While roofs provide shelter, they’re not built to last forever. And when a hailstorm comes to your area, it can be a nerve-wracking experience as a homeowner. How do you know if your roof has suffered hail damage, and what should you do to get the necessary roof repairs done? Here’s what you need to know.
Roof Damage Due to Hail
What Does Hail Do to Roof Shingles?
Under the most unfortunate circumstances, hail can cause roof shingles to chip, crack, dent, bruise, or even loosen. While eventual granule loss over time is normal on asphalt shingles, hail damage can cause premature displacement of this important component.
When your roof’s structure is compromised by hail damage, it can also result in missing shingles that can allow your roof to be more susceptible to the elements, as well as speed up the normal wear-and-tear process.
What Size of Hail Causes Roof Damage?
Hailstones that are at least one inch in diameter are highly likely to damage your roof. The severity will vary depending on your roof and home’s structural integrity, but you should expect some damage in this scenario. If this happens, a bit of consolation is that you can typically file a home insurance claim for this type of damage. When an underwriter comes to your property to assess hail damage on your roof, they will take both the severity of the hailstorm and the date that it occurred into consideration regarding your claim.
What Happens When You Don’t Repair a Hail-Damaged Roof?
If a hailstorm has occurred in your neighborhood, you should have your roof checked out for any signs of damage immediately. While most people tend to focus on more visible damage to their other property, such as their vehicles or siding, any serious damage to their roof can mean long-lasting consequences to the entire structure of the home.
If you fail to schedule necessary roof repairs after hail damage, you may be putting your roof’s lifespan at risk. As a result of the damage, issues like leaks, infestations, or roof rot may begin to appear in the affected areas, but these can also quickly spread to other locations on your roof.
What Is the Best Roofing Material Against Hail?
No roofing material is completely invincible to hail damage. However, metal roofs are usually the sturdiest option. Although hail can still cosmetically damage metal roofs by denting them or leaving bruises, it is unlikely to puncture a metal roof surface unless the roof is significantly aged. In some cases, dents on metal roofs can be professionally repaired or replaced in sections. However, metal roof installations tend to be more costly than asphalt shingles.
There are certain asphalt shingles that are made to be more hail-resistant than others. Shingles with an impact rating of Class 3 or Class 4 are usually regarded to be highly hail-resistant. When compared to metal roofs, asphalt shingles are still the usual choice because of their affordability.
Filing Insurance Claims in Illinois
Does Insurance Cover Hail Damage to a Roof?
Standard home insurance will typically cover hail damage on a roof as well as other structures on your home, but the details may vary from policy to policy. Most likely, your policy will pay up to a certain amount after your deductible, but it will also largely depend on the severity of the damage or the storm in your area. You will need to coordinate between your insurance adjustor and a dependable roofing contractor or company to assess the damage on your roof.
Some homeowners’ insurance policies will only cover the cash value of your roof, meaning what it’s worth in its current condition. Other policies, however, may pay up to the full replacement cost of your roof. It is critical that you thoroughly review and understand your policy before calling to make any claims.
How Long Do Homeowners Have to File an Insurance Claim?
Again, rules vary among different policies, but generally, most home insurance policies allow you to file a claim on your roof within one year. Understandably, that doesn’t mean you should wait until the end of that timeframe to file a claim. As soon as a hailstorm has occurred and you suspect damage on your roof, it is best to take action immediately. Delaying the roof repair process might not only prolong your claims process but also put your safety at risk.
Roof Repair & Claims Assistance by Freeman Exteriors
Freeman Exteriors is a family-owned and operated general contracting company that has been providing reliable roof repair in Champaign, IL, for many years. We understand how stressful and challenging it might be to find a dependable roof contractor in the face of hail damage, which is why we handle the entire insurance process for all of our clients, from dealing with your insurance company to providing the roof repair you need.
If this is the first time you are filing a roofing claim with your insurance, we can help you understand how everything works so you can feel more at ease. Some insurance providers are notorious for underpaying what they truly owe homeowners who file damage claims. We can help you avoid this unfair situation and help you get paid the full amount you are owed.
How to Prevent Future Roof Damage From Hail
While you can’t prevent the weather from damaging your roof at all, it is possible to stay ahead of future roof problems by ensuring your roof receives the regular roof repair or maintenance it needs. Furthermore, employing impact-resistant roofing solutions can also help to secure your roof against minor hailstorms and other potentially harmful weather conditions. Explore your options today with Freeman Exteriors in Champaign, IL.
#1 Roof Repair Contractors in Champaign, IL
At Freeman Exteriors, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners deal with their insurance process and get the necessary roof repairs that they deserve. As an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor, we hold our team to the highest quality standards and workmanship for each project that we do. If your roof has been recently damaged by hail, please contact us today at (217) 355-5447 so we can help you get started on the roof repair process.
