1. Art and Diseño

SO THE HAIL STORM DAMAGED YOUR HOME?
A Complete Primer on Hail Damage and What to Do About It
presented by the Colorado Homeowners Alliance
Hailstorms are a way of life in many parts of the US, It’s not a question of
whether a hailstorm will hit, but when damaging hail will hit. Many areas in
the U.S. receive hail six or more times a year and many homes are damaged every year. By definition, hail damage is any damage resulting from
hailstones and hailstorms. Hailstones that are 0.75 inches or greater are
large enough to cause substantial damage to homes, automobiles & property. For comparison, 0.75 inches is the diameter of a penny.
How to Identify Hail Damage
You may think that just because you can't see any signs of damage, or because your roof isn't leaking, you don't have damage. Remember, hail damage can be particularly difficult to identify and many homeowners discover
major roofing damage years down the road, after it's too late to file a storm
damage claim with their insurance company. If you have any reason to suspect hail damage after a storm, you should have a full property damage inspection performed by a reputable contractor, right away.
Roof Hail Damage
When most people think of roofing shingles, they are actually thinking of asphalt shingles, the most common type of shingles in the country. Asphalt
shingles are made from asphalt re-enforced with either organic material or
fiberglass and they are coated with small metallic surface granules that protect the roof from UV-rays that speeds deterioration. Asphalt shingles come
in a wide range of colors, sizes and styles. During severe storms asphalt
shingles can be seriously damaged and require repair or replacement.
On an asphalt roof, hail damage looks like a dark spot, or bruise, where the
roofing granules have been knocked
away. In some cases you may find holes,
cracking, or missing shingles on roofs
with hail or storm damage. After a tornado, you may notice split seams and torn
or missing shingles. This can result in
leaking and serious water damage, which
can lead to mold formation and wood
rot, which can compromise the structural
integrity of your roof resulting in collapse. In severe wind storms, it is common for shingles or sections of the
roof to be missing altogether.
On other types of roofs, including shake (wood), metal, tile and slate, damage can include broken or cracked shingles, missing shingles, torn or split
seams, and missing sections of the roof. If a tree limb or other debris has
fallen onto your roof during the storm, you may have structural damage,
and will want to exercise extreme caution.
Common Signs of Roof Damage
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Missing shingles
Bruises or dented asphalt shingles
Cracked or broken tile, slate, or concrete shingles
Granules collecting in gutters or downspouts
Leaks in your roof or ceiling
Window Damage
In high wind areas, many homes have protective storm shutters to protect
exposed glass. However, even with
storm shutters, many windows can get
cracked or damaged. If your home has
been hit by hail, high winds, or a tornado, cracked or broken windows and
damaged window casings are the most
common signs of damage. Remember, a
broken, shattered or missing window is
dangerous. Watch out for shards of
glass and make sure you board up any
shattered windows until they can be repaired.
Common Sing of Window Damage
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Shattered windows
Cracks and holes
Broken panes
Damaged frame
If you have or suspect you have damage to your home or commercial building, start with a free damage inspection from an NSDC certified contractor.
3-Tab Shingles
3-tab shingles are the most common type of
shingle on the market. They are made of
asphalt re-enforced with either organic material, or wood. The most common shape is
rectangular, with a flat, two-dimensional
appearance. The surface is coated with tiny
metallic granules that provide protection
from sun damage. 3-tab shingles are lightweight, easy to install, require no maintenance, come in many colors and are resistant to light weather.
Typically 3-tab shingles carry the shortest warranty and under ideal conditions will last 15-20 years. But, they are highly susceptible to hail and wind
damage. When hail strikes a 3-tab shingle, the impact causes protective
granules to be knocked away, exposing the asphalt base to the sun and elements. This causes a number of problems including leaking, cracking, curling
and shortened lifespan.
A strong wind or tornado can tear off shingles, which renders your roof ineffective at repelling water. A 3-tab roof that has been damaged by hail, wind
oses its ability to effectively protect the structure underneath. Long-term exposure to the elements on a damaged roof can lead to wood rot and structural compromise, and can lead to your roof caving in. If your home has been
hit by a storm and you have 3-tab shingles, you'll want to have your roof inspected as soon as possible.
