Insurance companies are covering claims for hail damaged roofs. Once hail hits the roof, the protective granules are knocked off at the point of strike, and these damaged areas are the sources of roof leaks in the future, if the roof is not fixed within a few years.
The roof does not leak immediately. It often takes years. It makes sense to check your roof and get in line for a roof replacement covered by your insurance company.
If you think you may have hail damage, it is best to call a local contractor you trust to check your roof. It’s best to work with well known and reputable local companies even if you have to wait a while.
Even a roof paid for by your insurance company deserves to be the best; beautiful, installed correctly, free of leaks, and with a warranty from a contractor you know will be there for you in the future to actually honor the warranty.
Storm Chaser Strategies:
Storm chasers subscribe to hail tracking services which tell them roughly where hail has hit, and they have computer printouts which show the bands of hail coverage with approximate sizes of hail. This brings in the Out of State companies who come into town, some of them with as many as 50 salesmen who set up base to come and work the storm. Many of these companies operate under their own name, but many also operate under license or under some form of agreement with local roofing companies, that give them cover.
Anytime you see a flood of flyers at your door or mailbox, or salesmen knocking on your door, or yard signs popping up in the neighborhood everywhere, this is basically what is happening before you.
Buyer Beware:
When it comes to selecting a contractor in the aftermath of a storm, “caution” is the key word. Many “storm chasers” flock to areas of damage, and do as much work as possible before they leave for the next storm. There will be plenty of unscrupulous fly-by-night contractors that you need to be aware of. Work with your local contractor. It may be that he is booked up, but you have plenty of time to wait for the best contractors, because hail damage does not cause your roof to leak immediately. It can take years to leak, but it certainly shortens the life of the roof drastically, so you should make a claim, but there is no need to panic or to rush to get the job done with contractors who prey on you.Check with your insurance company to find out how much time you have to file a claim. Don’t be pressured by anyone else telling you something contrary to your insurer.
Litespeed Construction’s Advice:
Don’t rush, and don’t panic. Take your time. Your roof is not going to leak from the hail damage right away. If you think you have had hail damage, there is no need to panic or rush to sign agreements with the first roofer telling you you have hail damage. Hail damage does not cause immediate leaks, so there is plenty of time to make an insurance claim. Chose your roofer carefully.
You can be certain you will receive an excellent roof with Litespeed Construction! We work through the process thoroughly; covering every angle of your roof so the end result is a perfect new roof upon completion. Don’t be rushed in to a decision with a roofer who you may regret having worked with later.Roofs that are replaced now will be on your home for the next 30 years. You are safer having your roof checked out by a local roofing company that you trust, are confident is committed to outstanding workmanship, and that will be around to answer the phone years later. Also, Litespeed Construction offers a warranty backed by GAF, the largest roofing supplier in the world.
In the past, many homeowners have been stuck with poorly installed roofs, and shingle suppliers have had to file liens against homeowners from contractors who leave town for the next hailstorm, without paying their bills.
A roof paid for by the insurance company should be and deserves to be a properly installed leak free roof.
Your roof is the first and most important line of defense from the elements. It protects the value of your home, beautifies the structure, and ensures faster resale when the time comes. Your roof, according to the Real Estate Association, is one of the first things buyers notice and it makes a lasting impression.
