In South Central Kansas, we know all about the severity of spring storms and the damage they can cause. These storms have many different ways to potentially damage your home, from high straight-line winds to heavy rain to hail. While modern homes and roofs are built to withstand severe weather, it doesn’t take much to cause critical damage. Hail can be deceptively damaging. According to the National Weather Service, hail as small as quarter-sized (one-inch) can damage your home.
The team at American Roofing and Construction want to ensure that you and your home stay safe when severe weather strikes. Here are the steps Wichita homeowners should take after a hailstorm.
Document Hailstorm Damage
The first thing you need to remember when you start to assess the damage caused by a hailstorm is to document everything you see. Take photos and/or videos of any visible damage, both wide shots, and individual close-ups. Keep any damaged or broken materials you find. Meticulous documentation will help you ensure that your insurance company has everything they need to make the decision on a post-storm payout.
Check For Hazards
When severe weather hits, your first instinct is to rush out and determine the extent of the damage it may have caused. But depending on the severity of the storm, there could be any number of hazardous and dangerous issues to look out for first. Before you can worry about repairs, you need to check for broken glass, sharp debris, slippery surfaces, hanging or loose roof, siding, or window components, and anything else that could hurt you.
Your safety should always come first.
Investigate Your Home’s Exterior For Damage
Once you have determined that you can move safely around the exterior of your home, you can start to check for visible damage. Walk around your house and look for signs of damage you can see from the ground, including:
- Missing shingles, dents, or exposed underlayment
- Dented, bent, broken, or loose sections of guttering
- Cracked or broken windows
- Cracked, broken, or dented siding
Look For Signs of Damage Inside
Because hail can damage roofs and break windows there is a strong possibility of water leakage into your home. Look for water stains or active leaks in the ceiling or walls. Check your basement for puddles or damp insulation. Look in your attic for damp insulation, drafts, or visible light coming through the roof.
If water is coming into your house, put down buckets or towels (depending on the severity) and move valuable or fragile possessions away from the area. Call us today if you require immediate help!
Prevent Further Damage
The last thing you want is for any damage to get worse. To help prevent that from happening, take steps to cover any holes. Use plywood or plastic to cover broken windows. If you can do so safely, use a tarp to cover roof damage. Clear debris to ensure safety, but make sure to keep it for insurance purposes.
If the damage is extensive enough, calling in a licensed contractor for an emergency mitigation could be your best option. Contact our team today for immediate assistance!
Contact Your Insurance Company
If your home is damaged after a hailstorm, it’s important to file an insurance claim as soon as possible. Provide them with all the documentation you have and a detailed description of any issues. You can request temporary repair reimbursement to pay for the materials you used to prevent further damage before professional repairs can be made.
Get A Professional Inspection
Even if damage looks minor, a professional and licensed roofing contractor in Wichita can identify damage that you might miss. Roof damage can be nearly invisible from ground level. Additionally, a roof inspection by a reputable local roofer can identify issues that insurance adjusters might miss.
Watch For Delayed Issues
Unfortunately, you can’t always see the extent of hail damage immediately. In the weeks after a hail storm, be on the lookout for new leaks inside, especially after subsequent heavy rains. Watch your energy bills to see if they increase. This could indicate insulation or roof damage.
Contact Us Today For A Free Inspection!
Contact American Roofing & Construction today at 316‑461‑6565 or request your free roof inspection online. Our experienced team will inspect, repair, and restore your roof so your home stays dry and protected all year long.