Think you have hail damage?
KNOW Fact from Fiction.
See the quick list separating Fact from Fiction.
The #1 Question
How do I know if I have hail damage?
Hail and wind damage is not always visible to the untrained eye. Many people don’t even realize that their home has been damaged until it is too late to file a claim that they qualify for. Call for a free inspection as soon as you suspect any damage may have occurred.
The #2 Question
Why did my insurance adjuster say there was no hail damage on his inspection and the roofing contractor said there is hail damage? Now what do I do?
Sometimes an insurance adjuster will be unable to determine the hail damage due to their experience or other reasons. In this event, you must request a re-inspection of the damage. If you want to be assured of fair treatment, have an experienced roofer walk through with the insurance adjuster and review the damage together.
Make sure you have the straight facts when seeking repairs to your roof after a hailstorm.
Hail damage can be extremely destructive to your roof and cause stress and hassle as you seek to repair the damage.
Separating facts from fictions about hail damage repair can help ensure that you get the necessary help to fix your roof.
Fiction: If I can’t see indentations on my roof, there’s no need to have my roof inspected because there clearly is no damage.
Fact: It is a good idea to work with a reputable professional to evaluate whether your roof has been compromised. Some effects of hail are not immediately evident.
A roof can be weakened by hail, but not fail for a year or two. Hail can void your roofing manufacturer’s warranty, another reason it’s important to have your roof evaluated if you suspect hail damage.
Laying Claim
Fiction: Foregoing an insurance claim on hail damage means that your rates won’t go up.
Fact: Insurance companies can raise everyone’s rates after a disaster. The only thing that you are doing by failing to file a claim is helping everyone else pay for their damage without getting the assistance you need.
Under Warranty
Fiction: I just had a new roof installed. I don’t have to file an insurance claim because the manufacturer has a 50-year warranty.
Fact: Roofing manufacturers will cover against things they can control, such as manufacturing defects, but they cannot warranty against Mother Nature.
Resale Value
Fiction: If visual damage from hail is not evident, the resale value of my home is unaffected.
Fact: Upon placing your home on the market, a potential buyer will likely utilize the services of a home inspector who will carefully evaluate your property. It’s highly likely that they will find evidence of the hail damage and you’ll be forced to either replace the roof or dramatically lower the sale price if you wish to keep the sale intact.
Don’t sweat the small stuff?
Fiction: The hail was small; it couldn’t have caused any damage.
Fact: Hail of all sizes can cause issues. When in doubt, get an evaluation to ensure that you are covered, if in fact your home has experienced hail damage.
Tit For Tat
Fiction: I can get a new roof for free if the contractor offers to pay my deductible for free.
Fact: Anyone who offers to do this here in the state of Wisconsin is breaking the law.
It’s About Time
Fiction: I have a year to file a claim after the damage has occurred.
Fact: This varies from company to company. Some are less and others will go over the year mark, especially if a large geographical area was affected.
Your Coverage May Vary
Fiction: My neighbors were able to get a hail damage claim approved on their property. Mine should be a no-brainer.
Fact: Hail damage is sporadic and each property needs to be evaluated individually. Policies and insurance companies can also vary.