Has Your Roof Been Damaged by Hail?
Hailstorms can cause sudden and significant damage to your roof, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to start. They are common at the end of summer and during major storms, which can strike at any time. If you’ve just discovered that your roof has been damaged by hail, don’t panic. Experienced roofing contractors in Northern Virginia can help you get your roof back into good condition. Also, if you have homeowner’s insurance, then there is a chance your insurer can assist you with the cost of a roof replacement, if it’s necessary. Here’s a practical guide to help you navigate the situation and ensure that your home is repaired effectively.
My roof is damaged by hail. What now?
1. Inspect the Damage Safely
Before inspecting the damage or taking any further steps, prioritize your safety. With modern technology, you can get a fair assessment of your roof’s condition without having to go onto your roof. Try using the zoom feature on your smartphone to document damage with photographs. Videos are also excellent sources of evidence. If you happen to have a drone, footage from these gadgets are highly useful. Here are two tips to follow to assess damage:
- Avoid Going on the Roof: Climbing onto a damaged roof can be dangerous. Stay off the roof and use binoculars, a smartphone, or a drone to inspect it from a safe distance.
- Take Photos: Capture clear, detailed photos of all visible damage, including dented or missing shingles, broken gutters, and any other affected areas.
- Record the Date: Note the date and time of the storm. This information can be useful when filing an insurance claim.
2. Check for Immediate Hazards
When there is significant hail damage, your home’s interior can also be compromised. Look for any signs of leaks inside your home. If you notice water dripping from the ceiling or walls, use buckets to catch the water and protect your belongings. To prevent further damage, call a roofing contractor right away to get assistance with emergency patching or tarp to prevent more leakage into the home. Also, while waiting for professional help, make temporary repairs to prevent further damage:
- Protect Interiors: Move furniture and valuables away from areas affected by leaks to prevent water damage.
- Cover Leaks: Use tarps or plastic sheeting to cover any leaks or exposed areas. Secure the covering with weights or by attaching it to the roof with nails (be careful not to cause additional damage). If this step is too dangerous for you to complete, wait for professional roofers to do this step.
3. Get a Roofing Contractor to Verify Damage and Quote for Repairs
Before you call your insurance company, it’s important to have a lot of evidence to prove that your roof was damaged by hail. Roofing contractors can provide a professional assessment through a roofing inspection to verify the source of damage, strengthening your hail damage claim.
4. Review and Understand Your Insurance Coverage
Before undergoing the insurance claims process, it’s important to understand what your insurance policy covers and if it’s even worth it to call them. Some plans have high deductibles which make a claim nothing but a nuisance that can potentially raise your premium. So, before you call, make sure that your plan can offer you enough savings. Knowing the quote for your hail damage repairs from a roofer will greatly help with your decision. Details of your insurance plan to review are:
- Coverage Details: Review your policy to know what types of damage are covered and the limits of coverage.
- Deductibles: Be aware of your deductible amount, which is the portion you’ll need to pay out of pocket before insurance coverage kicks in.
5. Contact Your Insurance Company
Around the same time you contact roofers, you should also reach out to your homeowner’s insurance provider. You may wait for your roofer to assist you with filing a claim (Noble Roofing is an expert at filing hail damage claims) or you can file one on your own. Either way, you need to report the hail damage and provide your insurance company with documentation of the damage as soon as possible.
- Note: After contacting your insurance company, they may send an adjuster to assess the damage and determine the coverage.
6. Make Informed Decisions About Repairs
Work closely with your chosen contractor (and your insurance adjuster if applicable) to make the necessary repairs. Whether you decide to repair your roof without insurance or get help with a claim, the following two steps are important to review:
- Discuss Repair Options: Talk about the best materials and repair methods. Ensure you understand what will be done and the associated costs.
- Review the Contract: Carefully read and understand the contract before signing. Ensure it includes a detailed scope of work, payment terms, and a completion timeline.
7. If You Made a Claim, Follow up with the Appropriate Parties
After repairs are completed, you should stay in touch with your roofer and insurance adjuster to verify the completion of the repairs and if the claim has been fulfilled. You can easily track claim progress through an app or via email with your adjuster. Also, there are many roofing companies that maintain communication with your insurance on your behalf to send documentation and evidence to bolster your claim.
8. Plan for Future Storms
Once your repairs are complete, consider taking steps to minimize future damage:
- Upgrade Roofing Materials: Consider investing in impact-resistant roofing materials that can better withstand hail.
- Regular Inspections: Schedule regular roof inspections to catch and address potential issues before they become major problems.
You Got Hail Damage on Your Roof. What Now?
Dealing with hail damage can be stressful, but taking a systematic approach will help you manage the situation effectively. By documenting the damage, working with your insurance company, and hiring a reputable contractor, you can ensure that your roof is repaired properly and that your home is protected. Remember, while it’s important to act quickly, taking the time to do things right will pay off in the long run. If you need help from a roofing contractor in Northern Virginia that’s experienced with hail damage and insurance claims, Noble Roofing is here to assist you!