Architectural Shingles
For homeowners that value appearance and greater storm resistance, architectural shingles are becoming popular.
They come in a wide range of shapes, sizes and color blends and give the roof a 3dimenisional or layered look. Architectural
shingles are heavier and more substantial
than 3-tab shingles and are less likely to
sustain damage during a light storm. But,
architectural shingles can be damaged
during a moderate to severe hail, windstorm, or tornado.
Architectural shingles are coated with protective metallic granules. When architectural shingles are hit by hail, loss of the protective granules is common.
A strong hail hit, even on an impact resistant roof can cause cracking, tearing, split seams and compromise the overall integrity of the shingle, leading
to water damage, leaking and staining on the walls and ceiling inside your
home. Missing shingles break the water seal and expose your roof to damage
from future storms.
Even though architectural shingles typically carry a longer warranty, up to 40
years, storm damage is not covered by most warranties. With limited time to
file an insurance damage claim, if you have architectural shingles and your
home has been hit by a hailstorm, windstorm or tornado, you'll want to have
your roof inspected by a qualified, insurance restoration contractor, as soon
as possible.
T-Lock Shingles
These shingles were first introduced as a high-wind
resistant alternative to 3-tab shingles. T-lock shingles are most commonly found on homes located in
high wind areas and have been discontinued since
2005. T-lock shingles are shaped like a "T" and
were designed to offer better performance in strong
windstorms. T-lock shingles are made from asphalt
covered by protective metallic granules. When hail
hits a T-lock roof and granules are knocked away
creating a "bruise", the shingle loses its ability to protect your home from
sun, UV rays, moisture and leaks.
Designer Shingles
These are the top-of-the-line shingles
offered by manufactures. Designer
shingles can be made from a variety
of composite materials, are unique in
appearance and are designed to give
the roof a specific, unique appearance. Most designer shingles are
made from reinforced asphalt, and
tend to be much heavier than basic
shingles.
Designer shingles outperform basic shingles and may offer features such as
impact resistance, fungus resistance, and longer warranties. As with other
reinforced asphalt shingles, loss of protective granules, cracking, split
seams, and missing shingles are common after a severe hailstorm or tornado.
If you have a designer shingle, it is important to remember that storm
damage can seriously impact the life of your roof, and its ability to protect
your home from damaging UV-rays, moisture and other elements.
Shake Shingles
Cedar shake shingles are an attractive, natural looking shingle popular in upscale
neighborhoods. Shake shingles are highly durable, resist sun, insects and stand up
well in heavy rainstorms and moderate hail
and wind storms.
Because moisture is the natural enemy of
wood shingles, shake shingles require ongoing maintenance and tend to be installed
in drier climates. In areas prone to fires,
shake roofs should be treated with a fire
retardant. While shake shingles outperform asphalt shingles in light to moderate weather, they can still be split, cracked and blown off.
Severe wind, hail storms and tor-
Tile Shingles
Tile shingles are quickly becoming one
of the most popular shingle choices in
the country. They are beautiful, highly
durable, energy efficient and highly fire
resistant. Tile shingles are typically
made from concrete or clay and come in
a wide range of colors, shapes and
styles.
STORM DAMAGE INSURANCE FAQs
Q: Am I required to have homeowners insurance?
A: It is always smart to have a good homeowners insurance policy, even if
you don't owe any money on your home. If you have a mortgage, home equity loan, or use your home as collateral, your lender will require you to
maintain insurance.
Q: Are all homeowners insurance policies the same?
A: There are many different types of insurance policies. Levels of coverage,
exclusions and limits of liability vary greatly. Some policies provide basic
coverage, while others offer broad coverage and high levels of protection.
Q: Does my homeowners insurance cover all types of storm damage?
A: It depends on your policy. Most homeowners insurance policies cover
storms including hail, tornado and wind damage. But, floods and earthquakes usually require additional coverage. It is always smart to check your
policy to see exactly what is covered.
