When considering the vagaries of nature, hailstorms do not lag too far behind on the list. In fact locations that are more prone to experiencing hailstorms than others need to be better prepared for this unforeseen turn of events.

One of the major issues with hail is how potentially damaging it can be, especially to roofs. Since the roof is the first measure of horizontal cover to your home or office, it often receives quite a beating in a hailstorm. Issues like dings and dents to the roof of a building can easily reduce the value of the structure while also compromising the integrity of the roof. So here is a look at some ways to deal with the aftermath of a hailstorm.

• Evaluate the damage

Hail damage is not always easy to spot from the ground so you may need to go up to the roof to assess the damage. If your property has recently been exposed to hail, look for possible roof damage by looking for visibly bruised shingles, dents on parts of the roof like flashing, valleys and gutters as well as residue form mineral granules.

It is important to know that even minor damage can trigger more serious as well as expensive damage in the future, so look carefully yourself at first and if you are not sure about the extent of the damage, then call for some professional assistance from professional roofers in Fort Worth.

You may also grab you camera and take photos of hailstones on property, and set hailstones next to a measuring tape since the size of a hailstone is directly reciprocal to the extent for damage to the shingles and roof.

• Get an evaluation from a roofing contractor

Insurance issues aside, it is recommended to get a hailstorm damage repair expert to come and take a look at the damaged roof. It is best to know what you may be dealing with before calling in your insurance agency and giving them an accurate description of the damage. Many certified roofers will offer a free inspection after a hailstorm, so it doesn’t hurt to get a professional’s opinion. Plus at this point there is no risk or obligation to get your roof checked. The contractor will inspect the roof to evaluate if adequate hail damage has been sustained to reasonably validate a claim.

Just be sure to choose a certified contractor to prevent fraud and unwarranted work. Also, it doesn’t hurt to be absolutely clear that repairs are not to be made at this time and don’t be cornered into signing any papers.

• File a claim

The most important thing when filing a claim is to know exactly how long you have to do this. Mostly insurance companies set a duration on claiming hail damage done to the roof, so do not prolong making that claim with exact details of when the damage happened. Call as soon as possible and file a claim within the allowable time.

Also check with the company to see if there are any costs associated with having the roof inspected. When an adjuster is assigned your case, any photos or videos you may have recorded earlier can come in handy to back your claim.

• Hire a contractor

Once a claim for hail damage has been approved, you can move onto finding a hailstorm damage repair expert to work on the roof. For a professional roofer in Fort Worth, look for a contractor who is certified, can provide references and carries a Certificate of Liability Insurance. Other pointers to keep in mind are the company’s business longevity, their training manual and the duration of the prospective job.

Hiring a roofing contractor is not something that anyone does on a regular basis. If anything, homeowners may only need to do so once or twice in their lifetime. At the same time they may also have heard a story or two which may make them think twice before hiring a contractor.

However, hiring a commercial roofer who is also a hailstorm damage repair expert, comes with its own set of perks. For instance, these professionals will accurately assess damage, negotiate with insurance providers as well as provide guaranteed workmanship services. So when looking for a professional roofer in Fort Worth keep the following tips in mind:

The Do’s:

• DO: Get multiple estimates before making a decision. However, getting an estimate is only the first step. You still need to establish that sense of trust that can only be achieved by asking a few questions as well. Basics like how long the contractor has been in business, any proof of their insurance and the contractor’s warranty policy are all good starting points.
• DO: Hire a local roofer who is invested in the community and is available to answer for any roofing concerns should an issue arise later. Local contractors are also familiar with the type of roofing problems the local demographics generally face and are equipped with the right tools and manpower to correct the issues on your roof after a hailstorm.
• DO: Get some homework done before selecting a roofing contractor. Check for any complaints filed against your prospective contractors as well as ratings from the BBB. Roofers that offer a written contract and estimates are more reliable to deal with. Those who offer emergency services, even after business hours are a better option to go with.
• DO: Select a roofer who is a member of a trade association as they have to meet certain requirements to join the association. Plus, registered and insured companies are always a better option as you need not bear the expense of any injuries incurred while the work is in progress.
• DO: Get a reliable hailstorm damage repair expert when real damage has been assessed on the property and you are liable to file a claim. In these cases, damage may be extensive and needed to be handled professionally.

Yet, at the same time roofers are ecstatic about hail damage as they know there is an opportunity to convince homeowners into a full roof replacement.

The Don’ts:

• DON’T: Opt for traveling roofers. Also known as storm chasers, these roofers will descend on the affected region and present themselves as local roofers. Remember that it is easy to panic when damage occurs but instead of hiring the first contractor you speak with, practice some diligence and decide on a professional who is reputable and can be relied upon in the future as well.
• DON’T: Hire a roofing contractor simply because your neighbors are doing so. Each roof is different so get your home’s damage assessed first. Roof repair depends on the severity of the damage, the roof’s construction as well as the quality of roofing materials so denominations will vary from one house to the next.
• DON’T: Hire someone based on the sign that has been put up in neighborhood yards. A sign does not guarantee reliable service although it may mean that the company has a good sales pitch. Always check with neighbors who may have used that roofer’s services and are happy with the experience.
• DON’T: Select anyone who does not have a health and safety program in place for their roofers. This can make you liable for injury should an accident happen during work hours. You may also have to pay for medical or other costs with the possibility of lawsuits.
• DON’T: Agree to pay upfront for services in full. Ideally, the deposit should not be any more than one third of the total contract price and should be paid by check or credit card. A strong recommendation is to make the check out to the company and not the individual and never pay cash to a contractor or sales person.

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