Hail damage is not as easy to recognize as storm damage. To inexperienced eyes, hail-damaged roofs appear to be fine — until the damage makes itself known over time as problems like leaks appear. In today’s post, local roof replacement company Pritchett Roofing Inc. shares a quick guide on what you should do after a hailstorm.
Document the Damage
Documentation of the damage is a key requirement of every insurance claim. Your documentation should include the following:
Hailstone samples — Unlike rocks or tree branches, hailstones will melt and disappear. As soon as it is safe to do so, bring a tape measure (or some common measurable object, like a quarter, batteries, or a golf ball), place them beside the hailstones, and take photos.
Your home’s exterior — Take photos of the yard, the siding, and deck, as well as other items of value that may have been damaged during the hailstorm. Hailstones can also damage your air conditioner’s outdoor unit, so make it a point not to overlook them.
Roofing — Documenting the damage to the roof can be difficult because of the risks involved with climbing the roof edge. If you do not have the proper safety equipment, have your roof repair contractor perform the roofing inspection.
Call Your Roofing Contractor
Whether it’s hail or storm damage, you need to have your roofing contractor present, along with your insurance adjuster. A roofing contractor can thoroughly document the damage on the rooftop, and can tell the difference between hail damage and other types of roofing damage. This is important because on asphalt shingle roofs, hail damage looks a lot like blisters. The latter is a factory defect that isn’t covered by insurance; hail damage certainly is.
In addition to documentation, your roofing contractor will also be your advocate and make sure that you are properly compensated for the damage to your roof. This includes ensuring the completeness of required paperwork, submitting an accurate repair quote, and overseeing the repair work.
Pritchett Roofing Inc. is your leading provider of roofing and siding services. Give us a call at (770) 345-1622. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Canton, GA, and the surrounding communities.