Hailstorms can be frightening and cause significant property damage to homes and vehicles. Some hail damage is obvious, while other damage is not immediately apparent without close inspection. Identifying signs of hail damage is crucial for preventing further property deterioration or damage. These damages may include leaky roofs and skylights, warped structural components, and damaged or moldy insulation.
Identifying signs of hail damage is also necessary for filing a property damage claim. Property owners can assess damages and file claims through their insurers to recover repair costs. However, it's common for insurance companies to undervalue and deny claims.
Property owners with extensive damages may be navigating a complex claim. A hail damage lawyer will ensure a thorough inspection and a smoother claims process. They can hire a professional inspector, who are experts at identifying signs of hail damage and can adequately assess damages—ensuring maximum compensation for your hail damage claim.
Identifying Signs of Hail Damage on Your Property
When inspecting your property for signs of hail damage, there are several steps to ensure you assess the full scope of the damage. Property owners or professional property inspectors must inspect vehicles, roofs, siding, windows and screens, gutters and downspouts, vents, skylights, attics, and outdoor AC units.
Visually Inspect Your Property’s Exterior
The first step to identifying signs of hail damage is to inspect your property visually. You can view extensive roof damage and damage to siding, windows, screens, downspouts, and vehicles on the ground. A thorough inspection will require getting on the roof to assess damage to roof shingles, flashing, skylights, vents, and gutters.
Identifying Signs of Hail Damage on Your Roof Shingles
Identifying signs of hail damage on the roof will look different depending on the type of shingles or roofing material you have. Common roofing materials and subsequent hail damages include:
- Asphalt and Composition Roof Shingles: Hail hits appear black with no discernible pattern. Damages include loss of granules, possibly exposing the roof felt, and shiny asphalt or mats.
- Wood Roof Shingles: Damage has no discernible pattern and have impact marks and dents along the splits in wooden shingles. Splits in the shingle may appear brown or orange, have sharp corners, or have little to no deterioration at the edges.
- Metal Roof: Hailstorms can cause significant dents and punctures in metal roofing. It can also damage the protective coating, leading to future corrosion issues if not properly resolved.
Getting onto the roof can be hazardous for various reasons, including unstable footing, fall dangers, roof damage, electrical hazards, and lack of proper safety equipment. Homeowners should exercise caution before getting on their roofs—or leave it to the professionals.
Examine Your Flashing, Vents, and Skylights
Flashing is the material (usually metal) around skylights, vents, chimneys, and other roof penetrations that help prevent water from entering a home. Check for dents, bent flashing, cracks, tears, missing sections, or other signs of damage.
Inspect Gutters and Downspouts
Check your gutters and downspouts for signs of hail damage. The metal may have dents or holes. If hail damages your draining system, it can lead to significant drainage issues and further damage. You may also see accumulated granules, which indicate hail damage to your roof.
Examine Windows and Screens
Small hail stones can cause chips and cracks in window pane glass. Larger hail can produce broken or shattered glass. Additionally, hail can visibly tear and puncture window screens. Notate any damage to screens and windows for your insurance claim.
Inspect Your Siding
When inspecting your property's siding for signs of hail damage, look for dings, dents, chips, and cracks. There may also be loose or warped side panels, flaking or peeling paint, and exposed underlying materials.
Check Outdoor AC Units and Attics
Identifying signs of hail damage on an outdoor AC unit means checking for visible dents on the casing, deformed or bent condenser fins, a burning electrical smell, leaks around the AC unit, and strange noises when operating. Check your attic for signs of water leaks and damage, including mold.
Examine Your Vehicle
Finally, examine your vehicle for signs of hail damage. Damage can include visible dents on the roof, hood, and trunk. Chipped, cracked, or shattered windshields and rear and passenger windows may also be present.
Why You Need a Hail Damage Lawyer
Property owners with extensive hail damage should consult a hail damage attorney to handle their claims. They understand the complex insurance claims process guidelines and can confidently navigate them. They also expedite claims when insurance companies delay them, resulting in timelier resolutions and quicker payouts.
Other reasons to hire an attorney include their investigation into your claim, comprehensive damage assessment, negotiating with insurers, representing you in court, and appealing denied claims.
Comprehensive Damage Assessment
Property insurance claims adjusters aim to minimize their company's payouts. To save money, they often undervalue claims. However, a hail damage lawyer will fight for your right to maximize compensation by thoroughly assessing all damages and losses.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies generally start with a low offer, hoping that legally unrepresented property owners accept them without qualms. Negotiating is a crucial part of securing fair compensation for hail damages. A hail damage attorney will confidently negotiate for a fair settlement. They will discuss any offers before advising you on accepting or rejecting them.
Representing You In Court
In the event your insurance company refuses to pay a valid hail damage insurance claim, your attorney may file a civil lawsuit. Fortunately, most hail damage claims are settled outside of court. They can professionally present your case, increasing your chances of winning.
Appealing Denied Claims
Hail damage claims can sometimes be unfairly denied. However, property owners don't have to accept rejection if they know they have a legitimate claim. A hail damage lawyer can review your denial letter and strategize your appeal.
Consult a Hail Damage Attorney Today
Complex insurance claims don't have to overwhelm property and homeowners. Schedule a free consultation with a reputable hail damage attorney today. Hail damage attorneys work for contingency, meaning there are no upfront costs to retain legal counsel; they only get paid if you do.