Hail can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your home, from cosmetic damage to more serious structural issues. It’s important to know what to do when hail damage has occurred to ensure that your home is properly protected. Here are some tips on how to deal with hail damage to your home.
Inspect Damage
First, inspect your roof for hail damage. Damage from hail can range from small dents to large holes. Be sure to check the shingles, gutters and siding for signs of damage. If you find any signs of damage, it’s important to contact your insurance company right away to file a claim.
The first step in inspecting your home after hail damage is to start at the exterior. Check the roof, siding, and windows for any damage. Look for missing or damaged shingles, dents or cracks in the siding, and broken glass or cracks in the windows. Pay close attention to the edges and corners of your windows, as these are the most vulnerable to hail damage.
The next step is to check the gutters. Hail can easily clog your gutters, causing water to pool and potentially damage the foundation of your home. Make sure that all of your gutters are clear and in good condition.
Hail can also damage your landscaping, so make sure to inspect your trees and shrubs for any signs of damage. Look for broken branches, broken leaves, or other damage that could affect the health of your plants.
Finally, hail can cause water to seep into your home if windows or siding are damaged. Look for any signs of water damage, such as discoloration on walls or ceilings, or a musty smell in the air.
Check Your Car
Second, if your car has also been damaged by hail, contact a body shop or repair shop. Depending on the type of damage, they may be able to repair the body panels or replace them. You should also contact your insurance company to file a claim for hail damage to your car.
Contact Insurance Company
Third, contact your insurance company to see if they cover hail damage to your home and put in an insurance claim. Insurance companies usually have different coverage for hail damage, so be sure to ask about their specific policies. If your home insurance does cover hail damage, they will likely send an insurance adjuster to your home to assess the damage and determine the cost of repairs.
Contact Contractor
Fourth, if your insurance does cover hail damage, contact a roofing contractor or roofing companies in your area to get estimates for the repairs. You should also get estimates from other repair shops in case your insurance company does not cover the full cost of the repairs. Here are a few ways to pick a contractor.
Before you contact any contractors or make any decisions, it is important to do your research. Look for contractors who specialize in hail damage repair and read reviews of their work. You should also check with your local Better Business Bureau to make sure there are no complaints filed against the contractor you are considering.
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential contractors, you should ask for quotes on the repairs needed. Be sure to get quotes from at least three different contractors so that you can compare prices and services.
Before you make a final decision, it is important to ask questions about the contractor’s experience, pricing, and timeline for completing the repairs. It is also a good idea to ask for references from previous customers so you can get an idea of the quality of work the contractor does.
Once you’ve chosen a contractor, make sure to get the details of the agreement in writing. This should include a detailed description of the repair work to be done, the cost of the repairs, and the timeline for completing the work.
Finally, make sure that you know what to do if something goes wrong during the repair process. Find out if the contractor offers any type of warranty or guarantee on their work, and make sure that you understand the process for filing a claim if you need to.
Prevent Future Damage
Finally, if your home has been damaged by hail, take precautions to prevent further damage. For example, if hail is the size of a golf ball or larger, you should board up the windows and doors to prevent further damage from future hail storms.
Hail can be a devastating force of nature, causing thousands of dollars in damage to your home. Knowing what to do when hail damage occurs is key to protecting your home and getting the repairs you need. Be sure to inspect your home for damage, contact your insurance company, and contact a roofing contractor to get estimates for the repairs. Taking these steps can help you protect your home and get the repairs you need to restore it to its original condition. Call Health Benefit Services today to speak to an agent to find out if your home is covered!
