What to Do After a Hailstorm: Essential Roof Care Tips from Patriot Roofing and Exteriors
Hailstorms can cause significant damage to your home, especially to your roof. From small dents to more severe impacts that may lead to leaks or even structural damage, it’s crucial to assess the damage quickly to avoid long-term issues. After a hailstorm, one of the best things you can do for your roof is to have it professionally inspected. Here’s why and what steps you should take immediately.
1. Stay Safe: Assess from the Ground First
Before you climb up on the roof or make any immediate decisions, make sure you’re safe. Hail can cause debris to scatter around your yard, and high winds can still create dangerous conditions. Look for visible damage from the ground, such as dents in gutters, downspouts, or siding. Take note of any large debris in your yard or shingles that seem to have come loose.
2. Check for Obvious Roof Damage
While it’s best to leave a full inspection to professionals, there are some obvious signs of hail damage that you can check for yourself:
- Shingles: Look for visible dents, cracks, or granule loss on your roof’s shingles. Hail can damage the surface of shingles, leaving them compromised and vulnerable to leaks.
- Gutters and Downspouts: If the hail was large enough, it could have damaged your gutters or downspouts. Look for any visible dents or cracks.
- Windows: Check windows for any signs of cracks or chips caused by hail.
3. Contact a Qualified, Licensed Roofing Contractor
After you’ve assessed the damage, it’s time to contact a qualified roofing contractor like Patriot Roofing and Exteriors. It’s essential to hire a licensed professional to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.
A licensed contractor can perform a thorough inspection of your roof, identifying any potential issues caused by the hailstorm. Hail damage can sometimes be tricky to spot, so it’s best to leave the detailed assessment to an expert who can spot problems that might not be immediately visible.
4. Don’t Wait – Time is of the Essence
After a hailstorm, it’s important to act quickly. The longer you wait to have your roof inspected, the greater the chance of additional damage occurring. If water has penetrated the roof, leaks can develop, leading to even more significant issues like mold, rotting wood, and compromised insulation.
5. Document the Damage for Insurance Claims
If your roof has sustained damage, you’ll likely need to file an insurance claim. Be sure to take plenty of photos of the damage for documentation. A licensed roofing contractor like Patriot Roofing and Exteriors can also provide a detailed report of the damage, which can help with your claim.
6. Repair or Replace?
Once the inspection is complete, your contractor will be able to advise you on the best course of action. Depending on the extent of the damage, repairs may be sufficient. However, if the damage is severe, a full roof replacement might be necessary.
Patriot Roofing and Exteriors is experienced in working with insurance companies to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible. We’ll help guide you through the claims process and provide top-notch service to restore your roof to its original condition.
Why Choose Patriot Roofing and Exteriors?
At Patriot Roofing and Exteriors, we pride ourselves on offering expert roofing services for homeowners in need. Our licensed and experienced team is committed to providing reliable, high-quality repairs and replacements that you can trust. Whether it’s a routine inspection or post-storm damage repair, we are here to ensure your roof stays in top condition.
Contact Us Today for a Free Inspection
If your roof has been affected by a hailstorm, don’t wait for the damage to get worse. Contact Patriot Roofing and Exteriors today for a professional, licensed roof inspection. We’ll help you navigate the insurance process, assess the damage, and get your roof back to its best.