Your roof after a hailstorm – About hail damage repair
Hailstorms can create significant damage to the property, and they can batter the roof out of shape. Some hail stones can be the size of a football and even if these don’t hit the roof directly, they can cause nearby tree branches to break and fall on the roof. Even a light hailstone shower can damage a roof and cause leakage in the house. Hence, it is important to keep your roof in good condition and conduct regular roof inspections, personally and by professional roof inspectors.
Hailstorm impact on a roof
The roof is the first line of defense against a hailstorm. So, when there is a hail shower, the roof, siding, and gutters are liable to get damaged. Roof repair from hail damage can cost anywhere from US$ 20 to thousands of dollars due to extensive damage. Prepare yourself for the worst when there is an expectation of hailstorms. After the storm passes, inspect the roof and clear out any debris and check for pooling or dampness around the roof. Inspect the attic and the exterior part of the house. These are the spaces that are most vulnerable to the hailstorm.
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The weather bureau alerts you of the intensity of the hailstorm, which can alert you to the severity of damage to be expected. Hailstorm can pour down in the size of a dime to the size of a tennis balls. Combine this with high winds, and the hailstorms have the potential to cause considerable damage to the roof, often tearing up a part of the roof.
Small hailstones can cause cosmetic damage to the roof like crack on a tile, or loose or missing shingle. Yet, it is safe to conduct a cursory inspection of the roof to assure yourself that everything is fine and do small hail repairs, as even a small damage can escalate into big problems.
Inspect the roof and around it
It is a tedious job to climb upon the roof to inspect it, but once the storm as passed, the easiest way to assess the damage is to inspect the roof. First, inspect from the ground around the house to see if there are any loose or missing shingles and tiles, signs of roof discoloration, or wood exposure. Climb the ladder or use a pair of binoculars closely examine the roof.
Check the attic to see the roof condition from the inside, if there are any signs of a leak or if the sunlight is filtering in through gaps or holes. It is difficult to spot hail damage from the ground, it is better to call for a roof inspector. If they are local inspectors, they understand what parts to look for hail repair in Dallas.
Examine the metal fascia, gutters, and flashings
The metal parts of the roof such as the gutters, fascia, and flashing, if they are damaged by the hail, will have visible dents on them. Check the gutters to see if they are clogged with shingle granules, crushed stones, or similar debris, all these are signs of potential damage to the roof. If you have an outside AC unit then look for spatter marks on the electrical panels, and fencing. If the window screens are made from plastic or vinyl, glazing strips, then check them.
There can be signs of discoloration and dents on the siding too. the damage to vinyl sidings will give you an idea of how powerful the hailstorm was and alert you to whether you need professional inspection.
Roof Inspection and Insurance
If on your cursory inspection you spot signs of roof damage, then it is time to call a certified roof inspector to assess the degree of damage. A roof inspectors report is required for filing for insurance claims after a hail damage. Most insurance companies require the storm damage report to be submitted within six to twenty-four months. The insurance provider will perform their own assessment of the roof damage and thereafter the claim amount will be released.
Generally, the roof inspection will handle all aspects of insurance claim filing process to make it easier for you. Hence, for hail damage repair in Dallas, go with a local roofing company.
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