3 Tips for Homes with Hail Damaged Roofs in Atlanta

First things that homeowners need to understand is what hail is and how it can damage there roof and home. Created in the upper atmosphere, hail is balls of solid ice that can range from the size of a BB to larger than a softball. Now out in Texas and Oklahoma hail can be bigger. Falling from thousands of feet, the balls can reach there terminal velocity providing a devastating punch which your roof or siding has to absorb. Small hail stones usually can be absorbed with little damage unless the age of the roof exceeds more than twelve years. Of course, the larger the stones, the greater the damage inflicted.

So how can the homeowner know if there roof is damaged?

Tip #1 - Have the Roof Inspected.
For starters, homeowners can do this themselves. Check inside your home first. Go up in the attic and check for moist areas or water dripping in. Look for dark spots on the ceiling and walls. If you find any of this, severe damage has occurred. Still, significant damage can occur and not cause leaks right away. Check your roof  for dents in the shingle or metal vents. Getting on the roof isn't required. A pair of binoculars will provide for decent viewing. Finally, ask an Atlanta roofing contractor to come give an inspection. Most don't charge for this sort of thing.

So what if my roof is damaged? That's an expensive fix.

Tip #2 - Homeowners insurance covers Hail and Storm Damage.
If you suspect your roof has damage or a roofing contractor has found damage, the next course is to file a claim with your homeowner insurance. They will send out an adjuster to assess the damage to your roof. Depending on the age, quality, and severity of damage, the adjuster will determine whether to repair the damage areas or replace the whole roof. A side tip here - Get a roofing contractor to give you an estimate of the damage as well. Of course, the insurance deductible will come into play, but the average roof costs $8000 dollars to replace. $500 - $1000 deductible is much cheaper.

So now my roof is getting replaced. Should I get the cheapest bid or materials?

Tip #3 - You get what you pay for when it comes to roofing materials.
Your roof is the first and greatest line of defense for your home against the weather. If your insurance is paying to replace the roof, it won't be for the cheapest materials or labor. The insurance company wants appropriate, quality materials and installation. Getting cheaper materials and labor and then keeping the leftover money is technically insurance fraud. Plus your home and belongs are at risk of not weathering a storm later on. Now I am not advising installing the most expensive material, even though they have there advantages both in quality and aesthetics, but the less the cost, the less the quality. A 25 year warrantied three tab shingle from a reputable company like GAF or Owens Corning should be the minimum standard for what gets installed on your roof. A reputable roofing contractor won't use cheap materials but a shady contractor will. Just because a bid or estimate is lower doesn't mean the contractor is doing it for less, just using cheaper materials.