Because Texas is such a large state, it is prone to thunderstorms, especially during the spring, summer, and fall. In fact, Texas averages between 30 and 60 thunderstorms each year. These thunderstorms can be very damaging to houses in the San Antonio area and may include hail as well as lightning strikes. Hail in Texas can reach golf ball size or larger, which can cause damage to your roof. If you’re worried about your roof after a hailstorm, here is some information so you can get your roof fixed quickly.
What Kind of Damage Can Hail Do to a Roof?
Hail can do a tremendous amount of damage to your roof. First, hail damage can cause soft spots on your roof, much like a bruised piece of fruit. Hail can also scrape off the granules on your roof shingles, which will expose the shingle to the elements, and eventually, this might result in a roof leak. You may also notice parts of your roof look shiny after the storm passes, which can also lead to a roof leak. Depending on the size of the hailstones that hit your roof, you may even be able to see craters or pockmarks on the roof, which are impact marks from the hail hitting your roof.
Will My Insurance Policy Cover Hail Damage to My Roof?
In general, most homeowners’ policies cover hair damage, but there are some exceptions.
First, if your roof is very old, your homeowner’s insurance may not cover you against hail damage. You’ll need to check your policy to see if there is an age restriction on your roof before you think about filing a claim. You may want to look for exact paperwork on your roof to see how old it is. If you have recently purchased the home, the details about your roof should be on your home inspection or within the contract.
Second, your homeowner’s insurance may not cover your roof if you haven’t maintained it properly. This means you haven’t had your roof inspected regularly to check for any issues. You don’t have to have your roof inspected each year, but you should do it every few years to make sure your roof is in good shape.
Third, you need to have a close look at your insurance policy with regard to hail damage. In some locations in Oklahoma and Kansas, insurance companies have paid a lot of claims after hail storms, and some of their policies now specify either that they won’t paid for cosmetic hail damage or they will request a higher premium on your policy if you live in an area with intense thunderstorms.
I’ve Had a Hailstorm Hit My Roof. What Do I Do Next?
After the hailstorm has passed, and you are doing a damage assessment on your roof, if you notice damage or you suspect you have damage, you first need to check your homeowners’ policy for limitations and deductibles on your policy. That way, you will be able to determine if your insurance company will cover your damages and also how much money you will have to pay for your deductible.
Next, you need to have your roof inspected. There are plenty of reputable roof companies in the San Antonio area that can give you a roof inspection. If the inspectors use photos and videos, you can request a copy to give to your insurance company as proof of your claim.
Once you have your inspection, you can then file a claim. Your insurance company will send an adjuster out to your house to determine if you have a valid claim. Once your claim has been processed, you’ll be able to receive payment for your claim and have your roof fixed. In Texas, insurance companies have 5 business days from the time the claim is approved to send you a check. Do you have questions about your hail damage? We can help. Give Roof Fix San Antonio a call today.