Q: Is replacement cost the same as the sale price of my home?
A: Not necessarily. The replacement cost is the actual cost to rebuild your
home in the event it is completely destroyed, which may be more or less
than the market value, or sale price.
Q: What does a homeowners insurance policy cover?
A: Homeowners insurance covers the repair or replacement of your home
and its contents up to defined limits. Your policy may also include a liability
policy, which protects you in the event someone is injured on your property
due to your negligence.
Q: What are the various types of coverage included in a homeowners
policy?
A: To determine the types of coverage you have, check the declarations
page of your insurance policy. Types of coverage are as follows:
Coverage
Coverage
Coverage
Coverage
Coverage
Coverage
A - Damage to your home
B - Damage to garage, deck or swimming pool
C - Loss or damage to the contents of your home
D - Loss of use in case your home is not inhabitable
E - Personal liability to third parties
F - Medical payments to third parties
Q: Who pays for living expenses when my home is being repaired
after a storm?
A: Your insurance company will pay for loss of use, in the case that your
home is uninhabitable after it has been damaged by a storm, up to applicable limits.
Q: Does my policy cover tornado, wind and hail damage?
A: Most standard homeowners insurance policies cover damage done by
tornado, windstorms and hailstorms. Check your policy for limits and details.
Q: What is not covered by homeowners insurance?
A: Earthquakes, floods and other named exclusions and usually require separate coverage. Normal wear and tear and poor maintenance is not covered
by insurance.
Q: Will my insurance cover the cost of tree removal after a severe
storm?
A: Most policies cover the cost of tree removal after a storm, however, you
should check your policy. Some insurance companies require a separate
tree removal policy.
Q: Will my homeowners insurance cover damage to cars on my
property?
A: No. Damage to your car is not covered by your homeowners policy, even
if a tree on your property falls and damages your car. Damage to your car is
covered by your comprehensive auto insurance policy.
Q: If I file a storm damage claim, will my premiums go up?
A: Most states prohibit insurance companies canceling your coverage or singling you out for a rate increase due to an Act of God damage claim.
Q: Will my homeowners policy cover earthquake damage?
A: Not unless your policy specifically includes coverage for earthquakes. In
most cases you'll need a separate insurance policy to cover earthquake and
flood damage.
AVOIDING CONTRACTOR SCAMS
Every year, many homes and commercial
buildings are damaged by severe storms.
Property owners become the victims of unlicensed, uninsured, inexperienced contractors and outright scammers who come to
prey on uninformed people.
Poor quality contractors and scammers can
cause permanent damage, devalue your
property, steal your money and put you at
personal, legal and financial risk... not to
mention all the headaches!
Many scams begin with a knock at your door, or an unsolicited call on the
phone, claiming to be a contractor. Unfortunately, many scam companies
imitate legitimate contractors, so protect yourself by checking your contractor out, before agreeing to an inspection.
Make sure any contractor you work with is properly licensed, insured, and
provides 3 local references. For your protection, the CHO maintains a database of highly rated contractors experienced with storm restoration work.
The following list represents the most common indicators that the person or
company you are speaking with might be running a scam.
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Not properly licensed
No insurance or under-insured
No local office (beware of P.O. boxes and hotel addresses)
Won't provide local references
Demands up-front cash or deposit
Shows up on convicted criminals and/or sex offenders list
Out-of-State Contractors
Many excellent storm restoration companies have multiple offices around the
country, or travel to work in hard hit storm areas. Just because a contractor
is from out of state, it is not necessarily a reason to worry. However, as with
any contractor you hire, you'll want to do your homework and check the
contractor out before signing a contingency agreement or contract to do any
work on your property.
If you decide to hire a contractor that is based out of state, make sure they
have a local office, or reciprocal relationship with a local contractor, who will
perform warranty repairs, if your contractor should leave the state. It is important to remember your workmanship warranty is worthless, if your out-of
-state contractor leaves the state and does not have a local representative
to honor the warranty.
