Last month’s hailstorms in North and Central Florida took most of us here in Jacksonville by surprise. These storms, although infrequent, are still a cause for concern because of the potential for hail damage to your roof, especially in our thunderstorm prone climate.
Hailstorms typically occur from spring to fall, with the most storms happening between May and September. After a storm occurs, it is crucial to survey the potential roof hail damage and immediately address any issues. This assessment can help lessen the impact on your home and prevent any problems from worsening.
Signs of Hail Damage to Your Roof
The most obvious signs of hail damage to a roof after a hailstorm are missing shingles, cracked or broken shingles, and loose granules. Dents, while sometimes less visible, are also signs of damage. Inspect your gutters, chimney, ventilation areas, and flashing as damage to these areas can also compromise the integrity of your roof.
Dangers of Hail Damage to Your Roof
Leaks, rust, and structural deterioration can occur if any damage, big or small, goes unrepaired. The damage can further expose your home to the elements as well as pest infiltration, and can even affect your ability to sell your home in the future.
Insurance
The good news is structural property damage from hail is covered by most homeowners’ insurance policies, typically under your dwelling protection coverage. Hail damage is a fairly common insurance claim. Depending on your situation, your coverage can help pay for repairs or a replacement. If you suspect hail has damaged your roof, contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to file a claim.
Next Steps
If you are concerned about hail or any other type of weather damage, you should contact a local, reputable contractor like E2 Roofing. As local roof installers in Jacksonville, we can inspect your roof and quickly provide you with repair or replacement options.