Aurora often experiences hail storms every now and then. The recent hail storm according to Interactive Hail Maps, occurred last June 26, 2020, at 3:27 PM MDT.
Let’s Talk About Hail and How it is Formed
The hailstones are varying updrafts of water-cooled clouds that bring raindrops up to the upper layer of air and causes hail precipitation. It is a tiny piece of ice that continues to form along a center of some sort. A small ice crystal, an icy raindrop, or a speck of dust.
A small ice crystal then falls into the cloud to regain its moisture when it gets cold, where it can drop back down to the temperature of ice. The process turns around and gets stuck in another updraft, freezing it once more.
As the updraft is heavier, the hailstone circulates more, thus… Lifting to a greater height until gravity no longer provides it to stay in the air.
In this instance, the hail may be dangerous, it can hurt living things or damage properties.
What are the signs of hail damage on your roof that you need to check?
You may not be able to get the exact monetary value of hail damage on a roof, but there are a few signs that can be picked up by an experienced observer for a roof inspection. A roof that has more than one of these may be a sign of a complete roofing replacement.
Here are things to keep an eye out for checking the damage to your roof:
Dents
You have to detect dents in your screens, gutters, or downspouts. It may not always be an indication but in many instances, seeing damages to these parts may mean bigger problems up in your roof.
Damage to Air conditioners
If you see any damage to your air conditioners or any other things situated outside your home. This is not just to see if there is any damage but it will also help in your insurance claim. While it is the job of the inspector to do a thorough inspection, you as the homeowners should also do your best to pinpoint the affected parts, areas, or property damage.
This is what many homeowners miss at times, that is why they end up not being able to file an insurance claim.
Damage to decks or any painted wood surface
Chipped or scratched areas may be an indication of hail damage as well, be sure to check on it if there are any.
Hail Damage to Vents and Shingles
When you are already on the roof for a roof inspection, look around and find out every possible problem on the vents and shingles. Along with a hail-damaged roof is wind damage too, so be sure to check both of these.
Your shingle should also be particularly checked in order to see the extent of the damage. This will better assist you to work out your damage repair or perhaps replacement.
The Extent of Hail Storm Damage
Midwesterners know all too well that when the weather changes during the spring and summer months, unpredictable storms pop up everywhere, and oftentimes, they produce hail. When hail hits the roof or covering of your home, vehicles, and other personal property- it often leaves you noticeable damages – this depends upon the severity of the hailstorm that occurred.
As property owners, it’s important to understand the main factors that affect the type and degree of damage caused by a hailstorm:
Wind
Wind speed and direction can vary during a hailstorm. Changes in wind conditions can also greatly affect the location and severity of hail impacts.
Size and density
The size of the hailstones can affect the degree of damage to your home and to any of your properties. A hailstone can be as small as a pea, or as large as a softball. Most hailstones do not have smooth edges, which is very dangerous and can impact the type of damage they cause.
Building materials
The way that different types of building materials absorb hail impacts varies. For example, hail can cause dings in aluminum siding, gutters, or asphalt shingles, whereas it can crack vinyl siding or wood shakes. On the other hand, softball-sized hailstones can be dense enough and strong enough to puncture a roof.
Age and condition of a roof
Roofs that are old in age and have lots of missing/weathered shingles are more likely to see damage from hail, accompanied by leaks when hit hard enough. And just like any type of property, things with old ages can easily be broken.
Barriers
It is a good thing if you have natural barriers, like tree cover, landscaping, fences, or adjacent homes. This together with the position of neighboring structures can reduce the ability of hail to cause damage.
Can Roof Hail Damage be Repaired?
Roof damage can be repaired but not all types. It is important to assess the extent of roof damage as mentioned above, in order to know if it can be a DIY project or to know which contractor to approach. Sometimes, taking the wrong action can be a bigger problem in the future.
Should I Replace My Roof After Hail?
