Hail damage to the roof of Calgary is a major problem many homeowners face. It caused multiple destructions to cars, roofs, and walls. The roof is the most common area of a home that is damaged by hail, leading to leaks and structural damage inside your longest-lasting possession, resulting in costly repairs.
Taking prompt action helps nip in the bud small ones before they grow into large walls. If you have experienced a hailstorm and are wondering how to repair your roof, then follow this comprehensive guide of nine steps that can help you restore the safety and integrity of your home.
Inspect your Roof Thoroughly
Conducting a full roof inspection is significant if your area witnessed a hailstorm. Hailstones may not look like much, but they can leave subtle yet severe damage behind. You may even notice signs of damage from far away while standing on the ground just by observing a damaged or missing shingle. Gaze from the roof (with binoculars). Concentrate on spots around the vents, skylights, and sparkles where damage can be serious.
Hail damage: This type of wind and hail roof damage can sometimes be harder to spot, such as when it is contained under shingles or seams. This is why it's important to inspect more than just the shingles; metal components like flashing, vents, and gutters also need your attention. Leaks and erosion can result from cracks or dents on these spots. A detailed inspection by a professional roofing contractor may be warranted. They have the knowledge and tools necessary to spot any hidden damages that could cause leaks or other future issues. At Bulletproof Roofing, we thoroughly inspect the roof so that any problem found is corrected in time.
Take Pictures for Insurance Claims
After the damage is discovered, it must be documented comprehensively. Include close-up and wide shots of all damaged areas using clear, high-resolution photographs. Attach photos of the debris or hailstones that caused the damage. This documentation will be key in the event you file an insurance claim. Make a specific list of the damage and how far each was broken.
Explain what is broken and how that influences the sturdiness/usefulness of your roofed area. Note any immediate repairs that are needed to avoid further damage.
Call your insurance company to begin the claims process immediately. Remember that the more you can document and illustrate with evidence, etc., the more it will make your claimable & likely to be processed faster. While insurance companies will often send out their own adjusters, you may want to keep your notes handy just in case.
· Take photographs of the destruction with high-resolution photos.
· Take a close look at both damaged areas.
· Include images of debris or hailstones that impacted the damage.
· Detail out the amount of damage and which part got affected, specifically. First, call your insurance company to start the claims process right away.
Are you not sure about ensuring all processes are correct? Our professional team can
inspect even the smallest damage to help you save time and money!
Know Your Insurance
Check on your policy before you start any repairs. Check your policy coverage for hail damage and any exclusions or deductibles. Knowing your policy will prevent hidden costs and ensure that you receive the coverage you are entitled to.
Read More: Signs You May Need a New Roof
There are occasional cases where homeowners have hail damage, only to discover their insurance policy excludes or does not provide sufficient coverage for the storm. Feel free to call your insurance agent with any questions you have about these details. Being aware of what your insurance covers is one thing that will impact the repairs you do, and it can also allow you to prioritize tasks according to whether they are strapped for cash.
At Bulletproof Roofing, our experienced team is dedicated to helping homeowners secure full-cost roof repair coverage from their insurance companies. For those whose insurance policies do not cover such damages, we provide flexible financing options with 0% interest to ensure you can afford the necessary repairs without any financial strain.
Cover Exposed Areas — Temporarily
If the hailstorm damaged your roof so severely that parts have already been exposed in advance, never fail to cover those areas. Do tarp or plastic sheeting over gaps and holes. There is no water coming into your house that can prevent more damage.
· Cover holes and gaps with a tarp or plastic sheeting if any part of your roof is exposed.
· Be sure to properly secure the temporary cover so that it does not blow off in high winds.
· If you do not know how to accomplish this, call your local roofing experts safely. Bulletproof Roofing can provide expedited emergency roof repairs to help protect your home.
Secure your temporary cover properly to ensure it does not blow off with the wind and rain while you try finding a roofer that can fit in before winter sets in.
Anchor the tarp in place with roofing nails or other objects that have weight but take care to keep it from worsening your roof damage while you secure the cover. If you do not know how to ensure the roof damage in a safe manner, simply call your local roofing professionals. We offer prompt emergency roof repair services at Bulletproof Roofing to help you safeguard your home immediately.
Clear off dirt and sweep the roof surface of debris. Before reparation begins, remove the roofing of junk and repair such as cracked shingle pieces or tree branches. This is important to get a clear work area and check the damage completely. When removing the debris, care must be taken not to cause further damage or hurt yourself.
While cleaning up debris may seem straightforward, it is important to do so in a way that does not create other issues. If left on the roof, large debris items could be heavy and make a hole or break some part of your roofing structure. If there is a moderate number of debris or you do not wish to have it touched, consider hiring an expert. Additionally, a clean roof will guarantee that any repair material properly adheres to the cover, keeping it fresh for longer.
Fix or replace torn shingles
Carefully Examine the Shingles After Cleaning
Any that are cracked, broken, or warped should be repaired; otherwise, they should be replaced. If minor damage (small cracks) occurs, the roof sealant can temporarily solve your problem. If several shingles are missing or damaged, it may be time to replace the roof.
