What to do after a hailstorm?
Hail is a type of precipitation that occurs when strong upward currents of air in thunderstorms carry water droplets high into the atmosphere where they freeze into ice. The frozen droplets, or hailstones, can vary in size from tiny pellets to as large as softballs. When a hailstorm hits, it can cause a lot of damage to homes and buildings, particularly to roofs. In this article, we will discuss hail damage to roofs and what you can do about it.
What is Hail Damage to Roofs?
Hail damage to roofs can manifest in a number of ways. The most common type of damage is dents or pockmarks on shingles, which can be seen as small depressions or craters. These dents can weaken the shingle and cause it to break or crack over time. In addition to shingle damage, hail can also cause damage to the underlying structure of the roof, including the decking and rafters. This type of damage can be more difficult to detect and can cause significant structural damage if left untreated.
How to Inspect for Hail Damage to Roofs?
If you suspect your roof has been damaged by hail, it’s important to inspect it as soon as possible. Contact your local roofing contractor who can perform a thorough inspection. In the meantime, you can check for signs of damage from the ground, such as missing or cracked shingles, dents or depressions in the roof, or granules that have been knocked off the shingles. Your local roofing contractor will look more closely for dents or depressions in the shingles, as well as any cracks or breaks in the roofing material. We will also check the flashing around chimneys, vents, and other roof penetrations for signs of damage.
What to Do if You Find Hail Damage?
If there is hail damage to your roof, it’s important to take action right away. Have a trusted contractor cover any holes or leaks with tarps or other waterproof materials, and remove any debris that may have accumulated on your roof or in your gutters. Contact your homeowner’s insurance company to report the damage and start the claims process. Your insurance company will send out an adjuster to inspect the damage and determine the extent of the repairs that are needed.
Once your insurance claim has been approved, you can hire your preferred qualified roofing contractor to make the necessary repairs. Be sure to choose a reputable contractor with experience in hail damage repair, and ask for references and proof of insurance before hiring them. Also check that they are a local company that will be around after your roof is repaired.
In conclusion, hail damage to roofs can be a serious problem that requires prompt attention. By inspecting your roof for damage after a hailstorm, reporting any damage to your insurance company, and hiring a qualified roofing contractor to make repairs, you can protect your home and prevent further damage.
SMART Roofing, Inc. is a full-service roofing contractor serving Park Ridge, Harwood Heights, Evanston, and virtually all surrounding Chicago suburbs. Select SMART Roofing, Inc. as your Arlington Heights, Palatine, Buffalo Grove, or Vernon Hills roofing contractor with plenty of experience with shingle roofs, gutters, and dealing with hail damage and insurance claims. From roof assessments and repairs to installations of almost every type of new residential roof and commercial roof, our commitment to excellence, stellar customer service, and exceptional results are the “SMART” roofing differences.
Contact the roofing experts at SMART Roofing, Inc. at (847) 797-0404 or email us for your local roofing needs.
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