Hailstorms are a frequent occurrence in the Midsouth, and while we often picture large, baseball-sized hailstones, even smaller hail can cause significant damage to your roof. The damage may not be immediately visible, but over time, these small impacts can lead to costly repairs or even a roof replacement if not addressed quickly.
In this blog, we’ll explore how hail damage can often go unnoticed, the potential risks it poses to your home, and why working with experienced residential roofing services like Metro Builders can save you from facing expensive consequences down the line.
The Invisible Threat: How Hail Damages Your Roof
At first glance, hail damage might seem minor. Unlike a fallen tree branch or an obvious puncture, hail impacts can be hard to spot. However, even small hailstones can cause lasting damage that can go undetected unless inspected properly by a professional.
Here’s what typically happens during a hailstorm:
- Hailstones strike shingles, causing micro-fractures that weaken their integrity.
- Granules dislodge from the shingles, exposing the underlying asphalt, which reduces the effectiveness of the shingles in protecting your roof.
- Sun exposure after the storm causes the shingles to become brittle, making them prone to cracking and curling over time.
- Moisture penetration leads to slow leaks that may not be noticeable immediately but can damage insulation and wood structures in your attic.
- Over time, these conditions can lead to rot and mold growth, which not only impacts the structural integrity of your home but also reduces indoor air quality.
In our experience at Metro Builders, many homeowners don’t realize they have hail damage until they notice water stains or leaks inside their homes. This delayed discovery can lead to much larger problems that are far more expensive to fix.
The Importance of Early Detection: Why You Need a Professional Inspection
You might not immediately notice hail damage from the ground, and that’s why it’s critical to have a professional inspection as soon as possible after a storm. Even though the damage might seem minor, the long-term effects can be severe if left unaddressed.
Why early detection is important:
- Preventing leaks: Small cracks or micro-fractures in shingles can lead to water penetration. A professional inspection will catch these early before they become a major leak.
- Protecting the roof’s lifespan: If left unchecked, the damage can shorten the lifespan of your roof, leading to unnecessary repairs or even a full roof replacement.
- Insurance claims: Insurance policies often require roof damage claims to be filed within a certain time frame. Missing the window for claims can result in coverage denials.
That’s where a residential roofing service like Metro Builders comes in. Our experienced team can perform a thorough post-storm inspection and help you understand the full extent of hail damage, even the issues you might not see from the ground.
The Insurance Window: Don’t Miss Your Chance
Most insurance policies require claims to be filed within one year of the storm event. However, some insurance companies have more restrictive timelines or hidden clauses that could limit your ability to file a claim.
If you don’t act fast, your chances of getting an insurance payout for hail damage may be compromised. Many homeowners fail to file a claim in time because they don’t notice the damage until it’s too late.
At Metro Builders, we often work with homeowners to document storm damage thoroughly and provide detailed inspection photos to ensure a successful insurance claim. This process can help you get the roof replacement or repair services you need without having to cover the entire cost out-of-pocket.
Real Case Study: Germantown Home Saved
We recently helped a family in Germantown who had no idea their roof had been damaged by hail. They had experienced a storm a few months earlier, and although there were no obvious signs of damage, they decided to have a Metro Builders professional inspection just to be sure.
Upon inspecting their roof, we found more than 6 significant hail impacts that had caused granule loss and micro-fractures on their shingles. Had they waited any longer, their insurance claim could’ve been denied due to delayed reporting or the roof’s condition deteriorating further.
By catching the damage early, we were able to assist them in getting full coverage for a roof replacement, saving them thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs. This is a perfect example of why post-storm inspections from experienced residential roofing services are essential to protect your home and finances.
What Sets Metro Builders Apart?
Choosing the right roofing company for your storm damage repair or roof replacement is key to ensuring quality work and avoiding future issues. Here’s what sets Metro Builders apart from other residential roofing contractors in the area:
- Founded in 1996 — Nearly 30 years of experience serving the Midsouth.
- Licensed General Contractors in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas.
- Insurance Experts — We understand the language, process, and requirements adjusters expect, helping you navigate the insurance claims process with ease.
- Full-Service — From roof inspections to rebuilds and water mitigation if leaks have already occurred, we handle it all.
Conclusion: Protect Your Home from Hidden Hail Damage
When it comes to hail damage, the real threat lies in what you can’t see. Don’t wait for leaks or other severe damage to appear before taking action. A thorough post-storm inspection by residential roofing contractors like Metro Builders will help you catch hidden damage before it leads to expensive repairs.
If you suspect your roof has been damaged by a storm or if you simply want peace of mind, don’t wait — call Metro Builders today for a free roof inspection. We’ll provide you with a detailed report and help you navigate the insurance claims process, so you can make informed decisions about your roof’s future.
Call Metro Builders today at 901-375-1717 or fill out the form on our website to schedule your free inspection. Let us help you protect your home from the damage you can’t see.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Not all hail damage requires a full roof replacement. Minor damage can often be repaired, while significant damage may necessitate a full replacement. It’s important to have a professional roof inspection to assess the extent of the damage. If your roof has granule loss, shingle cracks, or internal leaks, it may be time to replace it to avoid further issues down the road.
The amount your insurance company will pay for hail damage depends on the type of policy you have, the deductible, and the extent of the damage. Most policies cover hail damage to the roof, but the payout will be based on the value of the damage and your policy limits. It’s important to check your coverage and speak with your insurance adjuster to understand the specific details of your claim.
Yes, hail damage can cause micro-fractures in shingles that aren’t immediately noticeable from the ground. Over time, these fractures can weaken the roof, making it more vulnerable to leaks, rot, and further damage. Early inspections can prevent costly repairs down the line.
You should schedule a roof inspection as soon as possible after a hailstorm, ideally within 48-72 hours. This ensures that any damage is documented early and you can begin the insurance claim process before the damage worsens or is overlooked.
While minor cosmetic damage can sometimes be handled by homeowners, hail damage to shingles and the roof’s structure often requires professional repairs. A trusted roofing contractor like Metro Builders will have the expertise and tools to properly assess and repair the damage to prevent further issues down the line.
Chris Price is the CEO of Metro Builders, with over 25 years of experience in construction and project leadership. He’s passionate about building strong teams, delivering quality projects, and driving innovation in the industry.
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