on March 05, 2018 Storm Repair

Should I Replace My Roof After Hail?

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“Should I replace my roof after hail?”

This is a common question that roofers hear after heavy weather. With hail season Hailstorm-321493-edited.jpgon its way to the Austin area, now is a great time to revisit it.

When people think about the roughest Austin weather, they typically think of scorching heat, heavy rain, and wind -- which hits the area during the winter months. But locals who have been around know that snow and hail are major concerns, too.

Nobody wants to be on the hook for roof replacement, but “should I replace my roof after hail” is an important thing to ask if you suspect your roof has significant damage. The most severe hail can crack shingles and might even dent a residential metal roof.

After the Storm: Deciding What to Do For a Hail-Damaged Roof

Hail consists of balls or lumps of ice that fall during serious winter storms.

All hailstorms are different, but hail presents a much greater danger to most roofs than rain or snow usually do. An individual hailstone can weigh more than a pound. Combined with snow, sleet, and rain, hail can subject your roof to major pressure.

It’s best to stay indoors during a storm if you can, but take time to visually inspect the roof as soon as possible after the storm subsides. If there’s a problem, you’ll usually be able to see damaged shingles, flashing, and fixtures.

If you have a multi-story home, be sure to check the top floor so you’ll be alert to any leaks. A roof’s integrity is compromised by hail damage even if there is no leak.

If you do find leaks, you can definitely answer “Should I replace my roof after a hailstorm?” in the affirmative!

That said, roof repair is only urgent when an active leak is found. If there’s no leak, your roof can continue to work as intended -- even with some mild dings and scrapes. However if you think you have hail damage or a reputable roofing company has told you that you have hail damage you should call your insurance company for a thorough inspection by an adjuster to determine if a claim is warranted.

That said, multiple hailstorms tend to occur in a season and each one may leave an impression – literally! So, it’s a good idea to have the name of a reputable local roofer in Austin to turn to.

Beware of “Storm Chasers” After an Austin Hailstorm

For Austin homeowners, one of the biggest risks to your roof comes after the weather clears up.

Trusted roofers in Austin are always dealing with “storm chasers” – unsavory characters who offer cut-rate roofing services without the right skills, equipment, licensure, or insurance.

If you work with one of these so-called contractors, you could be in for trouble.

Most importantly, for Austin homeowners, working with these unscrupulous contractors can invalidate your insurance claim.

There’s no telling what kind of service you’ll get ... or even if you’ll get any work done at all.

Reputable Contractors Are Worth the Wait After a Hailstorm

Scammers target storm victims who are in a hurry, since they know trusted local roofers typically have a waiting list after a storm. With mild or moderate hail damage, however, you can safely wait – and that wait is worth it. It’s always best to use a reputable team you’re comfortable with!

To find out more, contact Longhorn Roofing today.

 Click Here to Learn  How to Handle an Emergency Roof Leak