Experiencing a hail storm is never pleasant, and now you have your roof to worry about. Your roof is what protects your entire home and your whole family, and dealing with damage to it can cause a major headache.
If your home was hit by a severe storm or hail, you might be wondering if you repair your roof, or if you replace it? And how much hail damage do you need to replace your roof? 🤷 Today, we’ll dive into these questions to help you move forward confidently.
How to Spot Hail Damage 🔭
Hail damage can be really hard to spot — you probably don’t walk on top of your roof, or ever. So how do you spot the damage? After a hail storm, here are the signs of hail damage to look out for:
- Shingle damage
- Dented gutters
- Dings to your garage door
- Splatter marks to your AC unit or grill
- Dents on top of your car
- Exposed or fractured fiberglass mat
- Damage to other painted surfaces
- Exterior damage
- Granule loss from asphalt shingles, which you may find in gutters
- Downspouts
- Damaged window sills
- Exposed metal surfaces
- Damage to your deck
- Dents, punctures or outright holes (not to be confused with blistering)
- Leaks, water stains, and wet spots
If you see any of these signs of hail roof damage, you should schedule an inspection with a roofing contractor. However, another way to find out if you have hail damage is by looking at the size of the hail throughout the storm.
How Big Does Hail Have to be to Damage Your Roof?
If the hail is smaller than an inch, you will most likely not have any hail damage on your roof. However, once the hail is the size of an inch or larger, you will probably have sustained hail damage. That means the hail will be the size of a quarter or larger. If you see quarter-sized hailstones, it’s time to get an inspection.
Another issue to look out for throughout the storm is high wind speeds. These, along with other inclement weather, can result in further damage that may result in a storm damaged roof.
If you do notice large hailstones or high wind speeds, it’s time to schedule a roof inspection to know just how much damage you’re dealing with, before you move forward with a replacement or a repair.
How to Get an Inspection 🔎
If you think your roof has damage from hail storms, the best way to determine what needs to be done is to get a professional inspection.
The inspectors will look at all aspects of the roof—from the overall condition of the shingles to the flashing around vents and chimneys. They’ll also check for any signs of damage or wear that can affect how well your roof will protect your home from future storms.
After the inspection, they’ll prepare a report that details their findings. This report should include recommendations for any repairs that are needed, as well as an estimate of how much it will cost to fix everything.
Here are our recommendations for finding the right inspectors for you:
- Read online reviews and customer testimonials
- Ask for recommendations from friends, your family, and neighbors
- Research the company’s Better Business Bureau ratings
- Look for companies that have been in business for years
We highly recommend getting an inspection, rather than trying to inspect the roof yourself. A professional roof inspection will make you aware of any unseen damage you may not have noticed. Plus, they can help you understand whether you need a repair or a replacement.
How Much Does a Roof Inspection Cost?
While some roofing contractors will offer a free inspection, others will charge, on average, around $200. Again, the cost of your inspection will vary depending on what company you choose. Always ask the company how much it will cost to inspect your roof, before hiring the team to come out.
If you’re trying to save money throughout this process, look for a roofing company that offers a free roof inspection. Also, if you’re having doubts about how much roof damage one contract says you have, don’t be afraid to get multiple inspections before going through the repairs or replacements. This can help you save money in the long run.
Repair vs. Replace
An inspection by a trained professional should help you understand whether you need a roof repair or a replacement. If you don’t have much damage, roof repairs will be fine, and the repair costs won’t be as much as the replacement cost. However, if you have experienced significant hail damage, your roofing contractor will most likely recommend a full roof replacement.
Here are some signs you need to replace your whole roof:
- Roof leaks
- Holes in your roof
- Granules in gutters or downspouts
- Large dents
- Your roof has significant damage, for example, more than 30% of your roof has been damaged
- Structural damage
If you do find out you need your entire roof replaced, contact your homeowners insurance company to file an insurance claim. Your insurance adjuster will help you through the process of getting the repair or replacement costs covered.
Document the Damage 🤳
Speaking of insurance claims, they’re not the easiest to deal with. Here’s how we recommend dealing with the claims:
- Reviewing your homeowners insurance coverage — does it cover hail damage?
- Documenting the damage from the storm, through pictures, videos, and written descriptions
- Getting a quote from a professional roofing contractor
- Filing the claim on time, but not rushing through the process
By properly following these steps, you’ll have a better chance of getting the financial assistance you deserve. Roof repairs or replacements can add up, so we always recommend filing an insurance claim if your policy does cover hail damage.
The Best Way to Handle Hail Damage
If your home has been hit by a hail storm, it’s time to get an inspection, and possibly start on repairs if you need them. Our team of experienced contractors at Johnson Restoration provides accurate, timely roof inspections. We are passionate about offering affordable repairs or replacements if you need them. Contact us today to get started on your inspection.
