Hail Damage? Here's What to Do:

1. Get a roof inspection.

The first thing you should do after a hailstorm is request a roof inspection. Don’t contact your insurance company or file a claim immediately. If you do file an insurance claim and there is not enough damage for a roof replacement, it will still go on your insurance records as a claim. A professional roofer will let you know if there is enough damage for an insurance claim and will advise you on how to proceed.

2. Avoid fly-by-night roofers.

Make sure your roofing contractor is local, licensed, and insured. A new roof is one of the largest investments you can make. Therefore, it’s important to hire a contractor you can trust. Colorado Springs is especially susceptible to seeing a surge of out-of-state and disreputable roofing contractors following a large hailstorm. This can become extremely costly for the unsuspecting homeowner. Be sure to do your research before signing a contract and make sure your roofer can provide you with a copy of their license and insurance certificate. Click here for more tips on how to hire the right roofing contractor.

3. Don’t assume you don’t have hail damage.

Hail is destructive, even if the hailstorm lasts for just a few minutes. It usually just takes a hailstone 1” or larger to leave significant roof damage. Large hailstones driven by strong winds can do an immense amount of damage in just a short amount of time.

4. Don’t wait too long to take care of your roof.

Get temporary repairs to prevent additional damage until your project can be completed. You are required to mitigate against further loss. Hail damage causes your roof to deteriorate quicker than normal and leaks may soon follow. This is especially serious if you have an asphalt shingle roof. When hailstones hit an asphalt shingle roof, they knock the granules off which leaves the asphalt layer of the shingles exposed. This causes the shingles to deteriorate rapidly under the sun, leading to leaks and interior damage if the roof is not repaired. Another reason to act quickly is to make sure you file your insurance claim in time. Many insurance companies require that you file a claim within one year of the date of loss. Contact your insurance company to make sure you don’t miss your opportunity to file a claim. Click here to learn more about how unchecked hail damage can lead to rapid roof deterioration.

5. Remember that hail damage is not always obvious.

Your roof may have suffered significant damage even if it isn’t noticeable by looking at it from the ground. Missing shingles, broken tiles, and loose granules scattered all over the ground are telltale signs of hail damage. However, these signs are not always present following a hailstorm. You can also inspect the exterior of your home for signs of damage. If you notice any damage to your stucco or siding, screens, windows, or gutters, there is a good chance that your roof has damage too. It’s always a good idea to have a thorough roof inspection after a storm even if there are no obvious signs of damage.