance claim with most insurance companies if the shingles are damaged.
Unfortunately for those without experience, some hail damage to shingles is apparent, but that is not always true. You might need to get pretty close to the shingles to see the damage.
Surface Granules
As you examine the shingles, look at the surface granules. Some of these are going to get damaged by hail. The shingles’ integrity was likely compromised if your roof was exposed to high force. Furthermore, missing shingles might also cause leaks later on.
How to Spot Storm Damage on Roof Vents, Chimney Covers, and Other Rooftop Elements
Roof vents and other features, such as skylights, should be checked for damage if you inspect your roof or have a contractor check the building for damage. Dings, dents, and chipped surfaces are all possible indications of damage.
Compared to chimney covers, the damage is typically easier to see on soft metal vents. In the latter scenario, you might need to run chalk across the surface sideways to identify hail damage.
Hail Damage on Metal Roofs
Shingles are among the most common roof materials, especially for homes, but they are not the only ones. Hail damage on metal roofs is most likely to show up as dents. Luckily, this makes it easy to repair the sustained damage.
Hail Damage on Shake Roofs
If a hailstone strikes a wooden shingle, it will split in half. This also makes the damage very obvious.
Hail Damage on Clay or Slate Roofs
If your roof is slate or clay, it probably has dents or cracks from the hail and severe storms.
Is a Hail Storm Likely to Cause Roof Damage?
Many aspects can influence whether hail will harm your roof and its supporting structures. Generally, at least 1 inch in diameter hail will harm your asphalt shingles.
The hail may have to be slightly larger to damage your roofing. For example, concrete tiles and cement tiles usually need hail that is at least one ¼ inch in size to cause any damage to the roof.
How Do Insurance Adjusters Measure Hail Damage on a Roof?
Before you file a claim with your insurance company, you’ll need to take photos and videos of the damage to your roof. Meeting with your public adjuster may also be a good idea because they may help you find a contractor, negotiate prices, and manage your insurance.
Should I Claim Hail Damage on My Roof?
Having pictures of your property before it was damaged is an intelligent thing to do. These images will show how your property, including vehicles and other outdoor assets, looked before the storm damage. Such photographic evidence will make it more difficult for your insurance company to reject your claim.
Some insurance providers may have a minimum threshold for hail damage before accepting a claim for roof damage. An insurance provider might need a set amount of hits within a specific area. If the damage to the roof requires repairs or replacement, you should also get estimates.
However, if your insurance provider approves your claim, you should be aware that the payout will depend on the extent of the wind damage, the type of roofing you have, and your insurance coverage.
Do You Have Roof Damage Caused By Hail Storms?
Call an expert roofing professional immediately if you believe hail storms have damaged your roof. You can save money, time, and stress by quickly fixing these problems. You will receive expert guidance as you proceed with the roof hail repair process.
Are you ready to move forward with fixing your roof? Request a free estimate with your professional roofing company!