Steps To Take When You Have Hail Damage

If your house suffers a direct hit from a hailstorm, chances are that you may have some damage to your home's exterior. While getting dinged by hail can be quite frightening, it is often not as bad as it may seem. We'll outline steps you can take to deal with any current damage and protect your property from hailstorm damage, such as cracked windows, broken shingles, or damaged siding and gutters.

Take photos or videos of the damage

After a storm has damaged your home, it's important to document the damage as soon as possible. Taking photos or videos can help you document details of your house's appearance both before and after the storm. 

Call your insurance agent

If you think you have hailstorm damage, it's important to call your insurance agent to report the damage as soon as possible. Insurance companies typically have a grace period for reporting, which varies by state and policy. In some states, you have 30 days after the storm to report hail damage; in others, it's 60 days or more.

An insurance agent can answer any questions, and they'll be able to assist you with a claim by sending an adjuster to evaluate the damage. You can then start gathering detailed estimates from contractors who are qualified to make the repairs you need. Insurers recommend getting at least three estimates. While you might be tempted to hire the first contractor who offers a low price, this could end up causing more problems than it solves if they don't do the job properly.

Write down a detailed list of the damage

When recording the damage, include the date, time, and location of each instance of damage as well as the size and shape of the hailstones involved, if possible. Keep track of what type of property was damaged, such as roofs and windows, and how severe the damage was.

Prevent further damage

The best way to prevent further damage is to secure your property as soon as possible after a hailstorm. This includes removing any branches or limbs that could fall and cause more damage from future storms as well as covering your windows and doors with plywood or other materials to keep out debris.

Choose the contractor who will make the repairs

If your Arizona home has suffered hail damage, choose a contractor who is trustworthy, reliable, and able to do the job right, like Tim Kline Roofing. Make sure that the contractors you consider have experience with hail-damaged roofs and other structural repairs as well as knowledge of local building codes and regulations. You should also check references and ask for proof of insurance before hiring anyone.

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If you think your home has suffered hail damage, the tips above can help make the reporting and repair processes go faster and smoother. For more insight into home repair and improvement projects, follow TheHomeMag on Facebook and Instagram.