Securing the Roof After a Hailstorm
May through September is the season of storms in the US. Every year a large number of storms hit Texas causing extensive damage. A hurricane or storm is destructive, but when hail joins rain and strong winds, the impact is larger and long-lasting. Often the damage caused by hail goes unnoticed at first. But it shows up after some time. So it’s a good idea to call in a trusted roofing contractor like Prosperity Roofing & Exteriors, LLC to check your roof’s health, especially after a hailstorm.
Even before a hailstorm occurs, there are a few things that should be kept in mind. Although hail is not a regular occurrence in most places, using the best material while constructing the roof will ensure its longevity and durability. There are various levels and classes of materials, but a class 4 material will give maximum protection against the impact of the elements and hail in particular. A regular roof inspection by the best roofer near me will further ensure that the roof is in good condition and provides protection to the home and family, as it should be doing.
Signs of Damage Caused by Hail - What to Look Out For?
No matter how strong the roofing material is, when hail hits the roof, there is bound to be some wear and tear. Smaller hail stones may not cause much damage, but hailstones larger than 1 inch in size can cause considerable damage. However, it is not advisable to climb up onto the roof to check for damage without first inspecting from the ground level. Signs of damage will be evident on the ground and will help in ascertaining what is happening on top.
- Granules from shingles - shingles have a top layer made of tiny pebbles. Hail can cause this layer which is like sandpaper in texture to come off, leaving the shingles bald or bruised. These loose granules, if seen on the ground or in the garden are a sure sign that the roof has taken a severe beating by hailstones and needs to be fixed. A hail-damaged roof is a disaster waiting to happen if not tackled immediately. The bruised shingles can cause leaks in the roof and weaken the roof. In metal roofs, dents would indicate hail while tiled or wooden roofs would show cracks.
- Gutters - a blocked gutter after a hailstorm would also indicate damage to the roof. The granules from the shingles which get loosened because of the large hailstones can block gutters causing water collection and seepage.
- A look around the exterior of the house would also show signs of damage, e.g., dents on AC units, chipping or scratches on walls, dents on the car, and cracks in windows.
How to Claim Insurance for Hail Damage
Most insurance companies would cover hail damage in Roof Insurance Claims, but it is important to read the fine print so that one does not lose out. It is also important to take pictures of the damage and probably a good practice to take pictures of the roof to monitor its condition regularly. This acts as proof when putting a claim for damage from hail.
Before putting in a claim, call in a roofer you trust who will inspect your roof and help you with the insurance claim as well. Prosperity Roofing & Exteriors LLC places integrity and trustworthiness above all else and is committed to “helping homeowners with their most valuable asset”. Serving the highest quality roofing in and around Austin, call Prosperity Roofing & Exteriors LLC at (512) 810-1747 for all your roofing needs.
