Hail is a prevalent issue in the state of Wisconsin, especially in Waukesha. Southeastern Wisconsin weather is prone to fluctuating changes, so residential homeowners must always be prepared for possible damage to their property. Hail can leave roof impairments that are either very distinguishable or very difficult to spot. The destruction that hail causes may also be expensive, requiring assistance from homeowner insurance adjusters to finance the repair job.
It’s important to learn about the damage that hail can cause to avoid long-term consequences to your physical property and maintain household safety. Read on to discover Bulldog Builders’ recommendations on what to do in case your home suffers hail damage.
Factors Affecting Hail Damage to Your Roof
The amount of damage that hailstorms can inflict on your roof varies depending on several factors. First off, wind conditions can massively alter the severity of hail impact. A minute change in wind direction or speed can potentially result in tremendous damage. Second, the type of building materials that a property uses can allow it to absorb hail impacts differently — hail can fracture vinyl sidings, while it can leave dents in asphalt or aluminum shingles. Lastly, surrounding structures and barriers, such as fences and trees, can significantly decrease hailstorms' ability to damage your home.
How Does Size Affect Hail Damage?
Hailstone size is also an important factor that can affect the degree of damage done to your property. The smallest hail measures at ¾ inch and can deal minor damage to vinyl sidings and window screens and dislodge granules from shingles. Hailstones with a one-inch diameter can inflict significant bruising to shingle underlayment and damage to gutters and fascia. Bigger stones within the range of one ¾ – two inches would be able to penetrate softer roof parts such as plastic vents and ridge caps. Finally, anything more significant than two inches will result in severe damage to your home’s roof.
Identifying Hail Damage to Your Roof
There are several signs that you should look out for to assess whether hail has inflicted damage upon your roof. Aside from apparent signs like broken windows and dented gutters, make sure to check for these:
- Black-colored dots or impact marks: These dents demonstrate scarring left by hailstones during a severe hailstorm.
- Granular loss: This is caused by the impact of hailstones hitting the roof, which makes the underlying asphalt exposed to damaging sunlight and prone to UV ray degradation.
- Shingles with tears, bruises, or splits: Hailstones can crack or even completely break shingles on your roof, causing them to fall off.
Consequences of Ignoring Hail Damage to Your Roof
Following a Waukesha hailstorm, it is critical to seek guidance from a hail damage roof replacement company like Bulldog Builders. Leaving hail damage alone can turn ordinary roof and shingle damage into more severe problems, like ice dams and leaks. In the long run, these can translate to rotting wood, mold, and electrical issues. Rotting wood and mold in particular can quickly become unmanageable yet challenging to detect if not instantly dealt with. These damages can also be costly to repair, so considering all potential issues when fixing your home can save you dollars in the long run.
Preventing Hail Damage
Hail damage must be repaired as urgently as possible, but it’s also important to take steps to prevent these issues in the first place. To fortify buildings against future hailstorms, homeowners can:
- Choose appropriate barriers: Carefully positioning trees, gates, and high walls around your location can help prevent damage to your roof. This is because wind is the main force behind hailstone impacts.
- Select suitable building materials: Tougher roofing materials may be more expensive initially, but they eventually lower costs by reinforcing the structure's integrity.
- Carry out scheduled inspections: Homeowners can ensure they have proper documentation about the roof and its underlying structures before a storm arrives.
Importance of Regular Roof Inspections
Roofing professionals are equipped with the right knowledge and tools to check for damage on your roof. These experts are trained to know what to look for and can assist in recording issues for claims with your insurance company. Moreover, working with professional roofing inspectors is more cost-efficient as they will help you locate areas of risk you may have overlooked. They can assist you in determining whether you will need more replacements, especially if you’re already paying hefty costs.
Assistance With Insurance Claims After a Waukesha Hailstorm
Insurance claims can be complex when it comes to roof replacements. However, Bulldog Builders is more than eager to get you the funding you need. Our founder, Wes Kitto, has 25 years of property claim experience. He has professionally operated as a claims adjuster for both insurance carriers and policyholders (as a public adjuster). Furthermore, he has also worked with attorneys as a key witness in depositions and trials in property claim litigation. No one in Wisconsin has the expertise that Wes brings to the table about complicated property claim issues.
Contact Bulldog Builders Now for Hail Damage Roof Replacement in Waukesha
Bulldog Builders can is your go-to contractor for roofing services in Waukesha. We have coordinated with property owners since 2013 to help them get the insurance compensation they need, as well as a brand new roof to shield their home.
You can schedule a free inspection by calling us at (414) 405-1751. Alternatively, you can set an appointment with us online through our contact page.
With our 15-man crew, we can turn a multi-day headache into an efficient one-day roof replacement. As a property owner, you can receive top-notch services in any time frame that fits your schedule.