After a hail storm, your roof may either be replaced or not depending on the circumstances. This is why a thorough roof inspection is needed. This is your time to see the extent of damage due to hail to know exactly what to do. This goes the same with storm hits.
After an assessment, there you will be able to see if the damage needs a replacement or a simple repair. But remember that roof replacement should be done by a contractor that knows the job well. Otherwise, you will need to spend bucks again if the job fails.
Thinking of Hiring Unlicensed Hail Damage Roof Repair Specialist?
IS IT WORTH IT?
Every time a hailstorm passes your neighborhood, your property will need to be inspected professionally for damage. Yes, you read it right – PROFESSIONALLY INSPECTED. Due to the urgency of getting things done ASAP, you might now be considering an unlicensed hail damage roof specialist to take charge of your roof– triggered because you see your neighborhood is already filled with roofing contractors.
But is it really worth it?
Even before permitting unlicensed roofers to take over your damaged roof caused by a massive hail attack, give yourself a break, allot some of your time to find and reconsider hiring a professional roofer.
You have to note that unlicensed roofers might give you the idea of a “A penny saved is a penny earned” type of scam. But that doesn’t apply to all! They might give you a cheaper option upfront but it is your hard-earned money, your house, and your household that are the ones at stake here.
Working With Unprofessional Roofers Is A Gamble
HERE’S WHY
Legal Issues
Remember this, once authorities find out that you knowingly hired an unlicensed hail damage roof repair company, you can face fines up to $5,000. According to Free Advice, every state requires a written contract for improvements typically exceeding five hundred dollars, and it must be dated and signed by the homeowner and the contractor.
In addition, many state statutes require the contractor’s license number be on the contract with a reference that any consumer complaint is directed to the state contractor’s licensing board. This is the case for many states.
Also, you may not be allowed to sue the repairman for any damages caused by their workmanship. The only thing you’d be able to do is to file a civil lawsuit that could drag on for years and you might never get your money back.
That being said, you are responsible for allowing these things to happen and it is a great loss for you. As long as your roofer is licensed, it’s guaranteed that you’ll be able to recover any monetary losses caused by a poor hail damage roof repair job.
Lack of Expertise
Let’s get real and straight to the point. If a roofer doesn’t have the necessary license, there’s a high risk that in the first place, they haven’t learned the necessary skills to do hail damage roof repair job. Poor workmanship on your roof can create bigger problems than missing shingles.
Say, for instance, the worker may have deliberately overlooked leaks to get the job done as soon as possible. This means you will be forced to spend on another hail damage roof repair specialist after hail storms in the near future.
If you’re going to spend on roof repairs over and over again with an unlicensed roofer, why not just settle for a licensed professional all at once- that will assure you of quality work.
An unlicensed roofer simply doesn’t have the same incentive to do a quality job since it’s more convenient for them to get away with providing poor work and minimal service. Why? Because just like what is stated above, you have limited legal options against them. That is just how they get away with it.
Voided Manufacturer Warranties
The majority of the roofing parts manufacturer offers great warranty services. However, all of the warranty services requires the roofing contractor to follow proper procedure in order for you to enjoy the services offered by the manufacturer.
If you decided to hire an unlicensed roofer, the manufacturer will have grounds to refuse to cover the costs of any replacements your request.
Imagine there’s another hail storm coming in your neighborhood, do you think it would be beneficial to hire an unlicensed roofer? Of course not.
Lack of Insurance
All unlicensed repair workers, unfortunately, don’t have insurances because insurance companies generally ask for a license first. And since the compensation and liability insurance of the workers is expensive, most unlicensed contractors don’t carry it.
So, if the roofer has an accident on your property, you’ll likely be held responsible for paying for their medical bills. Also, if the unlicensed roofing technician damages your roof and refuses to repair it, you’ll have to pay for those damages out of your own pocket. That’s gonna give you a severe headache for sure.
Before the damage gets even worse, you have to do preventive measures.
