5 Myths about Hail Damage
Hail damage accounts for a lot damaged roofs in the Southwest, particularly in New Mexico. While some damage may be easy to spot and quite obvious, other roof issues resulting from severe weather may not. It is important, however, that your roof is kept in top condition because any structural deterioration could cause leaks and other problems in the future. Misunderstandings abound concerning roofing and here are just a few myths surrounding hail damage to your roof.
Myth #1 – I don’t visually see any roof damage after a hailstorm, so there must not be any problems.
A visual inspection, either by you or your roofer, may not be sufficient to identify hail damage. You need to have your roof inspected by someone who is specifically trained to spot hail roof damage.
Myth #2 – My roof is new, so it’s covered by a warranty.
Regardless of whether your home is new or just your roof, contractors, builders and manufacturers typically exclude hail damage as something that will be paid out under a warranty. In fact, a newer roof may be more susceptible to damage as they haven’t had sufficient time to cure from exposure to the elements.
Myth #3 – The 1-year time limit for filing an insurance claim has passed, so I’m out of luck.
While many insurance companies have a one-year time limit, or less, to file a claim, this isn’t always the case. If there is a large storm, some companies may extend the period of time that they will pay claims for damages.
Myth #4 – There is minimal hail damage, so I’m better off leaving it alone and not filing a claim.
Any hail damage to a roof, regardless of how minimal, should be reported because these incidents can turn into leaks and deterioration many years later, which can be very costly to repair. Unreported hail damage may also cause larger problems when greater damage occurs.
Myth #5 – If I file a claim for hail damage my insurance company will raise my rates or cancel my policy.
Many states have enacted laws that prohibit insurance companies from cancelling policies due to the filing of weather-related claims. Also, rates are geographically-based, so your rates may increase after a storm regardless of whether you file a claim for hail damage or not, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
When hail hits, your roof is one of the most vulnerable areas of your property. Hail roof damaged must be correctly assessed and should be addressed as quickly as possible after a storm to protect your rights. Not doing so could expose you and your family to additional costs and frustration in the future. If you would like an expert roof repair company to give you a free consultation on your potential hail damage, contact Atlas Home Repair and we will set up an appointment right away. Call us at (575) 522-0697 or fill out our form at http://atlashomerepair.com/services/roofing-repairs/.
