Services: Roofing/Hail Damage

Hail damage snatches more than $1 billion from the pockets of U.S. homeowners. Only the destruction wrought by wind storms and their mightier cousins, tornadoes, causes more damage, according to the National Weather Service.

According to respondents to a recent Angie’s List poll, 47 percent have reported having storm damage, with 19 percent of the damage caused by hail.

 “Severe storms can be traumatic, and people trying to put their lives back together shouldn’t have to worry about trouble from shady contractors,” advises Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List (www.angieslist.com), the nation’s leading provider of ratings on local service companies. “Once the storm has passed and you know your family is safe, inspect your home to see what’s damaged. Then, contact local contractors who are licensed to come out and give you an estimate on the damage. If there is damage contact your insurance company and file a claim.”

Hail can damage to siding, fences and gardens, but the roof is the most exposed and generally takes the worst beating. Newer shingles should be more resistant to the impact than older due to the wear and tear of the weather.

“You should know what your insurance policy covers in the event of hail damage.  Most companies won’t cover you if the damage was done over a year ago, so check with your agent if you’re not sure,” Hicks said.  “One of our members had hail damage to their roof, however their insurance company refused to pay for it saying there was no damage. Meanwhile, every other house on the block got a new roof paid for needless to say the homeowners are still upset about it.”

7 spots Where You Should Check for Hail Damage:

• Nickel to quarter sized “dimples” or impressions on you roof.
• Spots that look bruised from where granule was displaced on the shingles.
• Dents in anything aluminum on your house such as mailbox, gutters, fence, and outside A/C unit outside.
• Holes or missing paint from the siding of your house.
• Chipped paint on your car.
• Cracks or chips in your car’s windshield.
• Small dents or dings on the metal panels of your vehicle.

Angie’s List went to its highly rated restoration companies for tips on what to do after a hail storm:

• Do your own visual inspection of your home, automobiles and other property exposed to the hail. Take a picture of any damage you may find.
• Protect your property from any further damage until you all the repairs are done.

• Call at least three reputable contractors that specialize in the repairs you need and ask for estimates.
• Review your insurance policy to ensure you know what you’re entitled to.  Some insurance companies surcharge or up rate for any claim, therefore it is best to know if you have damage.    
• If there is damage call your insurance policy right away to file a claim.
• Don’t be afraid to question your agent if you’re confused; you’ve already paid him/her to help you in times of crisis.
• If you’re not covered, you’ll have to take care of the repairs from your own pocket. Call the contractors yourself and ask for estimates.
• Check the credentials of your prospective contractor to be sure he/she has a good reputation, is licensed and can do the work. 

• Don’t pay cash in advance for work.

*1,085 Angie’s List members took the poll. Responses are representative of Angie’s List members but not the general public.

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Angie’s List is where thousands of consumers share their ratings and reviews on local contractors and companies in more than 425 different categories. Currently, more than 750,000 consumers across the U.S. rely on Angie’s List to help them find the right contractor or company for the job they need done. Members have unlimited access to the list via Internet or phone; receive the award-winning Angie’s List magazine, which includes articles on home improvement and maintenance, consumer trends and scam alerts; and they can utilize the Angie’s List complaint resolution service. Get more information about Angie’s List at http://www.angieslist.com View the latest Angie's List News Releases in our Press Center and read Angie’s blog at http://www.angiehicksblog.com.