Aurora often experiences hail storms every now and then. The recent hail storm according to Interactive Hail Maps, occurred last June 26, 2020, at 3:27 PM MDT.
Let’s Talk About Hail and How it is Formed
The hailstones are varying updrafts of water-cooled clouds that bring raindrops up to the upper layer of air and causes hail precipitation. It is a tiny piece of ice that continues to form along a center of some sort. A small ice crystal, an icy raindrop, or a speck of dust.
A small ice crystal then falls into the cloud to regain its moisture when it gets cold, where it can drop back down to the temperature of ice. The process turns around and gets stuck in another updraft, freezing it once more.
As the updraft is heavier, the hailstone circulates more, thus… Lifting to a greater height until gravity no longer provides it to stay in the air.
In this instance, the hail may be dangerous, it can hurt living things or damage properties.
What are the signs of hail damage on your roof that you need to check?
You may not be able to get the exact monetary value of hail damage on a roof, but there are a few signs that can be picked up by an experienced observer for a roof inspection. A roof that has more than one of these may be a sign of a complete roofing replacement.
Here are things to keep an eye out for checking the damage to your roof:
Dents
You have to detect dents in your screens, gutters, or downspouts. It may not always be an indication but in many instances, seeing damages to these parts may mean bigger problems up in your roof.
Damage to Air conditioners
If you see any damage to your air conditioners or any other things situated outside your home. This is not just to see if there is any damage but it will also help in your insurance claim. While it is the job of the inspector to do a thorough inspection, you as the homeowners should also do your best to pinpoint the affected parts, areas, or property damage.
This is what many homeowners miss at times, that is why they end up not being able to file an insurance claim.
Damage to decks or any painted wood surface
Chipped or scratched areas may be an indication of hail damage as well, be sure to check on it if there are any.
Hail Damage to Vents and Shingles
When you are already on the roof for a roof inspection, look around and find out every possible problem on the vents and shingles. Along with a hail-damaged roof is wind damage too, so be sure to check both of these.
Your shingle should also be particularly checked in order to see the extent of the damage. This will better assist you to work out your damage repair or perhaps replacement.
The Extent of Hail Storm Damage
Midwesterners know all too well that when the weather changes during the spring and summer months, unpredictable storms pop up everywhere, and oftentimes, they produce hail. When hail hits the roof or covering of your home, vehicles, and other personal property- it often leaves you noticeable damages – this depends upon the severity of the hailstorm that occurred.
As property owners, it’s important to understand the main factors that affect the type and degree of damage caused by a hailstorm:
Wind
Wind speed and direction can vary during a hailstorm. Changes in wind conditions can also greatly affect the location and severity of hail impacts.
Size and density
The size of the hailstones can affect the degree of damage to your home and to any of your properties. A hailstone can be as small as a pea, or as large as a softball. Most hailstones do not have smooth edges, which is very dangerous and can impact the type of damage they cause.
Building materials
The way that different types of building materials absorb hail impacts varies. For example, hail can cause dings in aluminum siding, gutters, or asphalt shingles, whereas it can crack vinyl siding or wood shakes. On the other hand, softball-sized hailstones can be dense enough and strong enough to puncture a roof.
Age and condition of a roof
Roofs that are old in age and have lots of missing/weathered shingles are more likely to see damage from hail, accompanied by leaks when hit hard enough. And just like any type of property, things with old ages can easily be broken.
Barriers
It is a good thing if you have natural barriers, like tree cover, landscaping, fences, or adjacent homes. This together with the position of neighboring structures can reduce the ability of hail to cause damage.
Can Roof Hail Damage be Repaired?
Roof damage can be repaired but not all types. It is important to assess the extent of roof damage as mentioned above, in order to know if it can be a DIY project or to know which contractor to approach. Sometimes, taking the wrong action can be a bigger problem in the future.
Should I Replace My Roof After Hail?
