Does Your Roof Have Hail Damage?

Damaged By Hail Storm

If you live in an area, like Minnesota, that is prone to hail storms, you already know the effect even smaller stones can have on your home. And you dread those times when hailstones are the size of golf balls or larger. It’s quite amazing the amount of damage even a short-lived storm can inflict.

But the major problem with hail is one that you probably would never really notice – roof hail damage. The problem with roofing hail damage is that the effects are not necessarily immediately noticeable.

With other forms of a storm-damaged roof, you might notice signs straight away in the form of missing shingles, broken tiles or leaking. Hail damage is more subtle.

Normally, though, the hailstones will need to be an inch in diameter or larger to cause substantial damage to your roof. That does not mean that you shouldn’t check when the stones are smaller, just that the larger the stones, the greater the potential for damage is.

How do I know if my roof has hail damage?

First off, before you pull out the ladder, take a walk around your home. Check the gutters and downspouts as well as any screens. If these have some dents in them, this is usually a sign of hail damage.

Next, check the siding of the house and your windowsills and fittings. Are any of these things showing signs of damage in the forms of dents or cracks? If so, there is a better than average chance that you need to give your roof the once over as well.

You can also have a look at anything else on the outside of your home, like an air conditioner. Look for dings – they are not always very deep so keep a careful eye out.

Lastly, have a look at the decking around your home or pool. Or anything that is painted. You should quickly be able to tell whether or not the hail was quite heavy or not.

Check how badly your garden was damaged. Even a little bit of hail can shred plants, so this is not the only criterion to work on. However, if your garden looks like a warzone, it’s a pretty sure bet that your roof also took a beating.

Inspecting Your Roof

Now it is time to get up on the roof. At this point, it is important to remember that safety should be your foremost concern. We don’t recommend you to get on your roof, rather call Metro Area Construction in Cokato for a free hail inspection. Call (612) 275-5530 now!

If you are capable of getting on your roof, use a sturdy ladder. Wearing the right shoes will help your feet to grip to the tiles better. Roofing shoes are ideal, but sneakers with a softer sole can also work. Do not wear flip-flops or other shoes that your feet can slide in easily. It is also a good idea to work with a buddy, so there is someone if you do fall.

The inspection of the roof should be thorough. If you are not sure that you can do the job properly, give us a call – we can come and check to see if there is hail damage and give you a free quote for roof repairs and replacement where necessary.

What you want to concentrate on is the granules on the surface of the shingle. Are there granules missing? Are any shingles torn or punctured? It is normally the most difficult to assess the damage if you have a shingled roof because the damage is not as obvious.

The problem with shingles is that the granules on the surface are what actually make it more weatherproof. So, even if the shingle itself is intact, if the granules have been displaced, you could experience serious issues.

Metal roof hail damage, on the other hand, is usually something that you can spot immediately. You should be able to notice dents quite easily. The sheets of the roof may also lift in places.

Metal Roof Hail Damage

Slate or clay tiles that have been damaged will also usually be quite easy to spot. The hail cracks or chips this kind tile and this is a lot easier to notice.

Don’t forget to also check the sidings, chimney covers, etc. They can also be cracked in the storm or start lifting.

Will my insurance company cover hail damage?

That is going to depend on your insurance company and the cover that you have. It is worth finding out if you can add hail damage to your policy if hail is a problem in your area.

When it comes down to actually paying out a claim when you are covered, the company will send someone out to assess the extent of the damage, and how old your roof is.

Under normal circumstances, the claim will be considered if the damage is considered functional rather than cosmetic. So, if it is just a few dings here or there, and no serious damage to the roof, you will probably have to pay for the repairs yourself.

If, on the other hand, the damage has compromised the structural integrity of the roof, your insurance should pay or the damage.
If your roof is on the older side, your insurance may decline the claim completely or only pay out a portion of it. This portion would depend on how many years there would normally have been left in the lifespan of the roof.

Hail Damage Roof Repair Company Near Me

Call Metro Area Construction if you suspect that you have hail damage. We are quite happy to come out and take a look for you. We are quite happy to come out and discuss your options with you. If you decide to go forward with the repairs, we will work with you and your insurance company to get your roof back in tip-top shape.

If you decide not to go forward, that’s your decision – we offer an obligation-free quote.