When replacing shingles, always make sure to swap shingles that are the same color, type, and look as those already on your roof.
Any shingles that are misaligned or otherwise mismatched can create weak points that will not be able to withstand the next storm. Companies such as Bulletproof Roofing offer professional roofing services and guarantee superior shingles and installation that can last in future hailstorms.
Roof Flashing Clean and Repair Roof Gutters
One weak spot is the flashing, or metal strips that cover joints in a roof and are susceptible to hail damage. Examine flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights for dents or cracks. In case of damaged flashing, call a roofer and replace it immediately to keep rain from seeping through. Be sure to inspect your gutters for hail damage or clogging. Remove any blockage to ensure water glosses out quickly from your roof.
As with many things, the key to longevity for your roof and fewer costly repairs is the maintenance of flashing and gutters. If your gutters are bent or broken, they may cause improper drainage and lead to toxic seepage on the roof line, too, and, in crucial situations, the internal foundation of the house.
· This includes debris, such as cracked shingle pieces or tree branches.
· Be sure you do not hurt yourself or make it worse when cleaning up.
· A pristine roof will assist the repair materials in bonding more effectively and keep your new repairs in place longer.
Think About Roof Reinforcement
If your roof has recently experienced extensive damage, it could be time to strengthen the structure and ensure that you are well-protected when storms head through. Other optional measures to protect your roof include upgrading or replacing the underlayment, padding those spots with insulation boards, and adding a layer of cementitious coatings on top for better fire resistance. Shingles listed as impact-resistant are better equipped to handle hail than normal shingles.
While they may be expensive up front, over time, they save you money by limiting repair costs and extending the lifespan of your roof.
Elastomeric or acrylic coatings will seal minor cracks and gaps while offering a secondary protective layer to enhance the lifespan of your roof.
· Check for Damage to the Flashing Around Your Chimneys, Vents and Skylights.
· Damaged flashing will allow water to seep in, so immediately replace damaged flashing.
· You can check your gutters for hail damage or clogging and remove any blockages if it is hailing.
Ensuring your flashing is doing its job and gutters are clear of debris will extend the life of your roof and help keep repair costs to a minimum.
Plan Professional Roof Inspections and Maintenance
Although some may choose to handle repairs independently, having a professional take care of the issue is often easier and more secure. A good roofing contractor will ensure they repair all damages, not just the visible ones, to prevent future problems.A professional inspection will uncover the current issues and what to expect down the road.
We are equipped to repair all types of damage caused by a hailstorm roof damage in Calgary. You can count on us for all your restoration needs, from initial inspections to complete roof replacements. Also, create a maintenance plan to ensure your roof stays in perfect form throughout the year. Checking your roof regularly and making minor repairs can keep small problems from becoming big costs later.
· If your roof is heavily damaged, consider reinforcing the structure.
· Replace or Upgrade Underlayment, Multifoil Insulation Boards, and Apply Cementitious Coatings for More Protection.
· Weight comes in impact-resistant shingles and elastomeric or acrylic coatings to keep your roof more hail-resilient.
Regular Damage and Upgrades Investing is a Circle
In addition to fixing the damage, investing in regular roofing maintenance and upgrades can help protect your home against future hailstorms. Simple upkeep, like cleaning gutters, inspecting for loose or damaged shingles, and sealing small cracks, can extend the longevity of your roof.
If your roof is older and due for replacement, consider upgrading with newer materials or installing additional protection to make it more hail-resistant.
Similarly, innovative gutter guards and the implementation of hail-resistant underlayment can also be effective ways to protect your home.
· Be sure to schedule regular roof inspections and maintenance with licensed roofing professionals.
· Regular professional inspections can detect and remedy both existing problems and those that may arise in the future.
· Establish a Perimeter. You want your roof to always be in the best possible shape, so take some time and consider what maintenance plan will serve it throughout these challenging times.
· Regular maintenance and inspections on your roof can save you money in the long run, as they help extend the life of your roof.
Optimize Roof Ventilation and Insulation
Roof ventilation and insulation are two of the most important factors in ensuring your roof stays healthy for as long as possible, particularly after a hailstorm. If ventilation is poor, moisture builds up, further damaging hail marks or creating scenarios where mold or mildew becomes an issue. It is vital that you have a well-ventilated attic space and insulation properly installed, so check it out.
Doing this will help keep water off your roof and let it drain away in winter instead of causing ice dams that can worsen hail dings. Ask a roofing professional to assess your roof for ventilation and insulation.Taking care of your roof repair after a hail storm is one important home maintenance job you can't afford to take action on. This process will help you reduce damage, keep your home safe, and develop a lasting roof.
From inspecting your roof damage to deciphering the components of your insurance policy and then putting into place proactive safeguards as well as scheduling professional inspections — every step is crucial for preserving the life span of your roofing being complete. A healthy roof is your first line of defense against everything mother Earth has to throw at you. Contact Bulletproof Roofing today before it is too late to have us inspect your roof, allowing you to get a head start on completing that repair. Protecting your home is an investment in the health of both itself and its owner.
Comments