Services: Roofing/Hail Damage
Hail damage snatches more than $1 billion from the pockets
of U.S.
homeowners. Only the destruction wrought by wind storms and their mightier
cousins, tornadoes, causes more damage, according to the National Weather
Service.
According to respondents to a recent Angie’s List poll, 47
percent have reported having storm damage, with 19 percent of the damage caused
by hail.
“Severe storms can be traumatic, and people trying to
put their lives back together shouldn’t have to worry about trouble from shady
contractors,” advises Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s
List (www.angieslist.com), the nation’s leading provider of ratings on local
service companies. “Once the storm has passed and you know your family
is safe, inspect your home to see what’s damaged. Then, contact local
contractors who are licensed to come out and give you an estimate on the
damage. If there is damage contact your insurance company and file a claim.”
Hail can damage to siding, fences and gardens, but the roof
is the most exposed and generally takes the worst beating. Newer shingles
should be more resistant to the impact than older due to the wear and tear of
the weather.
“You should know what your
insurance policy covers in the event of hail damage. Most companies won’t
cover you if the damage was done over a year ago, so check with your agent if
you’re not sure,” Hicks said. “One of our members had hail damage
to their roof, however their insurance company refused to pay for it saying
there was no damage. Meanwhile, every other house on the block got a new roof
paid for needless to say the homeowners are still upset about it.”
7 spots Where You Should Check for
Hail Damage:
- Nickel
to quarter sized “dimples” or impressions on you roof.
- Spots
that look bruised from where granule was displaced on the shingles.
- Dents
in anything aluminum on your house such as mailbox, gutters, fence, and
outside A/C unit outside.
- Holes
or missing paint from the siding of your house.
- Chipped
paint on your car.
- Cracks
or chips in your car’s windshield.
- Small
dents or dings on the metal panels of your vehicle.
Angie’s List went to its highly
rated restoration companies for tips on what to do after a hail storm:
- Do
your own visual inspection of your home, automobiles and other property
exposed to the hail. Take a picture of any damage you may find.
- Protect
your property from any further damage until you all the repairs are done.
- Call
at least three reputable contractors that specialize in the repairs you
need and ask for estimates.
- Review
your insurance policy to ensure you know what you’re entitled to.
Some insurance companies surcharge or up rate for any claim, therefore it
is best to know if you have damage.
- If
there is damage call your insurance policy right away to file a claim.
- Don’t
be afraid to question your agent if you’re confused; you’ve already paid
him/her to help you in times of crisis.
- If
you’re not covered, you’ll have to take care of the repairs from your own
pocket. Call the contractors yourself and ask for estimates.
- Check
the credentials of your prospective contractor to be sure he/she has a
good reputation, is licensed and can do the work.
- Don’t
pay cash in advance for work.
*1,085 Angie’s List members took the poll. Responses are
representative of Angie’s List
members but not the general public.
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