Hailstorms are sudden acts of nature that come without warning and can cause thousands of dollars in damage to homes and other property. As a homeowner, it’s crucial that you know how to stay safe during these dangerous weather events, and how to identify potential damage to your roof afterwards. If you do not, you could risk further damage to your roof and more costly repairs down the road. This guide from HUF Construction will walk you through how to navigate any hailstorms this spring, and how you can identify damage to your roof.
What to do in a Hailstorm
Once hail starts to fall you only have a few minutes to get organized to protect yourself and your property. Hail can cause serious bodily harm and thousands of dollars in damage, so it’s critical that you act quickly! Here’s what we suggest:
- Seek Shelter: When a hailstorm is imminent, seek shelter indoors immediately. Avoid staying outside under patios, trees, and other coverings as they won’t provide full coverage. Hail seriously injures 24 people a year in the United States and can even cause death in extreme cases.
- Protect Your Property: If you have sufficient time and warning before the hailstorm arrives, do your best to protect your property. Park your vehicle in a garage or sturdy shelter, if possible, to avoid hail damage like dents and broken windows. Hail damage cost people an estimated $4 billion in insurance claims just last year!
- Stay Informed: Be sure to keep an eye on weather forecasts and warnings to gather information and take necessary precautions. Being informed in advance can save you time, money, and hassle in the long run!
How to Identify Hail Damage to Your Roof
Once the storm has passed and it’s safe to leave shelter, you can inspect your roof for damage without having to call a professional. Here’s what you can do:
- Conduct Visual Inspection: After the hailstorm subsides you can carefully climb onto the roof and inspect it for signs of damage. We cannot stress how important it is to proceed with your visual inspection with extreme caution! A wet, potentially damaged roof can prove to be a dangerous setting. Be sure to watch for dented or cracked shingles and any areas where the roof may be punctured or collect water.
- Check Gutters and Downspouts: Checking your gutters and downspouts can reveal damage to your roof and drainage system. Examine the gutters and downspouts for any fragments of shingles which could indicate roof damage. Additionally, you can check for damage to the gutters themselves caused by hailstones or debris.
- Inspect Attic and Ceiling: Next, go to your attic and check for signs of leaks, punctures, and water damage to the ceiling. Even the smallest of leaks can indicate that your roof is damaged and needs repairs as soon as possible. Water damage can move quickly and cost you thousands of dollars, so it’s important to move fast!
- Get a Professional Inspection: After broadly assessing the damage and considering the storm’s severity, it may make sense to call a professional like HUF Construction to conduct a full inspection and recommend a repair or replacement plan. At HUF, inspections are always free, and we will work with you and your insurance company to ensure a smooth claims process.
First Steps to Getting Your Roof Repaired
Now that you have identified the damage to your roof, you can begin the process of repairing it! A trusted, reliable company like HUF Construction can provide effective, efficient solutions. Here’s what we would do:
- Document Damage: Before any repairs are made, be sure to document the hail damage to your roof. Not only could this be helpful for the contractors, but they may be useful for filing insurance claims. Documenting the damage will protect your wallet from working any harder.
- Schedule Repairs Promptly: It is essential that you act promptly and schedule repairs at the first opportunity. Doing so will help you avoid further damage to your roof, costlier repairs, and possibly even damage to your home’s interior.
- Work with an Experienced Contractor: Choosing a reputable contractor like HUF Construction can go a long way toward expediting the hail repair process. HUF Construction has over a decade of experience in reliable roofing and great customer service, as well as over 8,000 roofs completed to our customers’ liking! Experienced contractors like us can ensure that your roof is repaired promptly and correctly.
HUF Construction
Hailstorms can pose significant risks, but with the right precautions taken, you can keep yourself and your property safe from hail damage. Following these tips from HUF Construction you can navigate this spring’s hailstorms with confidence and ensure your roof remains in great condition for the future. If you need roof repairs and live in the greater DFW area, contact HUF Construction today for an affordable, reliable solution!