Hail Damage To Your Roof
With spring just around the corner it is probably time to talk about hail damage to your roof. Here in Texas it happens every year somewhere in this great state. Here we see every kind of weather, and every kind of hail. When it’s roofs we are concerned with it is always a matter of degree.
Hail Damage - Where To Start
We usually start with the question how large is the hail? Normally before it is capable of doing damage to a roof it will be at least one inch in diameter to golfball sized. In addition to that it will normally be driven by heavy winds. It is common in the immediate aftermath of such a storm to easily be able to see the shredding of the leaves on the trees in the area, sometimes to the point of stripping them bare. What does it do to the roof, and is it easy to recognize during a roofing inspection? In my experience a layperson may not be able to make the identification, but a seasoned and qualified roofer normally can.
Hail Damage Checklist
So let’s start there. You have had the storm. The hail is piled up next to your house, and it is golfball sized. And your trees look like a swarm of locust has just departed. It is probably a good time to consider contacting a reputable roofing contractor, to first see if your roof has been damaged, how severely, and what your course of action should be. So…how do you do that? Here are a couple of recommendations:
- Ask friends and neighbors for recommendations
My first suggestion is to ask people you know and respect for recommendations of companies they have worked with. - Get inspections from a few different roofing companies
Though it is a good idea not to go overboard, a couple of inspections from a couple of companies is often recommended. More than that can often be a waste of time. - Review the roofing inspections
Have the inspection done, and get the information as to the extent of the damage. - Contact your insurance company
If so warranted, then contact your insurance company and open a claim. - Find a roofing company with a good reputation
Look into the roofing company’s history. Get references from their previous clients. If possible drive by a couple of jobs to see if you like the finished product. (I recommend working with seasoned people…with at least 5 years in the business). - Ask about previous customers
Don’t be shy about asking the previous customers questions about anything that may concern you. Were their personal qualified, were they polite, did they leave your property clean and beautiful? - How long will the job take?
How long will the job take once it commences? What is their timeframe for scheduling new work? (A complete roof job should never take more than 2 days on the average residence. And 3 to 4 weeks in busy times should be an average wait time to start). - When do you pay?
When do you pay?? This is really important. I recommend that you never give more than 1/2 down, and that only after the material has been delivered. The final payment should wait until the job is complete to your satisfaction and to the terms of the contract agreed upon. - Always request a written contract
Always request a written contract, and a written warranty including one from the manufacturer of the materials. - If your roofer did a good job
If all of these parameters are satisfactorily accomplished…please…be sure to give your roofer a good recommendation on social media. This is really hot and difficult work... and if they’ve earned it, they deserve it.
Hail - A Final Word
Navigating the repair or roof replacement process after your house has been hit with hail can be tricky, but we hope it’s a little easier with these tips.