After a hail storm, your roof may either be replaced or not depending on the circumstances. This is why a thorough roof inspection is needed. This is your time to see the extent of damage due to hail to know exactly what to do. This goes the same with storm hits.
After an assessment, there you will be able to see if the damage needs a replacement or a simple repair. But remember that roof replacement should be done by a contractor that knows the job well. Otherwise, you will need to spend bucks again if the job fails.
Thinking of Hiring Unlicensed Hail Damage Roof Repair Specialist?
IS IT WORTH IT?
Every time a hailstorm passes your neighborhood, your property will need to be inspected professionally for damage. Yes, you read it right – PROFESSIONALLY INSPECTED. Due to the urgency of getting things done ASAP, you might now be considering an unlicensed hail damage roof specialist to take charge of your roof– triggered because you see your neighborhood is already filled with roofing contractors.
But is it really worth it?
Even before permitting unlicensed roofers to take over your damaged roof caused by a massive hail attack, give yourself a break, allot some of your time to find and reconsider hiring a professional roofer.
You have to note that unlicensed roofers might give you the idea of a “A penny saved is a penny earned” type of scam. But that doesn’t apply to all! They might give you a cheaper option upfront but it is your hard-earned money, your house, and your household that are the ones at stake here.
Working With Unprofessional Roofers Is A Gamble
HERE’S WHY
Legal Issues
Remember this, once authorities find out that you knowingly hired an unlicensed hail damage roof repair company, you can face fines up to $5,000. According to Free Advice, every state requires a written contract for improvements typically exceeding five hundred dollars, and it must be dated and signed by the homeowner and the contractor.
In addition, many state statutes require the contractor’s license number be on the contract with a reference that any consumer complaint is directed to the state contractor’s licensing board. This is the case for many states.
Also, you may not be allowed to sue the repairman for any damages caused by their workmanship. The only thing you’d be able to do is to file a civil lawsuit that could drag on for years and you might never get your money back.
That being said, you are responsible for allowing these things to happen and it is a great loss for you. As long as your roofer is licensed, it’s guaranteed that you’ll be able to recover any monetary losses caused by a poor hail damage roof repair job.
Lack of Expertise
Let’s get real and straight to the point. If a roofer doesn’t have the necessary license, there’s a high risk that in the first place, they haven’t learned the necessary skills to do hail damage roof repair job. Poor workmanship on your roof can create bigger problems than missing shingles.
Say, for instance, the worker may have deliberately overlooked leaks to get the job done as soon as possible. This means you will be forced to spend on another hail damage roof repair specialist after hail storms in the near future.
If you’re going to spend on roof repairs over and over again with an unlicensed roofer, why not just settle for a licensed professional all at once- that will assure you of quality work.
An unlicensed roofer simply doesn’t have the same incentive to do a quality job since it’s more convenient for them to get away with providing poor work and minimal service. Why? Because just like what is stated above, you have limited legal options against them. That is just how they get away with it.
Voided Manufacturer Warranties
The majority of the roofing parts manufacturer offers great warranty services. However, all of the warranty services requires the roofing contractor to follow proper procedure in order for you to enjoy the services offered by the manufacturer.
If you decided to hire an unlicensed roofer, the manufacturer will have grounds to refuse to cover the costs of any replacements your request.
Imagine there’s another hail storm coming in your neighborhood, do you think it would be beneficial to hire an unlicensed roofer? Of course not.
Lack of Insurance
All unlicensed repair workers, unfortunately, don’t have insurances because insurance companies generally ask for a license first. And since the compensation and liability insurance of the workers is expensive, most unlicensed contractors don’t carry it.
So, if the roofer has an accident on your property, you’ll likely be held responsible for paying for their medical bills. Also, if the unlicensed roofing technician damages your roof and refuses to repair it, you’ll have to pay for those damages out of your own pocket. That’s gonna give you a severe headache for sure.
Before the damage gets even worse, you have to do preventive measures.
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