Hail damage is tricky and dangerous – it doesn’t cause immediate damage, but it reduces the life of your roof over time. How? Hail damages the granular layer protecting the asphalt. Exposed to UV light, the asphalt degrades over time, its life and performance decreasing. Hail hits on shingles looks like dark spots where the granules on the shingle have been knocked off and the asphalt and sometimes the fiberglass are exposed. Hail damage repair in Littleton CO is critical in protecting your roof and home.
The Proof is in the Roofing
So how do you inspect your roof for hail damage? Check your gutters, downspouts and siding for impact dents or worse – holes. While dents on the siding and gutter are mostly cosmetic, punctured materials will have to be replaced. Most importantly, check for damage on your roof – make sure you are safe, or call someone to assist – since the damage there can be serious. Once on the roof, check out the softer components like vinyl and flashings. Don’t’ miss the field of the roof, inspecting for indentations and be sure to check the edge of the shingles for tears. Don’t forget to check the gutter and the base of the downspouts for granule loss.
You Have Hail Damage. Now What?
Hail damage repair starts with your insurance. Document everything you find – take pictures and extensive notes. Next, call your insurance company for an inspection. After all, that’s what your homeowner’s insurance is for – to protect you against losses in your property’s value due to hail and other unforeseen events. For your benefit as a homeowner, it’s best that the insurance adjuster is accompanied by an experienced roofer who can help assess the damage. Most adjusters are not trained to identify hail and wind damage properly. Don’t accept the insurance company’s first assessment without having a competent roofer review it for any missing details.
And of Course, Beware of Scammers
Unfortunately, there are some less than reputable roofers who aim to take advantage of home owners in areas affected by hail. Those fraudsters would harass residents offering aggressive, but fraudulent deals, even claiming they offer free services and exaggerating the damages inflicted. Don’t buy it! Literally. A professional will never harass or pressure you into doing business.
Advocate Construction is a residential and commercial roofing company known for its professionalism and excellent service.
