Hail is one of the most prominent causes of damage to rooftops and ceilings. In both commercial and home roofs, hail damage is usually prevalent in Southern and Midwest parts of the United States. According to research, around 4,600 major hailstorms occurred in 2020 alone.
Then the damage caused by these hailstorms is estimated somewhere around $15 billion. So, it’s no wonder lots of people look for experts or seek help from professionals like Nashville Roofers to fix or assess hail damage.
But what exactly is hail damage? Moreover, how do you go about assessing hail damage and then repairing it? We’ll talk about that, and what you should keep in mind when restoring hail-damaged roofs or ceilings. So, let’s get started.
What Is Hail Damage? 6 Types of Damages Caused By Hail
Hail Damage is caused by precipitation of frozen rain/ice that falls on a terminal velocity. In the process, it deals damages to any grounded object, including houses, cars, etc. The most common hail-related damage is dents or breakages in roofs/cars.
However, there are various other types of hail damage as well, including:
- Dented or bruised roofing materials from impact;
- Broken or cracked shingles due to hailstones;
- Granule loss exposing asphalt on shingles;
- Split or fractured wood on wooden roofs;
- Damaged gutters, vents, or flashing;
- And indentations or dings on metal roofing.
These are the common types of hail damage that usually affect structures and rooftops. And it’s imperative to fix these damages and take future preventative measures to avoid them.
How To Restore Hail-Damaged Roof: 5 Key Steps
Now the impact of frozen rain on anything is like stones thrown at a hard velocity. So, the damages to shingles and other areas of a roof or ceiling require thorough repair or replacement. That’s why experts like Nashville Roofing Contractors suggest thorough inspection.
However, the process itself involves various steps to assess the damage and then attempt to repair it. Then there’s also documentation and paperwork that ensures all goes smoothly with insurance and other aspects. So, here are 5 key steps to restore a hail-damaged roof:
1: Inspect The Damage Thoroughly
Begin the restoration process by inspecting the hail damage thoroughly. So, you will have to examine roofing materials for dents, cracks, or granule loss. Make sure that you pay attention to gutters, vents, and flashing.
This sort of thorough inspection lays the foundation for a comprehensive restoration plan. So, while it’s suggested that you ask an expert to ensure they check all the boxes, checking for the aforementioned can help you do it yourself. Thus, ensuring all aspects of the damage are identified and addressed effectively.
2: Document The Extent Of The Hail Damage
The next step is to document the hail damage accurately to guide the restoration process. Capture clear photos and notes detailing dented shingles, broken materials, and any structural issues. It’s important that this is the first thing you do alongside inspection of the damage as well.
Because this complete documentation will serve as a crucial reference for insurance claims. More importantly, it will also help and assist roofing professionals in crafting an accurate and effective restoration plan.
3: Contact Your Insurance Company And File A Claim
Before you even touch the repair work, it’s important that you contact your insurance company promptly to initiate the hail damage claim process. In 2022, one insurance company paid around $3.5 billion in insurance claims related to hail damages.
So, experts say that it’s important you provide clear documentation of the roof damage and necessary information. Not only will timely communication ensure a smooth claim procedure, but also help you secure financial support. So, doing this right away is key to minimizing any potential delays in the repair process.
4: Hire A Reputable Roofing Contractor For Repairs
The next step is to hire a reputable roofing contractor for prompt and professional hail damage repairs. You can seek recommendations, review portfolios, and obtain quotes. But it’s important that you secure a dependable repair expert.
Because a skilled contractor ensures high-quality workmanship, addressing all identified issues efficiently. Clear communication and a trustworthy partnership are key to a successful roof restoration, providing lasting protection for your home.
5: Complete The Necessary Repairs And Roof Restoration
The final step is finishing up the restoration process by executing the necessary repairs with precision. This means focusing on replacing the damaged materials, fixing broken shingles, and restoring the roof’s integrity.
But it’s also important to ensure thorough inspections for any lingering issues. That’s why completing these repairs promptly and thoroughly is essential for a resilient and long-lasting roof. But, it’s also important to apply materials and preventative essentials for future instances.
Conclusion
These are some of the key aspects of restoring and repairing hail-damaged roofs in homes or commercial buildings. While it depends on the extent of damage, the process will remain quite the same. Yet, it’s suggested to hire an expert to avoid intricacies or issues related to documentation or paperwork.
