Experienced a Hailstorm? As a Homeowner, Here’s What You Need to Know.
Has your home recently been through a hailstorm? If so, you’ll want to be sure to check your roof for damage, especially because, with hail, it’s not always easy to spot. And if the roof does need replacing, consider upgrading to a material with a better hail impact rating so you won’t have to worry about future hailstorms.
Here is some guidance to assist you after a hailstorm:
Has Your Roof Been Damaged by Hail?
If severe hail rolls through, it’s essential to check on the condition of your roof. Leaks can happen weeks after hail damage has occurred, so don’t wait for problems to show up. If you can’t reach your roof safely, have a roofing contractor come check it out.
Here’s what to look for:
- Roof particles in your gutters and around downspouts
- Dents on the roof vents and metal flashing
- Aesthetic damage such as chips, cracks, bruises, or dark blemishes to the roof covering
Over time, hail damage can lead to both aesthetic and performance issues, including leaks.
Don’t wait until hail season to prepare your home. Conduct yearly inspections, take photos of your home throughout the year, and understand the type of protection the products used on your home provide. This will help lessen the confusion of proving claims and dealing with last-minute actions after the storm.
What to Do If Your Roof Is Damaged by Hail
If you find damage from hail, start with your insurance company and get an official assessment to ensure their protocols are followed; skipping this step could lead to your claim being denied. Be wary of fly-by-night contractors who show up following storms—the urgency created by your situation may make you vulnerable to scams.
Your insurance company may be able to provide a list of recommended contractors. Experts at Westlake Royal Roofing Solutions™ also can help you find a pro that will have your best interest in mind and who can recommend the right roofing solution to protect your home for years to come. Vet your contractors by checking out reviews and the Better Business Bureau; ensure they are licensed, bonded, and insured.
The National Insurance Crime Board (NICB) recommends getting more than one estimate and getting everything in writing.
Stone Coated Steel | PACIFIC Tile - Timberwood
Newpoint Concrete
Upgrade to Hail-Resistant Roofing
If you’re tired of the vicious cycle of hail worry and roof replacement, putting on a new roof after a storm is the perfect time to talk with your contractor and Westlake Royal Roofing Solutions about upgrading to impact-resistant roofing material. Newpoint™ Concrete Roof Tile and Unified Steel™ Stone-Coated Roofing from Westlake Royal Roofing Solutions carry a Class 4 Impact Rating for protection against hail, helping to reduce the need for repairs that often lead to increased insurance premiums.
In addition, some roofing options can be used with a Westlake Royal™ Cool Roof System that helps heat escape, conserves energy, and provides meaningful long-term home energy bill savings. The products come with limited lifetime and/or fully transferable warranties.
To learn more about these product upgrades and for additional resources, visit our Hail Resource Page.
