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Roof hail damage can jeopardize your home’s safety and lead to expensive and unexpected roof replacements in the future. With so much at stake, it’s critical to repair your roof correctly. There’s also so much information online, that it can be tough to understand the dos and don’ts.
At Hepler Contracting LLC, we aim to provide you with the tools and knowledge to handle roofing issues correctly and confidently. In this blog post, we’ll share nine expert tips on hail damage roof repair to help you navigate the process and avoid potential catastrophes.
Let’s bring your roof back to its former glory!
9 Crucial Tips on Repairing Roof Hail Damage
Following roofing guidelines and considering other relevant factors makes the process highly cost-effective and seamless. Our tips cover everything from documenting the damage to exploring tax benefits, so you won’t miss out on anything!
#1 Beware of Storm Chasers
After a hailstorm, it’s common for storm chasers to show up and offer their services for hail-damaged roof repair. These individuals or companies often use high-pressure tactics to convince homeowners to sign contracts for repairs or replacements, without considering the quality of their work or the legitimacy of their business.
You must be cautious when dealing with storm chasers, as they may not have the necessary license or insurance to work in your area. Additionally, their job may not meet local building codes or standards, which voids manufacturer warranties on roofing products and rules out your chances of getting covered by your insurance company.
Here are some red flags to watch out for when dealing with storm chasers:
- Unsolicited visits to your home
- Asking you to sign a contract immediately
- Vague or unclear language in their contract
- Not able to show their license or insurance
- Unprofessional or incomplete estimates
Hire a licensed and reputable local roofing contractor to avoid becoming a victim of hail damage roof repair scams.
#2 Do Your Research and Choose the Right Professionals
While it may be tempting to go with the cheapest option or a friend-of-a-friend who claims to have experience with roofing, these choices can often lead to more problems and expenses down the line.
To research hail damage roofing companies, check online ratings and reviews, ask for recommendations from friends or family, and verify their licenses and insurance with your local government. You should also be able to find this information on the company’s website. Taking the time to find a reputable roofing contractor can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.
#3 It Starts With Documentation
Hail damage to a roof can be a significant expense to homeowners. Documenting hail damage is crucial because it helps you prove to your insurance company that your roof was indeed damaged by hail. Most insurance companies need proof of hail damage to pass your hail damage roof repair insurance claim. Your roofing contractor can assist you with documenting the damage on your roof and filing the claim with your insurance company.
Roofing contractors use various tools and techniques to document hail damage for insurance purposes. For example, they may use a drone to inspect the roof and take detailed photos of the damage. Additionally, they may use a chalk test to mark the hail impact points with chalk to visually represent the hail damage.
#4 You Need a Complete Roof Inspection for Hail Damage
A thorough inspection of the entire roof is the first step of a good hail damage roof repair service. It’s essential to hire a certified roofing contractor to inspect your roof for damage, as tiny issues may not be visible to an untrained eye. Professionals know what size hailstones will cause damage to particular roofing materials, and to what extent.
The professionals will check for holes, cracks, and granule loss on the shingles. They will also inspect the rain gutters, fascia board, vents, and other parts of the roof. If your roofing contractor does find hail damage, they will give you a roof condition report with a detailed analysis and the best course of action. This may include patching up any leaks or replacing damaged shingles, along with an estimate of the repairs.
#5 Repair or Replace?
After a hail storm, it’s essential to determine whether you need repairs or a hail damage roof replacement service. The decision will depend on various factors, including the extent of the damage, the age of your roof, and your budget.
Your roofing contractor will help you decide based on the roof inspection report and what your insurance company may cover. They will also tell you what repairs are necessary and how long your old roof can withstand such weather conditions. Repairs are typically less expensive than replacements, but if your roof has served you for over 20 years, temporary fixes can end up being dangerous and costing you more in the long run.
#6 Understand Your Insurance Coverage
Most homeowners insurance policies cover hail damage as a named peril, which means that it is specifically listed as a covered risk. However, the amount of coverage and deductibles can vary depending on your policy. It’s important to review your policy and understand what is, and is not, covered.
For example, your insurance company may deny your claim if your roof is very old or was already in need of repairs before the hailstorm struck. Additionally, some policies may not cover cosmetic damage, such as dents or scratches to a metal roof.
#7 Consider Getting Hail-Resistant Roofing Materials
If you live in an area prone to hailstorms, consider installing a hail-resistant roof. Choose impact-resistant roofing materials, like metal panels and Class 4 shingles. A hail-resistant roof will give you peace of mind knowing that you won’t need to spend much on hail-damage roof repair services in the future. It can also help lower insurance premiums and increase energy efficiency.
#8 Follow Residential Building Codes
As a homeowner, you must comply with your area’s residential building codes. Your government puts these codes in place to ensure that your roof meets local safety standards. Failure to comply with these codes could result in fines or even legal consequences. That’s why it’s all the more important to hire a local roofing contractor that can keep your roof up to code.
#9 Research Local Tax Benefits
Some states offer tax credits or deductions for having energy-efficient, or eco-friendly, roofing materials. It’s worth researching to see if there are any available tax benefits in your area on particular roofing materials or complete roofing systems.
If you live in Pennsylvania, we can help you get started and share more information on getting a cost-effective and durable roof.
Get Reliable Help To Repair Your Hail-Damaged Roof
If a hailstorm struck your home recently, we understand how stressful it can be. That’s why our skilled professionals are certified and experienced in storm damage roofing services, including those for hail damage. We’ll work with you to ensure your roof is durable, safe, and ready to protect your home for years to come. Call us at (412) 694-8785 for a free consultation, and we can also give you an estimate on your hail damage roof repair cost. We are a part of the Pittsburgh, and surrounding Pennsylvanian communities, and our experts are always ready to help you.
