The roofs of our homes could quite easily be considered the most important part of our homes too. Often times we take for granted the protection and security our roofs offer until a problem arises, but once the problem is present it consumes our thoughts. It is important to be aware of a huge enemy to our roofs, hail. Being educated on the signs of hail damage, and the actions to take if hail damage is present can be a big time and money saver.

On the market today you may see some companies advertising hail proof roofs. Be warned that there is no such thing as a completely hail proof roof. Different types of roofs may hold up better to hail than other types of roofs, but none are completely invulnerable to the frozen rain. The two most widely used residential roofing materials, composite and asphalt, are both susceptible to damages. Every homeowner should be able to detect the signs of hail damage.

Before you and your home have to go through a hail storm you should be conscious of your insurance policy on hail damage. Different insurance companies have different lengths of time in which they allow you to make your insurance claim. It is always the best idea to make the claim immediately and not hold back. Another difference between insurance companies is the scales in which they use to determine if the hail damage is significant enough to need repair. Know this information beforehand and keep it in mind if your home has suffered damage.

Do not believe that if none of the shingles are missing your roof is fine. High winds are what cause missing shingles, not hail. Hail damage is harder to detect than just missing shingles, and with an asphalt roof the task can become even harder.

If you believe the hail storm could have caused any damage, the first thing you should do is photograph the property while hail is still on the ground, making sure the date is present on the photo. Your next photo should be of the entire roof. If your roof and house appear to be in good condition after the storm, it is still important to save these pictures incase something does go wrong.

Give your roof enough time to completely dry before you inspect the roof and the gutters. Check where the gutters drain and be on the lookout for an abundance of granules that come from asphalt shingles. If you notice this to be the case, check for areas that look weathered and be sure to photograph them.

Once you find evidence of hail damage in the form of weathered hailstone size spots on your shingles, it is time to get a professional opinion concerning detecting and repairing hail to roofs. Many roofing companies offer free inspections. A homeowner can combine a professional’s inspection report with the photographs and submit the material to an insurance company.