From Roofing to Siding: The Areas of Your Home Most Vulnerable to Hail Damage

Hail storms are one of the most destructive forces of nature. They can leave your home with visible and hidden damage. Starting from dented gutters to cracked shingles, hail can easily cause serious damage to different parts of your household. However, some areas are most valuable to this type of damage and they include the roof and the siding. In this article, we are to give you more information on the areas of your home that are most vulnerable to hail damage and how to deal with them.

Start by Checking the Roof

Has your home recently been struck by hail? It’s important to take immediate action when your home has been hit with hail! The first step in this is to inspect the roof. Keep in mind that inspecting your roof can be dangerous. This is especially true if you don’t have the right knowledge, skills, and equipment. Experts suggest that it is better to call a professional roofing contractor to perform a roof inspection instead of doing it on your own.

When inspecting this part of your home you should look for any type of damage, including:

• Cracked or missing shingles.
• Damage to the vents and gutters.
• Dented or bent flashing.
• Any signs of water damage.
• Lastly, see if there is any additional issue that has to be addressed.

Check Your Windows & Glass Panels

Hailstorms can cause significant damage to windows and glass panels, which is why it’s important to inspect them after a storm. Hailstones can be quite large and can shatter glass or cause cracks and chips. This damage not only compromises the integrity of the windows but also poses a safety risk. Checking for hail damage allows you to identify any issues early on and take necessary measures to repair or replace the affected windows, ensuring the safety and security of your property.

Inspect The Siding

Checking your siding or exterior walls for dents or damage caused by large hailstones is crucial for maintaining the integrity and aesthetics of your home. Hailstorms can be quite destructive, and even small hailstones can cause significant damage to your siding or exterior walls. Neglecting to address hail damage can lead to further issues such as:

• Water leaks
• Mold growth
• Compromised structural stability.

By checking for any damages after a hailstorm, you can take necessary steps to repair or replace the affected areas promptly.

Check All Other Outdoor Structure Susceptible To Hail Damage

Outdoor structures such as decks, patios, or fences are susceptible to damage from hail storms, especially if they are made of materials that are easily dented or cracked. Damage to these structures not only affects the appearance of these outdoor amenities but also compromises their structural integrity. It is important to regularly inspect these structures for hail damage and address any issues promptly to prevent further deterioration. Taking necessary precautions such as using durable materials and implementing protective measures can also help mitigate potential damage caused by hail.

Notice Any Damage To Your Roof? Here’s What To Do

Avoid Any DIY Fixes

If you notice any hail damage to your roof, it is crucial to resist the temptation of trying to fix it yourself. While it may seem cost-effective and convenient to tackle the repairs on your own, doing so can actually result in further damage or safety risks. Hail damage can weaken the integrity of your roof. Attempting to repair the damage without proper knowledge or equipment can exacerbate the problem. Roof longevity shoulda always be the main priority. It is always best to leave roof repairs to professionals who are trained and experienced in dealing with hail damage. By doing so, you can ensure that the repairs are done correctly and that your roof is restored to its optimal condition, minimizing the risk of any future issues.

Document the Damage

Know that while you are identifying the areas of your household that have been damaged by hail, you should also document everything by taking pictures and videos. Luckily, will live in a world where our cameras are with us all the time, so you can use your smartphone to document the damage from different angles. Don’t forget to include close-up shots of individual shingles and large shots of the entire roof.

Don’t focus only on the roof, and remember that you need to include documents of the damage that has been caused by the hail. Take pictures of the windows, siding, as well as gutters. All of these documents will be important when you contact your insurance company.

Reach Out To Your Insurance Company

Once you have inspected your home and you have documented all the damage, the next step is to contact your insurance company to file a claim. Your homeowners insurance representative will send an adjuster to your household.  The adjuster will be checking the damage and address the cost of repairs. Don’t forget to give them pictures and videos that you previously took.

Make Some Temporary Repairs

We all l know that sometimes insurance companies can take a while to process the claim, so it is important to do temporary repairs to prevent any further damage. You can start by covering any exposed areas with plywood to keep the water out. Do everything that you possibly can to temporarily protect your household until you are ready to do the major repairs.

Contact A Professional Roofing Company

Eventually you will need to make permanent repairs to the roof, siding, and other areas of your home. When this time comes, you need to choose a reputable roofing company with experience in home damage repairs.

A professional Naperville roofing company is the best way forward because they are going to use high-quality equipment and materials to repair your home and restore it to its pre-damage condition. They will also help you learn how to prevent further damage from hail storms and what to do to ensure that your home keeps its value.

Reacting right after a hail storm is vital if you want to protect your household and everyone who lives in it. Be smart, cautious, don’t do things on your own, and remember that a professional and good roofing company can help you restore the value of your household.