We’ve all seen enough pictures of golf ball size hail to know that it’s no joke. Hail can impress the granules into fiberglass and asphalt matts. It may also loosen granules, which are an important part of protecting the asphalt. In metal roofs, hail can leave a dent and weaken the metal. While some of these dings may seem cosmetic, they can actually weaken your roof. So today we want to go over how to inspect for hail damage after a storm and what to do about it.
Inspect the Roof
You’ll want to climb up to the roof and inspect the soft metals (vents, flashings). The damage should be most noticeable in this area. Look for dings and dents. Then check the field of the roof for dimples. Dimples look like black depressions. You’ll also want to check the edge of the shingles since hail can cause minor tears there. Lastly, check the gutter and base of the downspouts for excessive granual loss. If any of these are present than you have hail damage.
Take Pictures
If you think you have hail damage, take plenty of photographs. Photograph the dings, dents, depressions, tears, granules and the hail itself. Also, keep some of the hail in a bag in your freezer for further proof. Make sure to note the date and the direction the hail was coming from. Then you’ll want to call your insurance company to file a claim. How to Handle Hail Damage to Your Roof – Birmingham, MI – roof
Contact the Roofing Company
Once the insurance company inspects it and tell you how much they’ll cover you can contact a roofing contractor. Most insurance companies issue the check directly to the roofing company to prevent the homeowner from pocketing the proceeds. So, you’ll want your roofing contractor to agree to the repairs suggested by the insurance company and to agree to the costs they estimated. This will guarantee that you get the required repairs and that the insurance check will cover all costs. From their on, you let the company work their magic. Hail damage is serious and needs to be addressed right away. Even if you think it’s just cosmetic, the damage has most likely weakened your roof. Take the necessary precautions now and you’ll save yourself a lot of trouble in the future.
If you have storm damage to your Michigan home and would like our help in filing and insurance claim, give us a call today. We will work with your insurance company to make sure everything is a smooth process for you.
