Roof Inspections for Hail Damage: 6 Things You Should Expect from the Process
Are you prepared for hail storm season in Colorado? If you live in or around the Denver area, the odds are good that you’ll be hit with a Denver hail storm at some point throughout the year.
Hail in Colorado falls hard and fast, and it can be difficult for the average homeowner to spot damage. The size of each hail stone and how fast it’s falling, combined with other factors like wind and storm duration, can spell trouble for aging roofs.
If you’re not sure how well your roof will stand up to the next intense hail storm, you should have a professional roof inspection performed. Here are six things you should expect from a roof inspection for hail damage.
1. Your Inspection Starts With You
After a storm has passed and it’s safe to go outside, walk around your house and take note of any damage. Doing so will help you get a general idea of the extent of any damage, although you’ll still need a professional inspection to know exactly how much damage your roof has sustained.
From the ground, you can take a look at your homes’:
- Siding
- Windows
- Gutters
- Downspouts (don’t forget to check for shingle granules—this can indicate damage to your asphalt shingles that’s commonly caused by falling hail)
2. Your Roofing Contractor Will Look at Your Roof
First and foremost, please don’t get on your roof! Roofing is one of the most dangerous careers out there, and you should have adequate safety training before getting on your roof, especially if it has a steep pitch or slope.
Bear in mind that your roofing contractor may opt to also use a drone for your roof inspection.
3. They Will Look at Everything That Hail Can Damage
Your roofing contractor doesn’t just look at your shingles during a roof inspection. They also inspect your:
- Gutters
- Flashing
- Soffit and fascia
- Siding
- Windows
- Subroofing material and your roof’s decking
- Chimney and Outdoor appliances (AC units or swamp coolers)
- And any hidden damage like water leaks in your attic
Your roofing contractor will also check to make sure that your roof is properly ventilated, and check the number of layers on your roof.
4. A Roof Inspection Also Checks for Wind Damage
Roof inspectors also check for wind damage, which is common throughout the changing seasons in Colorado. Strong winds can cause as much damage as hail, and the most severe storms combine strong winds with hail.
5. Your Roofing Contractor Will Provide an Estimate & Recommendations
Once the inspection is complete, your roofing contractor will provide a detailed estimate for exterior storm restoration or a total roof replacement cost. This is your chance to ask questions about the damage they’ve identified and what they recommend for repairing it.
6. Contact Your Homeowner’s Insurance After Your Inspection
After your inspection is complete and you know whether your hail damage merits roof repair or a total roof replacement, it’s time to contact your homeowner’s insurance company to get the estimate and work authorized. They typically send out an insurance claim adjuster to perform an inspection to verify the estimate. It’s a good idea to also have your roofing contractor meet with the insurance adjuster to explain and discuss any damage. Once your insurance approves your claim, work can begin on repairing your hail-damaged roof.
Go With the Best Local Roofing Company
Unfortunately, not all roofing contractors are the same. In fact, there are plenty of roofing scams you should be aware of and avoid to ensure your home has the best protection for years to come.
J&K Roofing has been around for nearly 40 years and is experienced in identifying and solving storm damage to roofs and exteriors throughout the Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and Front Range areas. We’re ready to tackle your roofing project and help protect your home and family.
Click here to schedule your free roof inspection, or give us a call at 303-425-7531.