Storm Chaser Scam Warning Signs
Storm chasers are like ambulance chasers. They flock to areas of the country
that have been recently hit by damaging storms and attem
pt to scam people that are in need
ofserious help
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A temporary office or P.O. box
Out-of-state phone numbers
Out-of-state license plates
Staying in a hotel, or motel
No local references
Don't know your area
You can avoid scams by working with one of the highly rated and experienced storm restoration contractors listed in our free directory.
HIRING THE RIGHT CONTRACTOR
After a severe storm hits your area, it is always a good idea to get a full
property damage inspection and at least three qualified estimates from reputable contractors. Some states do not have a state licensing requirement
for contractors and storm damage brings potentially unreliable contractors
in from other states. To protect yourself, make sure all contractors you talk
to are reputable, established companies with references in your area.
Make sure your contractor has completed numerous local jobs, is fully
trained to install all of the materials required to restore your home and has
a permanent office in your area. Remember your workmanship warranty is
worthless if your contractor leaves the state and does not have a reciprocal
relationship with a local contractor who will take care of you, should you
need warranty service down the road.
Regardless of the contractor you choose to restore your home, protect yourself by making sure they meet the following criteria:
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Established company with a positive track record
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Fully insured; liability and workers comp
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Insurance claims experience
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Have passed a background check
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Can provide at least 3 local referenceS.
Questions to Ask Your Contractor:
How long has your company been in business?
Look for a company with an established business history. Most successful
storm restoration contractors are proud of their history in business and hard
-earned reputations.
Tell me about your experience working with insurance claims?
If you are filing an insurance claim, it is critical that you work with a contractor who has the experience to advocate for you and make sure your insurance claim is settled for a fair amount that will cover the cost of your repairs.
Do you have your own crews, or do you outsource your work?
While many good contractors outsource the actual restoration work to subcontractors, you’ll want to make sure your contractor can provide adequate
supervision to ensure a high quality finished job.
Who will be assigned as my on-site project manager for the job?
Ask for the contact information for this person, and whom you can contact if
the project manager is not available. Get the names and phone numbers for
the people who will be overseeing your job.
What can I expect from you and your team?
This question will give you a sense of how the contractor works and what
you can expect during your project.
Does your company specialize in storm repair?
If you have damage to your roof, siding, windows, or structural damage,
you’ll want to make sure your contractor specializes in those repairs. Storm
restoration can be a complicated process and you want to make sure you
are working with an expert with the experience to ensure a good result for
you.
Is your company fully insured? Do you carry liability and workers
compensation?
It is always smart to ask any contractor you are considering hiring for copies
of their insurance policies to verify coverage, then confirm that the policy is
in force with your contractor’s insurance company. If a worker is injured on
your property and your contractor does not have adequate coverage, you
can be held responsible. So, protect yourself by making sure your contractor
is fully insured.
Can you provide a list of references for local projects in the past 12
months?
The contractor should be able to supply you with a minimum of three references, including names, telephone numbers and addresses. See the checking a contractor’s references section for tips on questions to ask. To determine if your contractor is running a sound business, ask for supplier references and make sure they are in good standing with local materials suppliers.
What percentage of your business is by referral?
This will give you a good sense of the contractor’s customer satisfaction
rate. In an area hit by a storm, referrals to a good contractor are very common so ask to see if your contractor has a high rate of referral businesses.
How many insurance claims have you handled in the past 12
months?
This will help you determine the contractor's familiarity with storm damage
repair and working through the insurance claims process. An active storm
restoration contractor will have handled at least 50 claims in the past 12
months.
What permits will be required for this project?
This will give you a good sense of what permits will be required for your project. Since it is critical to obtain permits for most serious storm restoration
projects and your inspection can be denied without a permit, it is critical to
understand what your contractor is legally required to do before the work
can begin.
Do I feel comfortable hiring this person and do I trust this company
to repair my property?
Your home, or property is an important financial asset, so it is critical to
have a high level of confidence in the person you hire to repair your property. To ensure a positive outcome, make sure and do your homework.
