Your home’s roof is a key feature of your property’s all-important curb appeal. But it’s also your home’s defense against hail, high winds, rain, and falling debris. All of which can do untold damage to your roof’s structure, performance, and appearance.
Such roof damage is both dangerous to live with and one of the most common reasons for a home inspection fail.
This is why it’s so vital to deal with any storm or hail damage to your roof as soon as possible. Here are three important tips to help guide you through the process.
1. Take Photos of the Damage
Following any kind of adverse weather, make it your priority to check your roof. Once you’re up there, take photos of anything that a storm could have caused. Dings, cracks, punctures, and dislodged shingles are all key signs that you need hail damage roof repair.
These photos will be invaluable when you file an insurance claim or hire a contractor. Taking date-stamped pictures of storm damage will serve as proof of what happened and when, ensuring that no one can say otherwise.
2. File an Insurance Claim
As this article explains, not all roof damage is covered by insurance, especially if you only have a basic policy. For example, you may need special coverage to ensure that you can claim for certain kinds of snow, sleet, or hail damage to your roof.
This is why it’s important to consider your location. If you live in an area prone to hailstorms, you may be paying more for your premiums to cover the increased likelihood of hail damage on your roof. A low premium, in contrast, can indicate that you might not be covered for everything you need.
But, if you do have coverage that includes hail damage, you’ll need to let your insurer know right away about any damage that has occurred.
3. Choose an Experienced Roofing Contractor
Delaying roof hail damage repairs can be dangerous and may even lead to the damage worsening over time. Once you’ve taken photos and filed an insurance claim, it’s time to find the right roofing contractor for the job.
Roofing contractors aren’t only experienced in repairing hail damage on roofs. These professionals also have the necessary experience and knowledge to help you assess the damage and develop the best solution.
Depending on the extent of the damage, your home might not need a total roof replacement. Thankfully, it’s possible to repair individual shingles or areas of the roof without interfering with other undamaged roof sections. Working with an experienced contractor will ensure that you decide on the best roof repair plan for the exact kind of damage on your roof.
How to Handle Roof Damage
As this quick guide shows, roof damage isn’t something you should ever ignore or put off dealing with until later.
And, while any kind of damage needs immediate action, it’s especially important in the case of hail damage. This is because acting fast will make it easier to document the damage, file a claim, and secure professional hail damage roof repair.
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