Your Guide to Hail Damage Roof Replacement

Hailstorms are beautiful and dangerous- and can either be really fun to watch or just as scary when they're flying towards your home and vehicle. Unfortunately, severe hail events are common during storm season (though not AS common in Florida) and though there are things you can do to be prepared, hail will still get ya if it wants to. 

When faced with the aftermath of hail damage, a lot of questions probably run through your mind. Should I have my roof repaired or replaced? Will insurance cover the damages? These are all common concerns, and luckily, we've addressed them all right here just for you! 

We're thrilled you decided to swing by, because we know a thing or two about hail damage over the years. RoofCrafters has repaired and replaced storm-damaged roofing systems for nearly thirty years. There are definitely some tell-tale signs that your hail damaged roof needs replacing- but where do you go from there? We've compiled everything you need to know in one little article. Convenient, right? Let's begin! 

When Should a Hail-Damaged Roof Be Replaced? 

Right off the bat, while it's vital to have noticeable signs of damaged assessed, when hail damage is involved, you likely need a "trained eye" to study your roof deeper. Of course, a broken window or dents in your roof are obvious signs that you need help, but the tinier and less-noticeable signs of damage are just as deadly. If you notice any of the following signs, you definitely need a roof inspection: 

• Broken Shingles 
• Granule Loss
• Impact Damage 

Hailstones Impact and weaken the roof and can even cause asphalt to shatter. Pay close attention to those asphalt shingles after receiving hail, and always opt to call a local roofer to perform a ground-level inspection. Remember, they can spot damage that you may not know about or see, so having them there is vital to ensure you get the proper plan in place for your roof. 

We can't tell you upfront if your roof needs a repair or replacing without performing an inspection, but if your roof is significantly damaged, you may need a replacement.  

Hail Damage and Insurance: The Basics

It can be difficult to determine whether your insurance will cover a roof replacement, but if you see all the signs of significant hail damage, it may be worth a shot to file a claim. 

Call A Contractor

Before you do anything, call your roofer to come out and inspect your home. Don't file a claim immediately without having your ducks in a row. It's essential to note that an experienced storm damage contractor will be able to help settle the claim with your insurance provider. When they do that, all the work that will need to be done to get your property back to the pre-storm condition will be paid for by your insurance provider (not out of pocket.) You will only be responsible to pay your deductible.

Contact Your Homeowners Insurance Company

Once the damage has been assessed by a professional, calling your insurance company is the next step. Here you want to provide a detailed insight into the damage that has occurred. If required, you may be asked to send the relevant department pictures of the damage to speed up your claim process. Take photos! 

From here on, the representative you're in touch with will provide you with a claim number. An insurance adjuster will call and schedule a time to inspect your property to further the claim process. Once the damage is assessed and the appropriate plan is formed, your claim will be approved and your roofer can start on your roof! 

The Process of Hail Damage Roof Replacement 

Not to scare you away, but a lot goes into the roof replacement process. When you choose to have your hail-damaged roof totally replaced, every component of the roof itself goes. The steps included in a complete roof replacement are: 

Tear Off 

When you decide to get a new roof, your contractor will first dive into a roof tear-off. During this process, they will go over your roof and remove the pieces section-by-section to prepare for your shiny new roof.

Decking Inspection 

The decking of your roof is like an armored shield of protection for the rest of your home. Because it's such an essential aspect of your home, great care is taken when inspecting it. 

Underlayment, Drip Edge, and Flashing Installation

Once your contractor has given your decking a passing inspection, they’ll go ahead and get started on installing the underlayment, drip edge, and flashing. Underlayment, drip edge, and flashing are crucial for the roof's health, as well, so they have to be installed properly to ensure smooth sailing.  

Roof and Vent Installation 

Your new roof is officially ready to be put on! After all the previous steps are taken, your roof materials will be delivered and your roofers will begin working to install your new roof! Your shingles or other materials will be installed carefully, section by section. The roofing ventilation system will also be installed now. 

Clean-Up

Once your roof is installed, of course, your roofer will clean up their mess. They'll start by cleaning the gutters and then work their way to the ground. After, they'll pick up debris, remove tarps and look for loose nails. They may have to sweep the area a few times to ensure everything is picked up properly. 

Does My Hail Damaged Roof Need Replacing? 

While we hope that isn't the case, it very well may be. As soon as you see any possible issues with your roof after a hailstorm, seek help immediately! Most insurance providers require you to file a claim within a year of receiving damage, and it's even better for you to start the process right now. 

Have you checked out our learning center? It's full of vital information you should know when it comes to roof replacements, along with numerous articles about storm damage. There's a little something for every reader, so it's a must if you want to brush up on your roofing knowledge or have some extra time. Research is always a great idea, and we can help you with that! 

Alright, you've officially added vital hail damage and roof replacement information to your internal library. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your roof or a project you're considering, we are more than delighted to assist you. Before you get in contact with a roofer, though, feel free to take a quick look at our comprehensive roofer checklist to ensure you know who to look out for when searching for a contractor. To get in touch with one of our helpful RoofCrafters representatives, head on over to our contact page.