While hail might not seem to be that big of a threat, it causes dents, cracks, and even punctures in your roofing material, compromising the integrity of your roof and leaving your home vulnerable to water damage and other issues. In this blog post, we’ll explore the steps you should take to ensure your roof in Wisconsin isn’t damaged by hail, along with ways you can keep your home protected for years to come.
#1. Assess the Damage
The first step after a hailstorm is to ensure the safety of your family and protect the interior of your home. Once the storm has passed and it’s safe to go outside, you can begin assessing the damage to your roof. However, you should exercise caution and avoid climbing onto the roof. Instead, inspect the damage from the ground until a professional roofer can get on the scene and inspect it.
Here are the signs of hail damage you’ll find based on different types of roofing materials:
Asphalt Shingles
An asphalt shingle roof is the most vulnerable to hail damage. Asphalt roofs damaged by hail will show you signs such as missing or cracked shingles, as well as granules from the shingles in your gutters or on the ground.
Even small dents or punctures can compromise the integrity of asphalt shingles, allowing water to seep in and cause further damage.
Metal Roofs
Metal roofs are much stronger than traditional shingles so many homeowners ask us, can a metal roof be damaged by hail? The answer is yes, even though they’re durable, these roofs still falter against larger hailstones.
If you have a metal roof, keep an eye out for dents, punctures, or any visible holes or cracks in the metal panels or flashing. Hail can cause significant denting and even puncture metal roofing panels, leaving your home vulnerable to leaks.
Tile Roofs
Tile roofs are also susceptible to hail damage. Look for cracked, broken, or missing tiles, as well as any damage to the underlayment or flashing. Even small cracks in tiles can allow water to penetrate, potentially leading to leaks and water damage inside your home.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s crucial to have a professional roofer inspect your roof as soon as possible. Attempting to climb onto the roof yourself can be dangerous, especially if there is damage that could cause you to slip or fall.
#2. Document The Damage To Your Roof And Property
In addition to assessing the damage to your roof, it’s also important to document any other form of hail damage to your property. This documentation will be crucial when filing an insurance claim and ensuring that all necessary repairs are covered.
Begin by taking plenty of photographs and videos of the damage. We know climbing on the roof in such a situation is not one of the best ideas, but there are a few other options.
If your roof is visible from a safe vantage point, such as an upstairs window or a neighbor’s yard, you can use a camera with a zoom lens to take close-up photos of the damage. Don’t limit your documentation to just the roof either. Carefully inspect the siding, windows, gutters, and any other exterior elements of your home for signs of hail damage
#3. Hire A Roofing Company For Assessment
To repair a roof damaged by a hail storm, one of the most crucial steps you should take is to hire a reputable roofing company in Wisconsin. Having a roofer assess the damage early on can be invaluable when it comes time to file your insurance claim and begin the repair or replacement process.
When selecting a contractor, be sure to check the licenses and the experience they have. You can also check out our article: 6 Tips For Finding The Best Roofing Contractor, to learn more.
A reputable roofing contractor can provide an expert evaluation of the hail damage to your roof. They can identify issues that may not be immediately apparent to an untrained eye, such as damage to underlayment, flashing, or other critical components.
Additionally, having a professional roofer document and photograph the damage can strengthen your insurance claim. They can provide detailed reports and evidence to support the need for repairs or a complete replacement. Once you’ve hired a contractor, they can also guide you through the process of contacting your insurance company and filing a claim.
#4. Make Temporary Repairs
Repairing your roof professionally is the best way to go, but even though there are several top roofing companies in Wisconsin, it may still take some time before one can get to your home.
That’s what makes using temporary solutions necessary, as you can use them while you wait for permanent repairs or replacements to prevent further damage. Here is what you can do:
- Install tarps or plywood over damaged areas
- Seal cracks or holes with roofing cement
- Replace damaged flashing or vents
These temporary measures are not meant to be long-term solutions, but they can help protect your home until the permanent repairs can be completed.
#5. Contact Your Insurance Company
Your roof is one of your biggest investments. So when it gets damaged due to hail stones or any other factor, repairing your roof can cost a lot of money. This is why apart from calling a roofer, it is essential to call your insurance provider too.
Once you have a general idea of the extent of the damage, it’s time to contact your homeowner’s insurance company. Most policies cover hail damage, but it’s important to familiarize yourself with the specifics of your policy and follow the proper procedures for filing a claim.
Your insurance company will likely send an adjuster to your home to inspect the damage and determine the cost of repairs or replacement. It’s a good idea to have a professional roofer present during this inspection to ensure that all damage is properly documented and accounted for.
#6. Roof Repairs vs. Replacements
Depending on the extent of the damage, your roof may need to be partially or completely replaced. Your roofing contractor will work with you to determine the best course of action based on the age and condition of your roof, as well as the extent of the hail damage.
If a full replacement is necessary, you’ll need to choose new roofing materials. Your contractor can help you select materials that are durable, energy-efficient, and compatible with your home’s style and architecture.
#7. Ongoing Roof Maintenance: The Key
After your roof has been repaired or replaced, it’s important to keep up with regular maintenance to ensure its longevity and performance. This may include:
- Cleaning gutters and downspouts
- Trimming overhanging branches
- Inspecting for signs of wear or damage along the roof
- Scheduling professional inspections and maintenance as recommended
By staying on top of maintenance, you can help prevent future damage and ensure that your roof continues to protect your home for years to come.
Your All-Season Roofing Company In Wisconsin
You can’t stop storms, right? But what you can do is to make sure your roof is in the best condition possible to handle it. If you are looking for the right roofing company to replace your storm-damaged roof in Wisconsin, look no further than the team of Prestige Roofing. We have been serving the area for years and are well aware of how the weather in the state affects roofing systems.
Here is what we offer:
- Top-of-the-line asphalt shingles and metal roof installation services
- Roof inspection, repair, and replacement services
- Emergency roofing services
Contact us today at (920) 791-0414 to learn more about how we can help you.