Is Hail Damage Worth Repairing In Winters?
Key Takeaways:
- It’s common for hail to damage roofs in winters.
- Gutters, shingles, flashing, and hail stones can damage the roof.
- You should call a professional immediately if you have a collapsed or leaking roof.
- Home insurance typically covers hail damage to your home’s exterior components.
- The average cost of repairing damage from hail ranges from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
It’s no secret that winters in Spokane Valley see their fair share of hail. With frequent storm activity, deciding whether the damage is worth repairing can be tough.
This blog post will help you weigh the pros & cons of repairing damage by hail in your home. By understanding the different types of hail damage, you can decide what’s best for your property. Keep reading to learn more!
The Types of Damage from Hail on Roofing
1. Dented Gutters
One of the most common types of hail damage is dented gutters. Gutters protect your home from water damage. They do this by channeling water away from your roof & foundation. When hailstones hit your gutters, they can dent or even break them, which can cause leaks and allow water to enter your home.
2. Cracked Shingles
Shingles are the protective layer that covers your roof and helps to keep water out. When hailstones hit your shingles, they can crack or break them, allowing water to seep into your home & causing damage to your ceilings and walls.
3. Damaged Flashing
Flashing is a metal strip to seal the gaps around vents, chimneys, and other openings in your roof. When hailstones hit your flashing, they are damaged severely, as a result of which water finds its way to your home.
4. Leaking Roof
A leaky roof is one of the most serious types of hail damage because it can allow water to enter your home and cause extensive damage. If you have a punctured & leaky roof, you should call a professional immediately to have it repaired or replaced.
5. Collapsed Roof
In some cases, hailstones can be so large that they collapse part of your roof. This is a serious problem because it can allow water and debris to enter your home and cause extensive damage. If you have a collapsed roof, you need professional help immediately.
What To Do If There’s Hail Damage On Your Roof?
1. Inspect Your Roof for Damage
If you suspect that your roof has suffered damage by hail, you first should inspect it for damage. Look for any missing or damaged shingles, dents, or cracks in the roofing material. If you notice any damage, take pictures of it and make a note of the location.
2. Contact Your Insurance Company
Once you have inspected your roof and found damage, the next step is to contact your insurance company. Your insurance policy may cover damage by hail, but you must register a claim to get reimbursement for the repairs.
3. Get An Estimate for Repairs
After you have filed a claim with your insurance company, they will likely send an adjuster to inspect the damage. Once the adjuster has inspected the relevant damage, they will provide you with an estimate for the repairs needed.
4. Make The Repairs
Once you have received an estimate, you can make the repairs to your roof. If the damage is extensive, you may need to hire a professional roofing contractor to make the repairs for you.
5. Prevent Future Damage
After your roof has been repaired, there are some things you can do to sidestep future damage from occurring. One thing you can do is have impact-resistant shingles installed on your roof. These shingles are designed to withstand impact better than traditional shingles. They can help to protect your roof from future hail storms.
Related: Getting ready for roof repairs
How To File a Claim with Your Insurance Company?
The process is relatively simple if you need to file a claim with your insurance company.
- First, you will need to gather all relevant documentation, including police reports, receipts, and medical records.
- Next, you will need to contact your insurance agent or company representative and provide them with this information. They will then open a claim and begin investigating the incident.
- Once the investigation is complete, the insurance company will determine whether or not they will cover the damages.
- If they deny your hail claim, you can appeal the decision by providing additional evidence or requesting a hearing. However, if they approve your claim, they will send you a check for the covered expenses. In either case, keeping detailed records of all correspondence with the insurance company is important.
Following these steps ensures that filing a claim is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
What Repairs Will Be Covered by Your Insurance Policy?
Understanding what is and is not covered by your insurance policy can be confusing.
Home insurance policies typically cover damage by hail to your home’s exterior, including the roof, siding, windows, and gutters.
However, there are some exceptions. For instance, most policies will not cover damage due to poor maintenance. You can repair that without replacing the entire component.
In addition, some insurers have a deductible for damage by hail, which means you will be responsible for paying a certain amount out of pocket before coverage kicks in.
If you’re unsure what is & is not covered by your policy, the best thing to do is contact your insurer directly and ask for clarification.
By understanding what is and is not covered, you can be better prepared if your home sustains hail damage.
The Average Cost of Repairing Hail Damage
It can range from hundreds to a couple of thousand dollars, depending on the damage’s severity. In most cases, your homeowner’s insurance will cover the cost of repairs minus your deductible.
Is your roof damaged and needs repair?
Palmer Construction offers top-quality roof repair and replacement services to get your home back in order. We understand that a leaky or damaged roof can be a major inconvenience, so we offer fast, reliable service to get your house back to normal as soon as possible.
You shouldn’t have to deal with a damaged roof for longer than necessary. Let Palmer Construction take care of everything that matters in Spokane Valley. We’re here to help, so please don’t hesitate to call us today.
