6 Reasons You Should Get a Roof Inspection After a Hail Storm
Storm season is quickly approaching in Colorado, which means hail is on the way. It doesn’t matter how new or well-maintained your roof is—the weather patterns we experience throughout Denver and along the Front Range are unpredictable and wild enough to cause all kinds of damage.
So what can residents do to prepare and care for their property during storm season?
Having a professional inspect your roof for storm damage at least twice a year (spring and fall) is a good best practice, but it’s also a good idea to have an inspection performed after any hail storm.
Here are six reasons why you should get an inspection after a hail storm.
1. You can’t always see the damage on your roof
It’s never a good idea to get on top of your roof—it’s a very dangerous place to be!
However, a professional roofing contractor knows how to navigate your roof safely, and they may even use a drone to spot hail damage from above.
With that said, you can get at least some sense of whether your roof has sustained damage by walking around your property and looking for other damage. Pay particular attention to your gutters, downspouts and vents—if you see any dents in the material or chips in the paint, you might have roof hail damage. Similarly, if you notice granules from your asphalt shingles in your downspouts or on the ground, your shingles may be damaged.
2. Most people don’t know what to look for
No matter how long you’ve had your home, you may not be able to recognize the damage caused by any Colorado storm. Missing or damaged shingles can be easy to spot from an upstairs window, but you won’t be able to identify any additional damage without the proper education and experience.
A professional roofing inspection will assess your roof for damage you cannot or don’t know how to spot. An inspector will look for hidden leaks, structural issues, and other signs of material damage resulting from storms and general aging. Click here for a better idea of what to expect from a roofing inspection.
3. Roofing materials wear down over time
Multiple storms throughout the year can wear your roof materials down. You don’t want to get caught between storms without knowing your roof can handle what’s ahead. Asphalt shingles typically only last around 20 years, and a big part of what drives the need to replace them is aging or wear and tear following storms.
In addition, a minor roof repair is far more affordable—and faster—to fix than an extensive roof replacement project down the road. An inspection after a hail storm will help keep your total roofing costs down and prevent more costly issues down the road.
4. Damage to your roof can extend to other parts of your home
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements. It keeps you safe and warm during those spring and summer storms that pop up without warning.
If your roof sustains hail damage, you’re not just putting your roof at risk—you’re putting your entire home at risk. That includes the structure of your home, your electrical and ventilation systems, and the property surrounding your home. A roof inspection can catch existing issues before they become serious problems, saving you money and extending the life of your roof and home.
5. You have a limited window to file an insurance claim
It’s always a good idea to schedule a roof inspection after a storm to prevent additional damage from occurring. However, it’s also essential if you want your homeowner’s insurance to cover the cost of roof repair or replacement.
You typically have one year following the date of damage to file a homeowner’s insurance claim. You must take photos and note where and when the damage occurred if you have any hope of insurance paying for repairs.
A routine inspection following a storm will help you identify and document any such damage, and it’s best to have it taken care of sooner than later. Here’s more information on how to file a homeowner’s insurance claim to have your roof repaired or replaced.
6. You’ll rest easier knowing your roof is in good shape
There’s nothing worse than lying awake at night during a storm and thinking about what kind of damage your home might incur due to howling winds and heavy rains or hail. Having your roof regularly inspected—including after a hail storm—will give you peace of mind that your home is secure and your family is safe.
Don’t delay an inspection if you suspect there may be damage; bring in a professional and let them offer recommendations on what needs attention.
We’re Here for You
J&K Roofing offers free inspections and will come out to your home or property to assess the status of your roof. Our experienced roofing team knows what to look for and will help you navigate the often confusing process of having a roof repaired or replaced.
Give us a call (303-425-7531) or click here to get in touch for your free inspection today!