For many homeowners around the country, summer has officially arrived! The kids are out of school, pools are open, and the temperatures are soaring. While this can be a great time of year for cookouts, spending time with family and vacations, the beginning of the summer season also means an increased threat of hail damage.
In the month of May this year, more than 20 states across the country reported hailstones greater than one inch in size.
1” Hail Doesn’t Seem That Big. Should I Really Be Concerned About Damage?
Hail can begin to cause damage when it is around one inch in size, so while it may not seem like cause for concern, if you’ve had hail of this size in your area, it is a good idea to have your roof inspected – just in case! Hail damage is not always visible from the ground, so without taking a much closer look at your roof (and knowing what you are looking for!) it can be easy to miss.
Hailstones can create dents in shingles on your roof. These dents can leave the asphalt layer underneath exposed, which leaves your roof vulnerable to other weather elements throughout the summer.
While the impact of these dents may not be evident immediately, over time, these damaged shingles can become brittle or cracked. This results in leaks and can become a major problem if left untreated!
One inch hailstones are approximately the size of a quarter, so while they may not sound very big, they can certainly have an impact when traveling downward at a high speed and hitting your home.
What Happens If I Have Hail Damage?
You’ve scheduled an inspection and your contractor found that you do, in fact, have hail damage on your roof. What happens next?
While each company may have a slightly different approach to resolving storm damage, we are going to share the six step process we follow to give you an idea of what to expect.
Good news: If you’ve decided what company you’d like to work with, you’ve already completed step one! The first step in getting your roof fixed after hail damage is to select a contractor. If you have not decided who will complete the work, It’s important to research and find someone you trust! Here are a few factors to consider when choosing who to hire:
- Are they licensed and insured?
- How long have they been in business?
- What is their rating with the Better Business Bureau?
- Are they a member of any organizations? For example, Aspen Exteriors is a member of the United States Chamber of Commerce as well as NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry).
- Are they certified with roofing material manufacturers?
- Do they offer a warranty?
- Do they have references or testimonials from other homeowners who have utilized their services?
The company you hire will be responsible for repairing or replacing the most important part of your home, so be sure you are protecting what matters most by asking the right questions!
After you’ve selected your contractor, the next step is working with your home insurance.
When you choose Aspen Exteriors to resolve your hail damage, we will work with your insurance and be your advocate during the claims process. The process for filing a claim can be complex, and it doesn’t stop there! Dealing with all the paperwork and follow-through after filing can be overwhelming to many homeowners. We have been assisting homeowners with hail damage claims for two decades, so we are here to help throughout this process!
Before work begins, you will need to choose your material. Your contractor will be able to guide you through your options and share their expert opinion on high-quality materials. Fortunately, there are many different options to fit your home’s design!
Next, an insurance adjuster will visit your home to assess the claim. If the claim is minor and straightforward, the insurer may be able to approve it using images or videos showing the damage.
Then, work begins on your roof! For a full replacement, this typically takes a full day of work. Our crew will be sure to clean up before they leave!
Lastly, your claim is closed. Once the work is complete, and you receive payment for your insurance claim, your claim is closed. On average, you have a year to to re-open the case if you need to finish any repairs in the future.
Sustaining damage from a hail storm is never a fun experience, but with Aspen Exteriors, the process can be simple and straightforward. It is our goal to exceed expectations with each and every homeowner we work with!
Summers are made for pool days, beaches and campfires – don’t let hail damage ruin the most fun-filled time of the year! Give us a call to schedule your FREE inspection at 1-866-68-ASPEN.
