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Minnesota Roofing Problems & Solutions: Hail Damage

Minnesota Roofing Problems & Solutions: Hail Damage

Hailstorms are a worry for most homeowners, and roofing damage can be very expensive or quickly become an emergency situation if not addressed. If you know damage has occurred, starting the repair process as fast as possible is critical to reduce the impact and decrease the risk of structural damage in your home.

The Restoration Geeks team is your local expert in hail damage repair, so let's look at common problems and how to resolve them.

How Can You Tell if Your Roof Has Hail Damage?

It's no secret that your roof needs proper winter preparation steps to keep it in great shape, but when hail damage strikes, it can be tricky, especially if you don't know what you're looking for or how to start dealing with it.

Hail falls in random patterns and may not be consistent throughout your neighborhood, making it confusing where the problem areas are. If you see damage to exterior furnishings, plant leaves stripped or removed, or new dancer dings in vehicles, these are all clear indicators that a storm has come through.

Not all the damage will be visible from the surface, and you might only see it when you look at the backside of the shingles, but a few key indicators that there's damage are:

  • Round black punctured areas or bruising in traditional shingles

  • Granule loss, which you may find in your gutters, downspouts, or yard

  • Small divots in the material

  • Puncturing or denting

Why Is Fixing So Important?

If you have found damage, it can be challenging to gauge whether you are just dealing with cosmetic blemishes or if it will directly affect your roof's efficiency. If you're finding leaks or signs of water damage inside the interior, this needs to be remedied as quickly as possible because it will deteriorate your internal structure.

Even if you aren't 100% sure, it's always best to call an expert because they can help determine if it needs to be addressed right away, and you can create a plan to manage the repair process together.

Tips for Handling the Repair Process

The repair process doesn’t have to be complicated if you know what steps to follow, so our expert tips for starting include:

Do a Visual Inspection

Start with a visual inspection; while it's never recommended to DIY a roofing inspection, always put safety first. Never climb on the roof without slip-resistant souls and a safety harness, have a strong ladder, and avoid walking on the roof if it's icy or wet.

Get Plenty of Documentation

Thoroughly document any damage with clear videos and photographs of the affected areas because it can be used for filing your insurance claim. Include commentary on areas that may be harder to see and describe in detail what you observe.

Cover the Damage

If there's extensive damage and the roofing expert can't get out to you immediately, try to seal the punctures or cracks or cover them as a temporary solution until the repairs can be completed.

Call a Reputable Expert

Pick a contractor with a good reputation and the proper certifications and experience. You want a company with a long-standing track record for handling hail damage, and it's always recommended to check online reviews or ask for references. Be sure to get an itemized estimate in writing for your insurance company.

File Your Insurance Claim

In most cases, the damage will be covered by your homeowner's insurance, and it could be helpful to take a look at your policy before reaching out to your provider so you're prepared for any limitations, exclusions, or deductibles.

You'll need to provide full documentation and a report from the inspector and contact the insurance company as soon as possible to get the repair started quickly.

Restoration Geeks: Your Twin Cities Hail Damage Restoration Experts

Any damage to your home will be a headache that will cost you extra time and money, so you want to work with a company with the right experience to make the process as easy as possible. Restoration Geeks has been a locally and family-owned company for over 20 years. We specialize in commercial and residential services and offer solar panel installation at your convenience.

Our team is always happy to answer any questions, and you can reach out online or give us a call at 952-500-9546 to schedule your appointment.