Homeowners know the Texas weather well—severe storms can mean extreme roof and hail damage. Whether it’s hail, wind, heavy rain, or all of the above, no house is immune to the destruction of a hurricane or typhoon. A storm damage roof inspection is an absolute must to assess the magnitude of any damage.
During a storm damage roof inspection, a certified roofing contractor will check the condition of materials used and building codes.
Your roof and home inspection should include a look for missing shingles due to hail damage, leaks, or any other signs of destruction.
How Do You Prove Storm Damage to a Roof?
Your insurance company is less likely to believe high winds and a strong storm caused the roofing issues without evidence. You can do the following to strengthen your insurance claim:
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Call in a Qualified Roofing ContractorFrom the ground level, hail destruction to storm-damaged roofs can be hard to prove, as the underlying problem may not be visible. A qualified storm damage inspector should be called in to inspect the structure. Also, a roofer can provide a detailed report to your insurance provider. Our inspectors are InterNACHI certified to work on residential and commercial roofs.
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Take Pictures and Videos
Collecting evidence is the best way to fight against an insurance company. You must visually inspect the roof and take pictures of any destruction, including damaged shingles, broken roof vents, fused light fixtures, leaks, gutters, etc.
Documenting weather conditions during hail storms, such as heavy wind, rain, hail marks, or snow, is also essential for future wind mitigation.
When taking photographs of storm-damaged structures, it is essential to take several different angles and general shots of the structure to document the entirety of the destruction. Video of the top can also be taken with a drone or phone to ensure the area is captured correctly.
What Is Considered Storm Damage to a Roof?
Some homeowners know essential storm repair work and can make repairs following severe weather. However, there’s much to consider when determining if the roof has sustained storm damage that needs further inspection.
A preliminary roof inspection is a great way to get ahead of the rain damage and fix the issue before it worsens. Here are a few things that are considered visible damage caused by natural disasters:
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Damaged gutters
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Broken tiles
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Scattered furniture
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Water leaks
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Broken roof vents
How Do You Mark a Roof for Storm Damage?
When it comes to extreme damage, a roof inspection is a must. Your first step if you suspect any storm damage to your roof is to call a reputable roofing contractor to come and visually inspect the area.
A professional appraisal by Water Damage and Roofing of Cedar Park is your best bet because we will provide visual proof, pictures, and videos to provide evidence of the damage. It’s also beneficial to have witnesses that can attest to the storm’s severity.
The inspector will write a detailed report that will include the type of damage, the extent of the destruction, the estimated repair costs, and other important information you can present to the insurance company.
Once you have the visual evidence securely stored away, mark the affected areas of the roof, including any missing shingles, scattered shingle granules, clogged gutters, etc. Not only will this help you better explain the severity of the hail damage, but it will also help with the repair process.
What Are the Factors to Look for in a Storm-damaged Roof?
Any damage to your property, whether from a hurricane or just a typical storm, can be very stressful to deal with afterward. Your home’s roof is an integral part of your property’s exterior and is vulnerable to extreme weather conditions such as strong winds, hail storms, and heavy rain.
Understanding the signs of damage to your roof is key to protecting your property and preserving its value, so take time to understand what to look out for following a heavy downpour.
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Visual Inspection
Following a natural disaster, the first thing to do is inspect the exterior of your property and the roof. Start by looking for any damage to your roof, such as missing and broken shingles or several cracked tile roofs.
Far from traditional shingles, wind can severely damage metal structures, so examine metal roof flashing and your roof’s drip edge carefully for any wrinkling or weakening.
If the flashing has been nailed, it is essential to detect any dents, as this could indicate hail or strong wind damage. You can look for lawn furniture thrown around by the wind to aid you.
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Roofing ContractorHiring a professional roofing contractor is the easiest way to win an insurance claim for roof repairs. They have the experience and skill to conduct a much more thorough inspection, helping spot the minor issues you would likely miss.
Can You Get a Free Roof Inspection After a Hail Storm?
With frequent wind, rain, and heavy storms, it’s understandable that you want to ensure your roof is in top condition. Unfortunately, this is not easy to do without specialized expertise.
However, you can ask for a free inspection for the first estimate, allowing the roofer to thoroughly inspect your roof and identify any issues that need to be addressed.
How Serious Is Hail Damage to Roofs?
Hail damage and severe storm can cause serious damage to all kinds of roofing structures. Natural disasters can wreak havoc on a property’s structures, siding, and other exterior areas.
Inspecting your roof, flashing, and gutters thoroughly, whether a small hurricane or a severe one is essential. Also, if the hail is large enough, it may cause additional damage to items like lawn furniture, windows, and patio covers.
Conclusion
Whether you’re dealing with wind damage or want general roof repairs, have your roof inspected by our professional roofers. Trustworthy contractors will provide a comprehensive free inspection of your roof and suggest the most cost-effective solutions for severe wind damage.
Go over the conditions of your insurance policy to determine what qualifies as hail damage and if your roofing contractor can help you submit paperwork.