Contractor Warning Signs
To protect yourself and your family from inexperienced, uninsured contractors, and out-of-state contractors who may not be experienced repairing
storm damage, or have your best interests in mind, watch out for the following warning signs:
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Out of state license plates
No local office
No insurance or under-insured
Won’t provide local references
Demands upfront cash or deposit
Convicted criminals and sex offenders
Poor BBB ratings or no local ratings
Checking References
When asking for references, it is a good idea to ask for the last three, local
jobs the contractor performed. Do not hire a contractor who cannot provide
local references or who is unwilling to let you drive by the site of a completed
job in your area. Once you receive references, do your homework and give
them a call. Explain that you are a homeowner in the area and are thinking
of working with the contractor. The following questions will give you a good
idea of how your contractor will treat your project and the level of professionalism you can expect.
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Did your contractor clearly explain what needed to be done in advance?
How did your contractor handle your insurance claims process?
Did your contractor and crew show up on time?
Was there always someone there to answer your questions?
Did the contractor obtain necessary permits?
Was the crew pleasant and professional?
Were change orders made in writing?
Did any issues arise? How were they handled?
How did the contractor leave your site at the end of the day?
Did your job finish on schedule?
Did the work pass inspection?
Did the finished job meet your expectations?
Was your contractor fair, ethical and honest?
Would you work with this contractor again?
Would you hesitate to recommend this contractor to a family member?
RESIDENTIAL STORM DAMAGE FAQ
Q: I think my home has been damaged by the September 29th hail
storm. What should I do?
A: Contact the CHA for help and information. Whether you need a full property inspection, or repair estimates, we can connect you with a reputable, certified contractor who will work with your insurance company to ensure you are
fairly represented.
Q: What is the cost for having my property inspected for damage?
A: CHA Contractors provide homeowners with no cost property damage inspections and no-obligation repair estimates.
Q: Can I get multiple bids or inspections?
A: It is always smart for homeowners to get three estimates from reputable
contractors with insurance claims and storm damage repair experience.
Q: My home is fairly new. Won't my homebuilder's warranty cover the
repairs?
A: No. Storm damage is almost always a named exclusion in manufacturer,
homebuilder and contractor warranties, which are designed to cover problems
with materials and workmanship, not storm damage, or factors beyond control.
Q: How much will it cost to fix my home?
A: The cost to repair your home can vary, depending on the extent of the
damage, cost of materials and cost of quality installation by a reputable contractor. If you are filing an insurance claim, make sure to choose an experienced storm restoration contractor who is committed to quality workmanship
and preserving your home's value.
Q: Can you help me find a reputable contractor to fix my damage?
A: Yes. The CHA maintains a database of reputable contractors, who are licensed, insured and commit to a strict Code of Ethics designed to protect
homeowners.
Q: How many inspections or estimates should I get?
A: You should get at least three inspections or estimates from reputable contractors that specialize in repairing storm damage and dealing with insurance
claims.
Q: Why should I get my home inspected for storm damage?
A: Peace of mind. If your home is damaged, you may have a short time to file
an insurance claim. Since your insurance company limits the amount of time
you have to file a claim it is important to get your claim approved and repairs
STORM DAMAGE FAQ (continued)
Q: Why should I get my home inspected for storm damage?
A: Peace of mind. If your home is damaged, you may have a short time to
file an insurance claim. Since your insurance company limits the amount of
time you have to file a claim it is important to get your claim approved and
repairs scheduled as soon as possible.
Q: Can CHA Contractors help me file my insurance claim?
A: Yes. CHA Contractors are insurance claims experts. They will help you file
your claim and will work with your insurance company to ensure a fair outcome for you.
Q: Will my insurance premiums go up if I file a claim?
A: In most states, insurance companies are prohibited from singling out any
one homeowner for a rate increase based on an “Act of God” damage claim,
which includes hail, wind, tornado and hurricane storm damage claims.
Q: Should I hire the cheapest contractor to fix my home?
A: If your insurance company is paying for your repairs, it is in your best
interest to hire a contractor who will provide quality service, workmanship,
materials and a good warranty.
Q: I've heard some contractors pay insurance deductibles? Is this
true?
