Repairing Your Roof After Hail Damage: A Complete Guide

Hailstorms can be scary, and they can damage your roof. Even small hailstones can cause problems for homeowners in places like Lincoln, Omaha, Grand Island, Denver, and Houston.

After a hailstorm, it's important to check your roof. This guide will help you figure out if your roof has damage after a storm. We'll also help you decide what to do about it, whether that means fixing your roof or talking to your insurance company. With a little help, you can repair your roof after hail damage.

How to Identify Damage From Hail

Hail can wreak havoc on your roof, leaving behind telltale signs of damage. Some of these signs are easy to spot. You might see missing or broken shingles. Hail can also cause dents and cracks in your shingles. Check for spots where the tiny granules that cover shingles have worn away. These bare spots can make your roof weaker. Finally, look at the flashing around your chimney and vents to see if it's damaged.

Other signs of hail damage are less obvious. Your gutters and downspouts could be cracked or dented. Hail can also damage your siding and even break windows. If you find water damage inside your home, like leaks or stains, hail could be the culprit.

Recognizing these signs helps you take the right steps to protect your home and prevent further damage.

Inspect Your Roof After a Hailstorm

Safety always comes first. Never climb onto your roof during or right after a hailstorm. Wait until the weather clears and the roof is dry. When you're ready to inspect, use a sturdy ladder and wear shoes with good traction.

Start by carefully examining your roof from the ground. Look for any missing, broken, or damaged shingles. Pay close attention to the areas around your chimney, vents, and skylights. These are common spots for hail damage. If you have gutters, check those for dents or cracks too.

Next, if you feel safe and comfortable doing so, carefully climb your ladder to get a closer look. Remember to take your time and be cautious. Don't walk on the roof itself, as this could cause further damage or put you at risk.

As you inspect, take lots of pictures and videos. Capture any damage you find from different angles. These photos and videos will be very important if you decide to file an insurance claim.

If you see a lot of damage, or if you're unsure about the extent of the damage, call a professional roofing contractor. They have the expertise to spot hidden problems and give you the best advice for your situation.

Get a Professional to Check Your Roof Damage

It's a good idea to check your roof yourself after a hailstorm. But you should also ask a roofing expert to look at it too. Why? Because they know exactly what to look for. They can find hidden damage that you might miss.

Roofing experts can check for cracks and other problems. They can also help you decide if you need to fix your roof or get a new one.

If you decide to talk to your insurance company, a roofing expert can help with that too. They can give you reports and estimates to help with your claim.

At Murray Roofing, our team knows a lot about hail damage. We can help you figure out what to do about your roof. We can also help you with your insurance claim.

Work with Your Insurance Company After Hail Damage

If you think you have hail damage, call your insurance company right away. It's important to report the damage as soon as possible.

Before you call, take a look at your insurance policy. This document explains what your insurance covers. It also tells you how much you have to pay (your deductible) before insurance helps with the costs.

When you talk to your insurance company, they might ask you some questions. They might also ask you to send them photos and videos of the damage.

The insurance company might send someone to look at your roof. This person is called an insurance adjuster. The adjuster will decide how much it will cost to fix your roof.

Do You Need to Repair or Replace Your Roof?

After a hailstorm, you might need to fix your roof. But sometimes, the damage is so bad that you need a whole new roof. How do you decide what to do?

Here are some things to think about:

• How bad is the damage? If the hail only damaged a few shingles, you might only need to repair those. But if the hail damaged a lot of your roof, you might need a new one.

• How old is your roof? If your roof is old, it might be time for a new one anyway. Getting a new roof can save you money in the long run.

• How much can you spend? Fixing your roof costs less than getting a new one. Think about how much you can afford to spend.

If you decide to get a new roof, you have a lot of choices. You can choose different types of shingles and colors. A roofing expert can help you find the best roof for your home and your budget.

How to Prevent Future Hail Damage

You can't always stop hailstorms from happening. But you can do some things to protect your roof from hail.

One way is to choose strong roofing materials. Some shingles are made to be tougher than others. They can handle hailstorms better and last longer.

It's also important to take care of your roof. You should check it regularly for any problems. If you find any damage, fix it right away. This can help prevent bigger problems later on.

Murray Roofing Is Your Hail Damage Solution

Hailstorms can be tough on your home. But now you know what to do if you find roof hail damage. Always check your roof carefully after a storm. If you see any damage, call a roofing expert. They can help you decide what to do next.

Dealing with insurance companies can be tricky. But with a little know-how, you can work with them to get your roof fixed. Remember to keep good records and ask for help if you need it.

At Murray Roofing, we're here to help you through the process of repairing your roof after hail damage. We can help you make the best decisions for your home. Contact us today for a free inspection. We're here to answer your questions and help you protect your home.