My roof has Hail damage, now what?

Name: Custom Exteriors, LLC
Address: 404 Broadway, Eagle, CO, 81631, US
Telephone: 970-460-8714

Living in Colorado and Wyoming, we are accustomed to hailstorms. Hail damage to our siding, roof, windows, and exterior belongings is a common experience during our summers.

Once the storm has passed, we are often left with substantial property damage. This leaves some wondering what to do next. Restoring our homes and businesses to their pre-storm condition can be daunting.

Fortunately, a qualified roofing contractor can help with this. They will be able to guide you from the time of the storm through the time when your property is repaired completely. This is a stressful time; it’s essential to partner with a qualified contractor to make this process as simple as possible.

If you have experienced a hailstorm, it’s important to check for any damage that may have occurred. Some things that you should check after a storm are:

After The Storm

It’s important to note that until the storm is over, your personal safety should take priority over your belongings. Large hail stones and the associated weather can be dangerous and even deadly. Until the storm has passed, everyone should stay indoors and away from windows in case of broken glass.

Once the storm is over and you can safely go outside, your priority should be securing your home. In severe weather events, windows are often broken, siding is blown off, and other risks of interior water intrusion are created.

A temporary means of securing these items should be your priority to prevent further damage to your property.

What to Look For

Roof Damage: Check your roof for dents, cracks, or missing shingles. Hail damage to roofs can be difficult, and there are safety risks associated with being on your roof, so this is best left to a professional roofing inspector.

Gutters & Siding: Check your siding and gutters for dents, dings, or cracks caused by hail. Hail can also cause chipping in your paint.

Windows: Check your windows for cracks, chips, or broken glass. Hail can cause significant damage to windows.

Air Conditioning Unit: Look for dents or damage to your air conditioning unit. Hail damage can prevent it from functioning properly.

Outdoor Furniture & Vehicles: Dents and scratches can be visible on cars and your outdoor furniture.

Keep Accurate Records

It’s essential to keep records of your findings after the storm. Not only will you be able to provide an initial list of damages incurred to your insurance company, but it will be helpful once your professional hail restoration contractor arrives. You’ll be able to point out all the areas of damage you can locate, ensuring you are restored to your pre-storm condition.

Also, any costs incurred in securing your property should be documented for reimbursement from your insurance company. These expenses could include the costs of tarps, board-up materials, and other incidental costs associated with securing your property.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Once the storm has passed and your property has been secured from further damage, you should next contact your insurance company. Your insurance company will need certain information and documentation to process your claim. They may ask for the following:

Your Policy Number:
Your insurance company will need your policy number, contact information, and the date the damage occurred in order to file a claim.
Details of the Damage:
You will need to provide a detailed description of the damage that occurred due to the hailstorm, including the approximate size of the hail.
Pictures& Videos:
It's always a good idea to take pictures or videos of the damage and any temporary repairs you completed immediately after the storm.
Other Documentation:
Your insurance company may ask for other documentation, such as invoices for interim repairs, receipts for purchases related to repairs and any other relevant documents.
Scheduling of an Insurance Adjuster Inspection:
It is beneficial to have your chosen roofing and exterior contractor present during this inspection. They can assist the adjuster in documenting all damage and determining if you need roof repairs or a roof replacement.

Find a Professional Hail Restoration Company

A professional hail restoration company will provide a free roof inspection to assess your property’s damage from the hailstorm. It’s important to research local companies that are licensed and insured, have good reputations locally, and are certified and experienced in hail damage inspections.

If you were impacted by a large hailstorm, you would likely have companies knocking on your door, asking to inspect. It is recommended that you do research on local companies rather than using these door-knocking companies. They may not be local, insured, or qualified. It’s important to choose a qualified contractor to work on your biggest asset!

What to Look For When Choosing a Roofing & Exteriors Contractor

Licensing & Insurance: Licensing and insurance protect you and the contractor. They ensure quality repairs that meet local building codes and prevent any issues should there be any accidents on your property.
Reviews: What does their online presence say about them? Do you know if they have satisfied previous customers? Google reviews and the local BBB are good places to assess your contractor’s customer satisfaction.
HAAG Certified Inspectors: Inspectors who have completed the HAAG training have been formally trained to inspect roofs and completely understand what to look for after a storm.
Comfort Level: Many property owners choose repair contractors based on price. Keep in mind this is likely an insurance claim. It is against the law for a homeowner to profit from an insurance claim. As such, pricing will be negotiated between the contractor and your insurance company. With proper insurance coverage, your only out-of-pocket costs will be your deductible, regardless of the costs associated with repairs. Because of this, you should choose a qualified, experienced contractor with whom you are comfortable. Factors such as experience, customer satisfaction, and quality of repairs should be your determining factor in choosing a roofing or exterior repair contractor. Be wary of contractors who offer to “pay your deductible.” That is illegal, and the insurance commission does make efforts to catch these contractors.

What Will my Contractor Look For?

A certified roofing inspector should also be able to pinpoint damage to other areas of your home. The post-hailstorm inspection should include a complete assessment of your property. This will include inspecting the roof, siding, windows, paint, A/C unit, gutters, doors, garage doors and all of your exterior personal property.

Your Repair Estimate

Most qualified roofing contractors can provide a roofing repair estimate for repairs immediately. They have access to software that prices repairs according to insurance standards.

After the inspection, they will provide you and your insurance company with this estimate. Repair prices will be negotiated based on incurred damage, replacement costs, and material availability.

As mentioned earlier, the repair costs should not affect your decisions as, with proper insurance coverage, your only associated out-of-pocket costs will be your deductible. This is when researching and choosing a professional and qualified contractor is essential.

If you need a roof repair or a roof replacement or have sustained damage to your siding, windows, or paint, an exterior repair contractor should be favored over a roof-only contractor. Repairs will be more straightforward and completed faster if one contractor can replace your roof, siding, windows, and any other exterior damage you may have sustained. Along the Front Range, that contractor is Custom Exteriors! Please reach out if you need assistance restoring your home after a hailstorm.