Has Hail Damaged Your Roof?
Unlike house fires (which can often be prevented), hail is a natural phenomenon over which you have no control. You also can’t predict how much damage a hail storm will do to your home. The size of the hailstones, the speed at which they hit your house and how long the storm lasts all play a role in roof damage. Roofing that is bruised by hail won’t start leaking immediately. However, the structural integrity of the shingles will be compromised causing them to wear out faster than they would otherwise. This means that even though damage may not be visible from the ground you might actually need your entire roof replaced.
Why You Should Get an Inspection
After a moderate or severe hailstorm, you should have your roof inspected to ensure that any damage is identified and fixed quickly. If you wait until the next storm, your insurance company may claim that the damage was from the previous event and refuse to repair/replace your roof.
Many roofing companies are happy to provide an estimate free of charge to confirm that there is significant damage before you file with your homeowners insurance. Some will even meet with your claims adjuster to point out areas of damage. This may help ensure the estimate from their company and the reimbursement offered by your insurance company are based on the same information.
Picking the Right Contractor is Critical
Working with a contractor who takes responsibility for negotiating the repair price with your insurance carrier and explaining the process to you at each step is ideal. This way, you know exactly what is covered and you won’t be left holding the bag for repair costs not provided for under the adjuster’s estimate. You do have the right to select the contractor of your choice to handle roof repairs when you file an insurance claim; so don’t settle for a company that doesn’t put forth the effort to provide excellent service.
Related posts:
- Hail Damage to Your Roof
- How To Avoid Roofing Repair Scams
- Do You Need A Lightning Rod On Your Roof?
- Coping With A Leaky Roof
- 5 Things That Can Damage Your Roof
Tags: Roofing
