Colorado is one of the states in the US that is prone to hailstorms. Like most devastating natural disasters, heavy and frequent hailstorms pose a serious threat to property, with roofs being the main targets. This often leaves many residential and commercial property owners questioning if if they need to replace their roof after a hailstorm.
Although there have been massive improvements in shingle design and technology in recent years, there current isn’t a hail-proof roof, at least not yet. Every roof, no matter the quality, is susceptible to storm damage. Seeing that hail can damage your roof under any condition, what do you do in case of such an eventuality? Can you replace or simply repair your damaged roof? In this article, we will answer the following:
- What Should You Do After a Hailstorm Damages Your Roof?
- What Happens If You Don’t Replace Your Roof After Hail Damage?
- When Should You Replace Your Roof After Hailstorm?
- Need Help with Your Damaged Roof?
What Should You Do After a Hailstorm Damages Your Roof?
After a hailstorm, it would be wise to do a routine inspection to assess the damage to your roof. Severe hail damage may be visible from the ground. However, not all hail damages are easy to detect, and you might fail to see the extent of the damage by assessing it from the ground.
This is why we highly recommend guidance and input from a roofing contractor on the best steps to take going forward. This will help you determine if you need to do a few repairs here and there or if a replacement is your only option.
The first step to take after a hailstorm is to call your insurance company, report the damage, weigh out the options and discuss the process of filing a claim. It’s advisable to reach out to your insurance provider as soon as the damages become noticeable.
In case you need to make minor urgent repairs such as fixing leaks, you may do so. However, it would help if you didn’t do any permanent repairs or replacements on your roof before your insurance provider has assessed and evaluated the extent of the damage and estimated the claim.
Once the extent of the damage has been evaluated and estimated by your carrier, the job of rectifying the problem will begin. The time it will take for the project to be completed will depend on the size of your home and how big the job is. The process can take between a day or two months or longer.
In parallel, you can begin researching roofing contractors in your area, including us. We will even work with you during the insurance claims process, which can sometimes seem like a daunting process, but it doesn’t have to be with the right team. We will also provide recommendations on the best roofing materials to use for hail, including F-Wave shingles.
What Happens If You Don’t Replace Your Roof After Hail Damage?
Whether you have experienced a heavy or minor hailstorm, it is always good to have your roofing company do some routine inspection. Some damage is obvious and pretty straightforward, such as broken or missing shingles. This type of damage should be addressed right away. A professional will know what is urgent and what does not need to be fixed.
If left unfixed, a hail-damaged roof can cause additional roofing problems. For example, snow or rainwater may leak through the holes caused by hail and find its way into your attic. Moisture buildup in your attic can result in mold, mildew, rotting, and more leaks into your living spaces. It can take several weeks for these problems to manifest, but when they do, the results will be more costly damages.
That’s why it’s good to have a professional do a damage assessment as soon as possible, so you can arrange with your insurance provider to fix the problems before they get out of hand.
When Should You Replace Your Roof After Hailstorm?
Not all hailstorms can cause damages to your roof, and not all hail damages require roof replacement. Sometimes, only minor repairs are necessary to restore your roof to its functional condition. However, in extreme cases where there is serious damage to the roof shingles, a replacement may be necessary. Doing a damage assessment and evaluation with your insurance provider and roofing company will help determine when a roof replacement is essential.
Even in the absence of apparent leaks, a roof that has survived a hailstorm may be more susceptible to rapid deterioration and a shortened life expectancy. When a hailstone causes damage to the shingle where it either fractures the shingles or causes granule loss, the shingle is considered to be compromised.
These damaged shingles may not leak right away, but over time (even as little as a few years), the area that was struck by hailstones will wear faster and eventually a hole will develop. This is due to the wear layer of the shingle being exposed to the elements since the granules were lost during the impact to the shingle. One thing to keep an eye on is if your roof is shedding granules after a hailstorm. These can typically be noticed in the gutter and downspouts – even on the ground.
When you notice that your roof is exhibiting such signs after every storm, even without hail, then you should consider doing a complete roof replacement to avert any more threats to your shelter. The good news is that installing a new roof comes with a new discount from your insurance company. That means that besides receiving a claim for a new roof, you get the extra benefits of a reduced homeownership insurance premium.
Need Help with Your Damaged Roof?
Hailstorms are a common occurrence in Broomfield CO and the surrounding areas. Roof damage caused by these hailstorms is a reality that many homeowners and business owners have to contend with.
At Axe Roofing, we understand how frustrating it can be to deal with a leaking or damaged roof; that’s why we strive to offer the best roofing services with the customer’s best interest in mind. Talk to us today if you need any help with roof damage assessment, minor repairs, replacement, and more.
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