Hail causes about $1 billion in damage to buildings, cars, houses, and crops in the US every year. You may have noted damage to your car or siding, but have you had your roof checked?
Hailstones are formed when raindrops are blown upward into an extremely cold atmosphere causing them to freeze. Hail that can damage a roof is usually made of ice particles larger than a nickel.
Hail speeds can reach up to 120 mph, causing severe damage to cars, siding, shingles, and more. Asphalt and composition shingle damage may look like black divots, areas showing loss of granules, or shiny areas in the mat or asphalt. Even metal roofs can sustain hail damage, leaving dents that can lead to cracks.
If you see damage to your mailbox, AC unit, gutters, siding, or aluminum trim, it is likely that you have roof damage as well. It’s very difficult to identify subtle fractures and other hail damage from the ground. If you suspect roof damage, contact Tier-One Roofing to have an expert check your roof for you.
The Real Risk of Damage from Hail
Microbursts with damaging winds and hail can cause issues with your roof that gradually worsen over time. The resulting cracks in the asphalt shingles allow water to leak into your home. Damage resulting from this type of problem can be considered neglect by your insurance company and end up not being covered. This is why it is critical to have a professional inspect your roof right away if you suspect damage.
Insurance and Hail Damage
According to the Insurance Information Institute, more than 10.7 million properties in the US were affected by one or more damaging hail events in 2017. Nearly 70 percent of insured property losses every year are related to severe weather.
Fortunately, property damage due to hazards like hail is covered under the dwelling protection coverage on most basic homeowner insurance policies. If you can, take pictures of the hail and the damage before beginning cleanup. These photos will support your insurance claim.
You may call your insurance company to report the damage directly or call Tier-One Roofing at (918) 393-4682 for a professional inspection and estimate.
Repairing the Damage With a Local Contractor
It’s critical to repair damage to your roof as soon as possible. Any damage to the shingles on your roof can lead to leaks, mold, and rotting wood. It’s important to fix any broken or missing shingles as soon as possible to limit the potential damage. The longer you leave an area exposed to the weather, the higher the chance for extensive damage.
Your local contractor will work with you to ensure you get appropriate insurance coverage and that the designation is accurate. They can identify the severity of hail damage by considering the type of roof you have, slope, roof age, and other factors.
Remember, your local contractor is established in your community and is there to work for you — the insurance company looks out for themselves.
For a free inspection and estimate for your hail-related roof damage, contact Tier-One Roofing today.