Living in Oklahoma means dealing with unpredictable weather, and hailstorms are a common occurrence in Norman, Oklahoma City, and the surrounding areas. While hailstorms can vary in intensity, even small hail can cause significant damage to your roof. Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t realize the extent of the damage until it’s too late, which can lead to more serious problems down the line.
At Legend Roofs, we’ve seen firsthand how damaging hailstorms can be to roofs in our community. In this guide, we’ll cover the types of issues hail damage: what you need to know and how insurance can help.
1. How Hail Damages Your Roof
Hailstorms can range from light showers of small ice pellets to large, destructive hailstones. Even hail the size of a dime can cause considerable roof damage, and in Oklahoma, we’ve seen hailstones as large as baseballs. Here are some of the ways hail can damage your roof:
Shingle Damage
Hail can crack, dent, or puncture shingles, especially if the shingles are already worn or nearing the end of their lifespan. This can lead to leaks, which in turn can cause water damage to your home’s interior.
Granule Loss
Shingles are coated with granules that help protect them from UV rays and the elements. When hail hits, it can knock these granules loose, reducing the shingles’ effectiveness and lifespan. Granule loss can also expose the underlayers of your roof to further damage.
Dents in Metal Roofing and Flashing
If your roof has metal elements such as flashing or a metal roof system, hail can leave visible dents. While this might seem like a cosmetic issue, dents can weaken the metal and eventually lead to cracks or other structural problems.
Compromised Roof Structure
In severe hailstorms, the impact can be strong enough to damage the underlying structure of your roof, including decking and support beams. This type of damage is not always visible but can lead to sagging or instability in your roof over time.
Cracked or Broken Roof Tiles
For homes with tile roofs, hail can crack or shatter tiles, leaving gaps for water to seep in. This can be particularly problematic because broken tiles are often harder to spot than shingle damage.
2. Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Hail Damage
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is ignoring hail damage because it doesn’t seem severe. Even if you don’t see obvious issues, minor damage can quickly turn into bigger problems if left unaddressed:
- Leaks and Water Damage: Small cracks or dents can lead to leaks, which can damage your home’s interior, from the attic to the ceiling and walls.
- Mold Growth: Water from leaks can lead to mold growth in your home, which is not only unsightly but also a health hazard.
- Reduced Roof Lifespan: Damage from hail weakens your roof’s overall structure, which means it may need to be replaced sooner than expected.
- Decreased Home Value: A damaged roof can lower your home’s value and make it harder to sell in the future.
3. How Insurance Covers Hail Damage
The good news is that most homeowners’ insurance policies in Oklahoma cover hail damage, which means you may not have to bear the full cost of repairs or replacement. Here’s how the process typically works:
Step 1: Inspect the Damage
After a hailstorm, the first step is to schedule a professional roof inspection. At Legend Roofs, we offer free hail damage inspections, and our experts will assess the extent of the damage to your roof.
Step 2: File an Insurance Claim
Once we’ve documented the damage, you can file a claim with your homeowners’ insurance provider. It’s important to file the claim as soon as possible after the hailstorm, as some insurance policies have deadlines for reporting damage.
Step 3: Insurance Adjuster Inspection
Your insurance company will likely send an adjuster to inspect the damage and determine the extent of the coverage. We work closely with insurance adjusters to ensure they have all the information they need to process your claim fairly and accurately.
Step 4: Roof Repair or Replacement
Once your claim is approved, your insurance company will cover the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged portions of your roof, minus your deductible. In many cases, if the damage is severe enough, they may cover the cost of a full roof replacement.
4. What to Expect From Your Insurance Policy
While most homeowners’ insurance policies cover hail damage, it’s important to know what to expect from your specific policy. Here are some factors that could affect your coverage:
- Deductible: You will be responsible for paying the deductible before your insurance coverage kicks in. Be sure to know what your deductible is so you can plan accordingly.
- Coverage Limits: Some policies may have limits on how much they will pay for certain types of roof damage. Make sure you understand these limits before filing a claim.
- Depreciation: If your roof is older, your insurance company may take depreciation into account when calculating how much they will pay. This means they may not cover the full cost of a new roof if your current roof is already nearing the end of its lifespan.
5. Why Choose Legend Roofs for Hail Damage Repair?
At Legend Roofs, we’ve been helping homeowners in Norman, Oklahoma City, and the surrounding areas deal with hail damage for years. We understand the unique weather challenges in Oklahoma, and we’re committed to providing top-quality roofing solutions. Here’s why you should choose us:
- Free Roof Inspections: We offer free inspections to assess the extent of the hail damage and provide honest, transparent recommendations.
- Insurance Claim Assistance: We work directly with your insurance company to ensure the claims process is smooth and stress-free.
- Local Expertise: We know Oklahoma’s weather and how it affects roofs in our area, so we can provide tailored solutions to protect your home.
- Quality Workmanship: Our team uses high-quality materials and provides expert craftsmanship to ensure your roof is built to last.
6. Schedule Your Free Hail Damage Inspection Today
If your home has been through a hailstorm, don’t wait to address potential damage. Contact Legend Roofs today at 405-352-7307 to schedule your free hail damage inspection. Our team will help you navigate the insurance process and make sure your roof is repaired or replaced with the care and expertise it deserves.
