Texas is no stranger to severe weather, and hailstorms are a common occurrence in many parts of the state. These storms can cause significant damage to your roof, leaving you with leaks, dented or punctured metal, and damaged shingles. Hailstorms can be destructive, and the amount of damage can vary greatly. Factors such as wind, building materials, and size can determine the extent of the damage. For instance, even though most hail storms result in smaller pea-sized hail, that same storm can also produce anywhere from quarter-inch to 4-inch size hail.
It is important that once you suspect roof damage from hail, you should call your insurance company immediately and file a claim. They'll provide you with a damage estimate and potential repair options, process your claim and provide you with the funds to cover the cost of repairs.
What Does Hail Damage Look Like?
Hail damage roof can vary in appearance, depending on the type of roofing material and the size and force of the hailstones. The common signs are usually missing or damaged shingles, tiles, or metal panels, cracks, punctures, or dents in the roofing material, bruises or cracks in asphalt or wooden shingles, and missing granules on asphalt shingles.
They can also include dents or punctures in metal roofing, dents or holes in metal gutters or downspouts, bent or damaged flashing around roof penetrations, and water stains or mold in the attic indicating a leak.
A Step-By-Step Guide To Help You Identify Roof Damage After a Hailstorm in Texas
1. Conduct a Visual Inspection
The first step in identifying roof damage after a hailstorm is to conduct a visual inspection of your roof. You can do this by standing outside and looking at the roof from the ground level.
Look for any missing or damaged shingles, tiles, or metal panels. Check for any signs of cracks in the roofing material. If you can see significant damage from the ground, the roof has likely sustained substantial damage.
2. Check For Dents And Punctures
If you have a metal roof, it's essential to pay close attention to the metal panels. Hailstones can cause dents or punctures in metal roofing which can leave the surface looking damaged. Bruises or cracks in asphalt or wooden shingles can also be a sign of hail damage. If you see any signs of dents or punctures, it's a good indication that the roof has been damaged by the hailstorm.
3. Examine The Granules
Asphalt shingles are coated with granules to protect the roofing material from the elements. Hailstones can knock granules off of asphalt shingles, leaving the surface looking rough or bald in spots. Check for any missing granules, which can indicate damage to the roofing material. If you see large patches of missing granules, it's a sign that the roofing material may need to be replaced.
4. Inspect The Gutters And Downspouts
Inspect the gutters and downspouts for any signs of damage. Check for any dents or holes in the metal gutters and any blockages in the downspouts. If the hailstorm has caused damage to the drainage system, it can lead to water damage inside your home.
5. Check The Flashing
Flashing is the material around chimneys, skylights, and other roof penetrations that helps prevent water from seeping into your home. Check for any damage, dents, or bent flashing, which can cause leaks. If you notice any damage to the flashing, you need to have it repaired as soon as possible to prevent water damage to your home.
6. Inspect The Attic
If you have access to your attic, check for any signs of leaks or water damage. Look for water stains on the roof decking and any mold or mildew which can indicate water damage. A leaky roof can cause extensive damage to your home, so it's essential to identify and repair any leaks as soon as possible.
7. Hire a Professional Roofing Contractor
If you suspect that your roof has been damaged in a hailstorm, it's best to have it inspected by a professional roofing contractor. A roofing contractor will be able to determine the extent of the damage and recommend the necessary repairs to prevent further damage or leaks.
In Texas, hailstorms can be particularly damaging to roofs, so it's crucial to have a professional assess the situation.
How to Repair Roof Damage From Hail
Repairing hail damage to a roof requires a careful and thorough inspection and assessment of the damage by a professional roofing contractor. The first step in repairing hail damage is to remove any damaged roofing material, such as damaged shingles, tiles, or metal panels. If the damage is extensive, new roofing material may need to be installed to replace the damaged material.
For minor hail damage, such as small cracks or dents in the roofing material, the contractor may be able to repair the damage without removing any material. This can be done by filling in cracks or punctures with roofing cement, or by pounding out dents in metal roofing to restore the original shape of the roof. If the hail damage has caused any leaks in the roof, you need to repair these as soon as possible to prevent any further damage to the roof or to the interior of the home. The roofing contractor may need to seal the leaks with a roofing patch, or install new flashing around any penetrations in the roof such as around vents or chimneys.
After the repairs are complete, the contractor should perform a final inspection of the roof to ensure that the repairs have been done correctly and that the roof is functioning properly. A well-repaired roof should be able to withstand future hail storms and provide protection for your home for many years to come. You should note that repairing hail damage on a roof can be a complex and time-consuming process. The roofing contractor should have experience repairing hail damage and should use high-quality materials and techniques to ensure that the roof is repaired properly.
The contractor should also have liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance to protect you and your property in the event of any accidents or injuries during the repair process.
Finally, it's important to work with your insurance company to ensure that the cost of the repairs is covered. Your insurance company may have specific requirements for repairing hail damage, such as using certain types of materials or working with certain contractors. Be sure to communicate with your insurance company and follow their requirements to ensure that your claim is processed smoothly and that you receive the funds needed to repair your roof.
Learn How to Get Full Payment for Damage to Your Home
If your insurance provider refuses to honor your claim, the Voss Law Firm can help you get paid for your losses—and potentially more. Call us at (888) 614-7730 or complete our contact form today to get answers to your questions, or start reading your copy of our free book, Tricks of the Trade: How Insurance Companies Deny, Delay, Confuse, and Refuse.