A: Many contractors offer special programs to help homeowners limit out of
pocket expenses. Ask your contractor about the programs they offer to help
cover the cost of your deductible.
Q: Should I trust contractors that knock on my door?
A: Be wary of door-to-door contractors. If you get an inspection from a door
-to-door company, do your research and make sure they are credible, licensed, insured and properly trained. It is always a good idea to get at least
3 inspections from reputable companies.
Q: My contractor asked me to sign a contingency agreement? What's
this?
A: A contingency agreement typically includes two parts, an inspection
agreement, which gives the contractor permission to request an inspection
from your insurance company and a work-order agreement, which obligates
you to use that contractor to perform your repairs if damage is confirmed. If
you just want an estimate, you should only sign the inspection agreement.
STORM DAMAGE FAQ (continued)
Q: How long can I file an insurance claim after the storm?
A: The time you have to file an insurance claim varies by insurance company,
but as a general rule, most insurance companies require you to file within 1224 months. It is a good idea to contact your insurance agent, or an NSDC
certified contractor for details on your specific policy.
Q: My insurance agent is the nicest person. Won't he take care of me?
A: No matter how much you like your insurance agent personally, it is important to remember your insurance company is in business to make money.
Get at least 3 estimates from reputable, independent contractors. Contractors
recommended by insurance companies may have an incentive to save the
insurance company money, at your expense.
Q: My insurance company denied my claim. What can I do?
A: You can request 3 separate inspections and re-file a claim that has been
denied. Make sure your contractor is present during your next inspection. An
experienced contractor can often help get your claim approved, even if it has
been denied previously.
Q: Several of my neighbors are getting their roof replaced, should I
get my home inspected?
A: Yes. If your neighbors have storm damage and are getting their roof repaired or replaced, chances are very good you have storm damage as well.
Q: How can I tell if my home has sustained hail damage?
A: You may notice small dents on rain gutters or air conditioning units, missing or bent shingles, washout (granules accumulating in gutters or downspouts), moist areas on your ceiling indicating leads, cracks or dents in windows or siding, shredded plants and flowers, leaves knocked off trees and
dents in cars parked on the street. If any of your neighbors are having repairs done, chances are your property is damaged as well.
Q: What does a hail hit look like on an asphalt roof?
A: A hail hit on asphalt shingles looks like a dark spot, or bruise, where the
roofing granules have been knocked away. In some cases you may find
holes, cracking, or missing shingles on roofs that have been damaged by
hail.
Q: My home was hit by hail, but I don't see any damage. What should
I do?
A: It can be difficult to identify signs of hail damage. Rely on a trained professional to perform a full property inspection and look for leaks, flooding,
structural damage and serious issues.
STORM DAMAAGE FAQs (continued)
Q: What are the risks of not fixing a hail damaged roof?
A: The most common problems associated with hail damage are leaking water and flooding. Over time, water leaks through tiny holes in your roof and
causes serious issues including water damage, mold and structural damage,
including roof collapse.
Q: My roof has sustained storm damage. Can I just fix it myself?
A: If your home has been damaged by a storm and you are filing an insurance claim to pay for the repairs, there is no advantage to doing the work
yourself. Hire a reputable contractor, with insurance claims experience that
is committed to quality workmanship.
Q: Can storm damage impact the value of my home?
A: Yes. If you plan to sell your home in the future, it is critical to address
storm damage issues immediately. Many homeowners are shocked to learn
they have costly storm damage to fix, years after the time to file an insurance claim has expired.
Q: Do I need to get my roof replaced right away?
A: The devastating nature of hail damage is you might not start experiencing problems, such as leaking, mold, or structural damage right away. But,
because most insurance companies limit the time you can file a claim, it is
important to get your roof fixed immediately, before your time to file a
claim expires.
Q: Why would my insurance company pay to fix my home?
A: The purpose of your homeowners insurance is to protect your home
against losses that affect the value, functionality and safety of your home.
If your home has sustained storm damage, your insurance company will
provide compensation to have your property restored to its original condition before the storm.