Hail is a tricky subject, especially in Florida, where it can rain on one side of the street, but not the other. If you’re home when a hail storm occurs, it’s pretty simple to know that it might be time to get your roof checked. But what if a hail storm occurs when you’re not home. How do you know how bad it was and if your roof was damaged in the storm? If you find hail damage to the things outside your home, there’s a good chance that hail has done damage to the roof over your head.
Identifying Hail Damage
We might be the lightning capital of the US and a hurricane magnet, but we don’t even crack to top ten list of states for hail storms. So it’s understandable that you may not know what hail damage on your roof might even look like.
If you have an asphalt roof or one with composition shingles, be on the lookout for:
- Small dents that are black in color or are soft
- Damage with no real pattern
- Loss of granules (the top layer of your shingles)
- A shiny look on the asphalt or mat
If you have wood shingles, look for:
- Damage with no real pattern
- Split shingles with sharp corners, brown/orange discoloration, or showing very little deterioration on the edges
- Impact marks or dents
With any type of roof, pay close attention to the soft metals. In the aluminum vents, goosenecks, flashing, and other softer areas you’re more likely to see a random pattern of round dents. These will vary in depth based on the size of the hailstones and the force with which they struck.
The Importance of Getting a Professional Evaluation
If you know your roof has been in a hail storm and you suspect damage, call a professional roofing company immediately. Getting your roof assessed by a professional as quickly as possible offers many benefits:
- A professional can determine if the damage was actually caused by hail
- A professional can protect your roof, if necessary, while the paperwork is processed
- A professional can begin the process of addressing the claim to your insurance company
If you choose not to have your roof evaluated, you risk long-term problems, which may not be covered by insurance. These could include leaks due to loss of granules or damage to the layers beneath the granules. You may also be jeopardizing your insurance coverage since most policies require that any existing damage be mitigated promptly to prevent further damage to roof or structure. Failure to mitigate hail damage now may result in a denial of coverage later.
Getting Your Roof Repaired
Hail damage is generally covered under a homeowner’s policy in the State of Florida. You must submit your claim in a timely manner and pay your standard deductible. Also, know that a claim, like one for hail damage, often does not cause an increase in your insurance rates, as it is weather damage and not caused by your negligence. If you suspect roof damage, SunFlo offers a Free Roof Evaluation, and if you call soon, we’re also offering a Free Wind Mitigation, that could save you hundreds on your Homeowners Insurance. Call Us today.
