You may have seen hail storms in Wisconsin if you live in a region vulnerable to extreme weather. While hail storms are more common in the United States during the summer of May to September, they can happen at any time of year, even the winter. Hail storms could be just as damaging as those of us with a higher frequency, even if they aren't as common as they are in the spring and summer.
Hail storms can damage your roof and windows the most, but they can also harm your doors, gutters, and flooring. A single hailstorm can cost expensive damage if it isn't caught early. For those who have been affected by the storm, you can reduce roof hail damage by evaluating the situation and making necessary repairs as soon as possible.
Our team at BRH Enterprises has put together a tutorial on how to deal with hail damage to your roof. Continue reading.
What Size Hail Will Cause Roof Damage?
Hail damage in Wisconsin can range in size from either a pinhead towards the size of a golf ball. The speed with which hailstones strike your roof is also important. Depending on the size of a hailstone, the table below gives a general estimate of the type of damage you can expect.
¾" Hail
Hail is the size of a dime at one-quarter inch. Compared to larger hail, its effects on property are less severe, although damage is nevertheless done. Vinyl siding, window coverings, metal fascia, and decking paint are typically damaged by hail this size. However, we've also observed it damage gutters and downspouts and remove asphalt shingle granules. Unfortunately, since this damage is just too small to notice, homeowners frequently miss roof hail damage.
1" Hail
It's time to repair the damage after hail reaches a diameter of one inch. You'll generally see cracks and scratches on the top of your shingles after a hailstorm. However, if a storm's wind gusts are powerful enough, your roof could experience significant damage from shattered windows and breaches in the external walls. Your roof may have leaks, and the storm may have damaged your gutters and downspouts.
1¼" Hail
The effect of the hitting ice pieces is significantly more severe when the hail is 1/4" and larger; huge holes resembling those in Swiss cheese are not uncommon. Smaller, gentler hailstones can potentially seriously harm siding, windows, and roofs.
1½ "Hail
This amount of hail can harm cars, break windows, and weaken the structure of your roof. You should seek shelter from the storm or remain indoors as it passes if a storm with hail this big is present. If you don't take the right safeguards, you might have to replace some of your possessions.
1¾ - 2 "Hail
When damage reaches this point, it becomes serious. Hail can rip a roof off of a home with wind, leaving it exposed and defenseless. Make sure your roof is adequately covered if you reside in a region where this type of hail is possible. The best method to preserve your roof is with complete shingle coverage or high-quality metal roof panels.
What Does Hail Damage on a Roof Look Like?
When it comes to roofing, there are numerous solutions with a wide range of features and advantages. It's crucial to take into account your requirements for design, durability, and environment. Keep an eye out for areas of peeling paint or traces of dents or splits because different kinds of tile and shingles may exhibit distinct signs of roof hail damage.
Examine your lawn
Examine the region surrounding your home for any obvious signs of roof damage once the hailstorm has passed. Broken windows and blown-off roof shingles will be part of this. Additionally, check your gutters, which can frequently be difficult to notice, attic, and garage.
Look at the roofing elements
Take a closer look at the metal parts of your roof if you're not sure what damage may have been caused by a hailstorm. Storm damage to the slate, tile, or wood underlying may also be indicated by dents, scratches, and tiny holes in flashings, vents, or skylights.
Gutter & downspout inspection
Large hailstones can damage gutters, dent the fascia board, or even knock granules off the roof, however gutters can typically withstand hail. Check your gutters and downspouts for granule loss symptoms, which are more obvious if the hailstorm is approaching from one side of your home.
Look At Your Shingles
Look above the damaged region to determine if there are any bare places, if your shingles have many granules on the edges. It can be the result of hail damaging your roof. Round or oval dents in the shingles or different types of pitting are some other indicators of roof hail damage.
Uncovered Mat
If uncovered, the fiberglass roofing mat can be particularly sensitive to hail. If the shingles' hard, thin material is dented, another rock can cause it to shatter. The shingles on your roof will separate from the underpayment as more rocks are thrown at the damaged region.
Recognizing The Risks of Roof Hail Damage
Hail damage is the most common and, at the same time, the least obvious kind of damage; many homeowners don't even aware they've been hit by this kind of harm. As shingles quickly disintegrate and separate from their backing as a result of hail, your property may sustain water damage. It is essential to contact for a thorough assessment if you are unsure whether you have had hail-related property damage.
It could be time to consider a repair if you've observed that your roof is starting to leak. The first step in dealing with roof leaks is keeping the water from entering your home because, regrettably, they frequently result in short-term damage that puts a major burden on both your budget and your property. Fortunately, BRH Enterprises has years of experience fixing residential roofs damaged by hail. To find out how we can assist you with your storm-damaged roof, get in touch with our staff at any time.
What Should You Do If Your Roof Was Damaged by Hail?
When hail damage is ignored, it can become a serious issue. If you don't take care of hail damage from water right once, it might cost thousands of dollars in leaks and other problems. The best course of action is to get the roof evaluated right away because there are numerous indications that hail damage has occurred.
Whether you are certain of the damage or not, it is always a great idea to consult with a professional roofer to evaluate it first. It's crucial to keep in mind that roofing shingles may mask a variety of issues beneath them, such as rot, mold, or an unstable framework, when checking for damage. Therefore, roofing experts will know what to search for even if you're not seeing any obvious damage.
Does Roof Insurance Company Cover Hail Damage?
If you live in specific state regions, your homes' insurance policy could not provide coverage for hail damage to the roof. Additionally, if you have inadequate insurance or your provider is a small insurer, your coverage can be restricted. This is why prior to filing any claims, it is critical to comprehend what is covered.
Making A Roof Insurance Claim After A Hailstorm
Do you want to know how to submit an insurance claim for roof hail damage? Before making an insurance claim for hail damage, there are a few things you should be aware of.
Insurance claims are challenging and stressful.
Most people don't have the time to sort through intricate insurance contracts when calamity hits and houses are devastated. However, because many policies contain terms and conditions that homeowners may not comprehend, it is simple for con artists to profit from this uncertainty and take advantage of locals when they are most defenseless. Due to their dubious reputations, the insurance and roofing businesses are frequently demonized. It's important to note that this isn't always the case, though. Many professionals in these fields, including many roofers, are committed to provide the highest quality of service. However, it's best to complete your research before putting your trust in your roof.
Always wait for the approval of claims
Wait until your roofing insurance claim has been authorized before signing any documents. When it comes to insurance claims, only the information included in the actual paperwork is relevant. You are on your own if you sign a contract, file a claim, and your insurance company declines to pay because they object to the contract language. Regardless of how competent you believe your roofing company to be. However, a trustworthy roofing company like BRH Enterprises will first instruct you on how to work your way through the insurance process and examine your coverage. Once your claim is accepted, they will only discuss business.
Final Thoughts
When making a claim, uninsured Wisconsin residents may find themselves in a difficult situation. However, consider this before contacting your insurance provider or agent: "Do I know exactly what to expect?" If you're having trouble navigating this, that's okay. Many consumers are unsure of how the roof insurance claims procedure works and are unsure of what to expect once they submit a claim. Our crew is accessible around-the-clock to assist them. Our team is aware that filing an insurance claim can be stressful, particularly if it's your first time filing a claim for roof hail damage. So give us a call at (920) 249-4228 right away, and we'll help you make a wise choice.
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