5 Things To Do After a Hailstorm – Especially If You Suspect Damage

No one wants to wake up the morning after a big storm and discover roof hail damage. Not only can it lead to further roof problems in the future, but it can also cost a pretty penny to repair.

At Matute Roofing — one of New Jersey’s most beloved roofing contractors—we understand the importance of quickly and professionally repairing your most significant asset. We also understand the frustration of working with your insurance company to secure payment for any necessary repairs.

Don’t Let Hail Damage Ruin Your Roof

If roof hail damage has happened to you, don’t panic! Here are the five things you should do after a hailstorm—especially if you suspect damage:

1. Assess the Hail Damage

Inspect your roof and look for any visible signs of hail damage. Look for dents or other physical distortions in metal surfaces, like the flashing along your roof edges. Also, inspect any gutters or downspouts for marks or dents.

• Gutters

Check your gutters and downspouts for any signs of denting. This process is the safest and easiest way to check for abnormalities quickly. Not all dents will be prominent and easily noticeable, so check closely if possible.

• Siding

Also, check your home’s siding and any windows and windowsills for dents. If you see apparent damage to your siding, your roof will likely be damaged. Be sure to check your windows for any small cracks, too.

•  AC Unit

It might not cross your mind to check the outdoor components of your AC unit, but it’s essential. You’ll want to check for dents along the metal casing and fan blades. You may also find holes in the meshing where hail has torn through.

• Decks, Patios, and Other Outdoor Surfaces

Check any outdoor surfaces like decks and furniture for signs of damage. This damage could be in the form of dents, cracks, chipped paint, or stains.

• Of Course, Your Roof

Once you’ve exhausted all other ground-level observations, it’s time to climb the ladder and check out the roof for yourself. Of course, if you don’t think you can do so safely, contact a professional to assess. Matute Roofing‘s professional team would put your mind at ease with a thorough review of your roof parts.

Roofs comprise vents, skylights, and chimneys, so it is vital to include all of that during your inspection. If damage occurs during the storm, these parts will show undeniable signs of roof hail damage, like dents, holes, or shattered glass. Depending on the materials used during your roof’s construction, including shingles, metal, or tile, hail damage may be easier or harder to spot.

These may seem obvious places to check, but for insurance purposes, you’ll want to be sure that you took note of anything damaged by the hail.

2. Hire a Professional Roofing Contractor

It’s best to hire a professional roofer like those working with Matute Roofing to comprehensively inspect your roof and check for any signs of hail damage. An experienced contractor can provide an accurate assessment of how much damage has been done and provide an accurate estimate of the repair costs.

3. Document the Damage

Ensure photos are taken of any visible roof hail damage or distortions, as well as other signs that could indicate your roof has been damaged by hail. This damage could include cracked shingles or missing granules. If you experience siding damage, make sure to take photos of that damage immediately as well. These photos will be important when starting a claim with your insurance company.

4. File an Insurance Claim

Your insurance company may cover some or all of the repair costs, so filing a claim as soon as possible is important. You can start by contacting your insurance carrier and providing them with the evidence you have gathered of the hail damage to your roof.

If your roof has been damaged by hail, then your homeowner’s insurance may provide coverage for a residential roof repair. These policies typically cover the materials and labor needed to repair it. Additionally, your policy may provide more protection if you purchased additional coverage, such as hail or wind damage insurance.

However, homeowner’s insurance may sometimes not cover a roof repair. Generally, this is due to wear and tear from age or lack of maintenance. For this reason alone, inspecting your roof and ensuring that a reputable company maintains it is essential.

Working with a trusted professional like those at Matute Roofing, who documents work completed on your home, also helps navigate the world of homeowners insurance and residential roof repair coverage. They can provide clear documentation to prove the steps taken on your roof installation and track any maintenance services completed for your home.

5. Schedule Repairs Right Away

If your claim is approved, schedule the repairs with a trusted contractor such as Matute Roofing as soon as possible. Don’t delay or try to do it yourself, as this could lead to further damage and costly repairs in the future.

At Matute Roofing, we pride ourselves on providing fast, reliable hail damage repair services for New Jersey homeowners. Our experienced team will ensure that your roof is repaired with excellent craftsmanship, and we are dedicated to making the process as easy and hassle-free for you as possible.

Hail Damage Can Create Bigger Issues

It only takes a one-inch-sized hailstone to damage shingles. A hailstone about two inches in size can damage even concrete tile and gravel roofing. With a hailstorm possibly creating significant damage to your roof, it’s essential to understand what can happen if your roof is damaged.

If roof hail damage is ignored for too long, it can quickly lead to leaks or ice dams in the winter weather. These ice dams can prevent melting snow and water from draining off the roof. This backup of water will cause further damage to your roof and even your walls, ceilings, and insulation. Leaks and harmful water buildup will also inevitably lead to wood rot, mold, and electrical issues.

Choose Matute Roofing for Your Residential Roof Repair

Matute Roofing is a top-of-the-line roofing company in the New Jersey area that strives to provide exceptional customer service and maintenance, repair, and installation services. We are a credentialed, licensed, and insured roofing company with over two decades of experience in the industry. Matute Roofing is committed to serving you the finest products that professional and courteous workers deliver. You don’t just have to take our word for it -read our satisfied customer testimonials!

If you require maintenance, repair, or roof replacement, don’t delay – contact Matute Roofing! We know you will be happy with your choice!