| How much damage to your roof can come during | | | | There is a misconception if your roof sustains |
| a hail storm? In Georgia, hail storms are not that | | | | damage from a hail storm that your roof needs |
| uncommon and many homeowners visually see | | | | to be replaced immediately. You'll find some |
| hail several times during the year. That is the case | | | | conflicting evidence online from other roofers that |
| in metro Atlanta, where the last few years have | | | | advise immediately replacing your roof. In Georgia |
| resulted in elevated hail activity. | | | | for example, any reliable roofing contractor in |
| Most people are somewhat aware of the damage | | | | Atlanta should tell you otherwise. Typically the |
| hail can cause, in particular the larger variety of | | | | damage sustained from a hail storm will pose no |
| hail that is notorious for damaging and denting | | | | immediate threat to your roof. The threat is in |
| cars. This awareness doesn't always fully translate | | | | the longevity of the roof, because hail can |
| into the impact a hail storm can have on your | | | | dramatically decrease a roof's life expectancy. |
| home's roof. While you can visually see the | | | | The deteriorated protection from a roof that is |
| damage to your car after a hail storm, you can't | | | | not expected to last its full life is why insurance |
| always see the damage to a roof. The damage | | | | companies will authorize the replacement of your |
| you can't see can put the longevity of your roof | | | | roof. |
| at risk. | | | | Will Homeowner's Insurance Cover a New Roof? |
| Roof replacement due to hail damage is one of | | | | This answer varies by the coverage on your |
| the most expensive fixes for homeowners and | | | | homeowner's insurance policy. For some |
| insurance companies. Hail can vary in size | | | | homeowners the answer is “yes.” If you |
| dramatically, falling as small as the size of tiny | | | | believe your home has been the victim of hail, |
| pellets, or as large as baseballs. It is typically the | | | | contact your insurance company to determine if |
| larger hail that can cause enough damage to your | | | | your policy will cover the damage. For many |
| asphalt roof to justify a roof replacement. | | | | homeowners they will be able to have the roof |
| Asphalt Roof Shingle Damage from Hail: | | | | repaired, or replaced and will need to pay a |
| Hail damage to asphalt roofs occur when hail | | | | deductable. |
| beating against the surface of asphalt shingle | | | | - Tip: If you are unsure if you homeowner's policy |
| results in the protective granular surface of the | | | | covers hail damage to your roof, contact your |
| shingle to loosen and potentially fall off. When the | | | | insurance company. |
| granules are loosened, the asphalt shingles loses | | | | Caution: Avoid Storm Chasers! |
| some of its protection potential and becomes | | | | Homeowners need to beware of 'storm chasers.' |
| vulnerable to additional damage. | | | | A storm chaser typically consists of an out of |
| - Note: Damaged asphalt layers can potentially | | | | town roofing contractor that goes door to door |
| allow water seepage into the roof. | | | | after a hail storm soliciting for business. While it |
| - Tip: If the granules of an asphalt shingle are | | | | may seem tempting and convenient, these |
| removed by a hail storm, the shingle's longevity | | | | roofers can do more harm than good. Make sure |
| can be severely diminished. | | | | any roofer you look to work with has a good |
| Signs of Hail Damage to an Asphalt Roof: | | | | reputation in the community. Look for a roofer |
| - Bruises or small dents in the asphalt shingle | | | | that is located locally and check references. Look |
| - Granulation is displaced exposing the asphalt | | | | for references that are over a year old and ones |
| - Granulation has settled at the base of your | | | | that are more recent, within the last 30 days. |
| downspouts | | | | Finally never give a deposit for a roof. A reliable |
| - The spots hit by hail usually leave a soft spot in | | | | roofer will only ask for payment once the roof |
| the shingle | | | | has been complete. |
| - Significantly damaged metal air vents on the | | | | If you think your home has sustained roof hail |
| roof indicate similar hit pattern for roof | | | | damage, get a professional opinion. Experienced |
| - Damage and denting of siding, or gutters | | | | roofing contractors should be willing to provide |
| If my Roof is damaged, how fast should I replace | | | | free roofing estimates upon request. |
| it? | | | | |
