Hailstorms can cause significant damage to our homes, particularly to roofs, windows, and siding. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with essential steps to take after a hailstorm, including assessing the damage and contacting your insurance company, to help you navigate the recovery process smoothly and restore your home’s condition.
Table of Contents
Assess the Damage
Once the hailstorm has passed, it’s important to assess the damage to your home.
As a homeowner start by:
- Visually inspect the exterior of your property, paying close attention to the roof, windows, and siding.
- Look for signs of dents, cracks, or holes caused by hailstones.
- Check the condition of your windows for any shattered or broken glass.
- Examine the siding for any visible damage, such as cracks or punctures.
- Inspect the surrounding area for fallen branches or debris that may have caused additional damage.
It’s a good idea to document the damage with photographs or videos, as this can serve as valuable evidence when filing an insurance claim.
Request a Roof Inspection
It is important to get a roofing company out to your roof to assess the damage as soon as possible. A roofing company is more equipped to answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding the extent of the hail damage.
A roofing company will complete a storm damage roof inspection. This will include looking at the following:
- Dents to Gutters/Downspouts
- Hail Dents on Metal Flashings
- Hail Dents on pipe flashing/roof vents
- Hail Damage to the Shingles
Contact Your Insurance Company
Promptly reporting the hailstorm damage to your insurer is vital in initiating the claims process and ensuring that you receive the necessary assistance for repairs and restoration.
Here are some important guidelines to follow when contacting your insurance company:
- Report the hailstorm damage promptly
- Provide accurate and detailed information
- Follow the claims process as instructed
- Keep records of all communication
- Be aware of your policy coverage and deductible
What Makes Hail So Damaging?
Hail can be highly damaging due to its size, density, impact force, repetitive strikes, wind-driven trajectory, and the vulnerability of certain materials. Hailstones come in various sizes, and larger ones carry more force when they fall, leading to significant impact damage. During a hailstorm, multiple hailstones can repeatedly strike the same area, causing cumulative effects and weakening structures.
Is It Necessary To Fix Roof Hail Damage?
The overall answer is yes. Hail striking your roof can compromise the integrity of your roof. Even if there are no visible leaks, over time leaving the damage unattended can cause long-term damage.
