More Tips: Hail Damage and Roof Repair

• Be careful of any company that uses door-to-door sales or leaves a flier on your doorknob or in your mailbox, promising insurance compensation for repairs.
• Phrases to watch out for: “insurance companies are compensating” and “most homeowners are unaware of the storm damage on their roof.”
• Make sure to get verification of a hailstorm in your neighborhood. The National Weather Service or your neighbors are good independent sources.
• If there was a storm, find out how large the hailstones were. It usually takes hail at least 1¼ inches in diameter to cause damage, with golf ball size or larger causing serious damage.
• Look around your property before climbing on your roof. Is there hail damage to vehicles, siding or shrubbery? If not, damage to your roof is unlikely.
• The homeowner should be aware of which way the storm was moving. Many homes have roofs with various angles or pitches, which means that the angles facing the storm would receive the most damage.
• Hail damage is random. Unscrupulous repair companies may use a teaspoon, small rocks or hammers to fabricate damage.

After a storm:

• Do not be rushed into signing a contract with a particular company. Get business cards and ask for written estimates for the work.
• Beware of a company that puts emphasis on how the homeowner can get a new roof paid for by the insurance company.
• Talk to your insurance agent and ask for advice on how to proceed in getting repairs made. Keep receipts for temporary repairs.
• Investigate the track record of any roofer or contractor you consider hiring. Look for companies with a good reputation in your community.