Getting a Roof Inspection for Hail Damage in PA

Hail isn’t an everyday occurrence in Pennsylvania. But it does happen more often than you think. There were over 60 storm reports in PA this year that included storms, hail, and flooding.

If hail hits your area, it’s time to start thinking about getting a free roof inspection from a pro. Experienced, licensed, and local contractors can help with both insurance claims and repairs.

Why You Should Get A Roof Inspection ASAP After Hail

Hail around 1 inch in diameter and larger is likely to cause damage to your roof. Smaller hail can still do damage, especially to older roofing material.

Hailstorms happen throughout PA. The severity and frequency vary across states. Southern parts of the state experience more frequent hail than the other regions. If hail hits your area, it’s important to get a roof inspection for the following reasons:

Proximity Cause For Hail Insurance

With how frequent hail is in some regions, roofs can get a lot of wear and tear fast. Hail might not cause leaks at first, but the damage can still cause underlying issues if left unchecked.

You don’t want to file an insurance claim during the worst-case scenario. Insurance providers might argue that the damage could’ve been caused by something else.

Insurance providers assess the proximity cause of the damage to determine the coverage. In short, they need to see a direct link between the hailstorm and roof damage.

Hidden Damages

Hail damage can be sneaky, leaving scars on your roof that you might not spot from the ground. That’s where a pro roof inspector comes in.

They’re trained to spot those subtle signs of damage, like bruises or missing granules on your shingles, that could lead to leaks and bigger problems down the line.

Peace of Mind

Not getting an inspection after a hail leaves room for a lot of “what ifs.” What if there’s a small leak? What if hail pierced through underlayment? What if insurance won’t cover damages?

For your peace of mind, get a free roof inspection from a trusted, experienced local roofing company. Getting a roof inspection as early as possible lets you have the assurance that your roof is fine or have the opportunity to address any potential damage before it escalates.

What do Professional Roofing Contractors Look For During Hail Damage Inspections?

Roof inspectors don’t just wing it when checking for hail damage. They’ve got a whole system down, both from the ground and up on the roof itself. Here’s what the process looks like:

Ground-Level Inspection

Roofing contractors go through a visual assessment at the ground level first. They use equipment like binoculars, cameras, or drones to look for obvious signs of damage. This could be missing or damaged shingles, dents, or debris in gutters.

Then, they look at any collateral damage that may be caused by hail such as dents on windows, siding, or vehicles. This helps contractors identify the severity of the hail and potential roof damage.

Rooftop Inspection

Contractors will examine shingles and roofing material for dents, cracks, or granule loss. Any signs that could compromise their integrity can help with your insurance claims.

Contractors will sometimes lift shingles gently to see any underlying damages or leaks. They will also inspect flashing, vents, chimney caps, and metal components for dents, punctures, and deformations that can lead to water penetration.

If there are signs of potential leaks, contractors will look for signs of structural damage, like sagging, uneven roof planes, or compromised decking. This could lead to water intrusions, stains, or mold.

Documentation

The final step in any roof inspection for hail damage is documentation. Photographic evidence is used for insurance claims and repair estimates.

Some use drone shots, others get detailed photographs of the damage up close. Equipment like thermal imaging can also be used to get a clearer view of potential underlying issues.

Can You Do Some of the Inspection Yourself?

While you might be tempted to climb up on that ladder and check things out yourself, it’s always best to call in the pros after a hailstorm. Here’s why:

Safety Concerns: Climbing on a roof after a storm can be risky business. Leave it to the pros—they’ve got the right gear and training to get up there safely.
Expertise: Contractors have the experience and know-how to spot even the tiniest signs of hail damage that you’re probably going to miss.
Insurance: A professional inspection carries way more weight with insurance companies than your DIY assessment ever could. Companies like Dynamic Remodel and Repair even offer roof insurance claim assistance.

How To Ensure Hail Damage Insurance Claims in PA

Pennsylvania law says you must let your insurer know about any damage “promptly.” While there’s no hard deadline, the sooner you reach out after a hailstorm, the better.

This way, you can avoid any hiccups or even denials when filing your claim. Aside from this, you should also consider the following:

Coverage: Carefully review your policy to understand your coverage for hail damage. Pay attention to:
Covered Perils: Ensure hail is listed as a covered peril
Deductibles: Understand your deductible amount, which you’ll be responsible for
Exclusions: Check for any exclusions or limitations that might affect your claim
Cosmetic Damage: Some policies may not cover purely cosmetic damage
Claim Process and Documentation
Documentation: Thoroughly document the hail damage. Take clear photos and videos of all affected areas, both close-up and from a distance.
Repair Estimates: Get written estimates from reputable contractors outlining the necessary repairs and their costs.
Weather Reports: Get weather reports confirming a hailstorm occurred in your area.

Challenges and Disputes for Hail Damage Insurance Claims

If you have a dispute with your insurer regarding coverage or settlement amount, consider:

Appraisal Process: Your policy may include an appraisal clause, allowing you and the insurer to each select an appraiser to resolve disputes.
Hiring a Adjuster: Hire a public adjuster to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.

Don’t Neglect Hail Damage!

Our roofs can take a lot of hits, but when it comes to areas like PA where there are multiple severe weather warnings for heavy rains and hailstorms, you need to be prepared.

When hail hits, call a professional roof inspector ASAP. That’s where Dynamic Remodel and Repair comes in. Get your free roof inspection today.

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