Identifying hail damage on your belongings, such as patio furniture or your car is relativily
straightforward. The round dings in metal are obvious signs of hail damage. However, determining whether your roof has sustained damage from a hailstorm may be a little more difficult. It is important to keep your roof in top condition to avoid structural deterioiration that may cause leaks. Many insurance companies will consider paying for a roof that has been damages for hail, but it must be assessed properly. Insurance adjusters will require the opinion of a professional roofing contractor before they will consent to the work being done, but you can also check for hail damage yourself before calling a roofer by following these tips.
1. SEARCH FOR DAMAGE ON THE METAL
- Check metal roof vents, flashing, or metal valleys on the roof to see if there are any dents. Soft metal will show dents and also indicate the size of the hail.
2. SET UP A LADDER TO YOUR ROOF TO EXAMINE THE TOP OF THE ROOF
- Check the ridge cap of the roof for dents. This area of the roof will receive the most damage from hail since it is flat and will take a direct hit in a storm
- Look at the shingles. Check the whole shingle, as well as the edges for signs of damage.
3. INDENTIFY THE TYPES OF DAMAGE CAUSED BY HAIL. THE 3 MAJOR SIGNS OF HAIL DAMAGE INCLUDE BRUISING, CRACKING, AND GRANULES MISSING FROM SHINGLES.
- Check for missing pieces in the asphalt of the roof. Look for areas on the shingles that have exposed, black substrate. This means the granules of the asphalt have been compromised or knocked off by something.
- Search for bruising in the shingles. Dents from hail are not always completely visible. Run your hand over the shingle to feel for small dimples in the surface. Press one of the dimples to see if it has any give, if it does this is a sign that the shingle has begun deterioration.
- Look for cracking in the shingle. Large hail can make circular crack if the hail hits hard enough.
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Rightway Windows and Siding at 4621 Devon Ave. Lisle, IL www.lisleroof.com
Great guys to work with on your next roof replacement project.
They have an a+ rating on the BBB
They are also experts in hail damage inspections, and will help you through the process of working with you insurance company to get all of the damage covered.
