936-323-2518

Wind and Hail storms happen in Texas all the time. These storms can damage cars, houses, and all sorts of property. Your roof is your main source of protection at home and at work. Severe wind and  hail storms will damage roofs, and be followed by opportunistic roofing repair people. So we created a guide to how to handle storm damaged roofing.

Wind and Hail Damage Is Big Business

Believe it or not mobile roofing contractors have taken advantage of storm prediction software and track storms that look like they are going to produce hail and head for the towns and cities that are in their wake. They can even get specific and only focus on the higher income neighborhoods to get the biggest payout.

It might seem nice that a bunch of contractors suddenly show up like the Red Cross with hammers. The difference is that the Red Cross is a temporary service and your roof needs to be rebuilt and last for another 40 years. You want a contractor that works in your area and is going to be there in case your roof needs any warranty work.

Class 4 Shingles, Is it A Good Option?

Class 4 roofs have seen great success in areas that experience hail. One of the great benefits of a class 4 roof is that it could withstand a hail storm. Class 4 roofing has the edge over many other roofing systems as it can withstand a mild hail storm.

Class 4 shingles can carry a UL listed rating. The UL code 2218 (also known as class 4) is an impact resistance rating. If the roofing you choose or already have installed has this rating it means that it might be able to survive the impact from a 2” ball which is dropped from 20 feet in the air. This roofing must not split or come apart. Class 4 roofing is one of the few options which can actually pass a test of this magnitude.

Class 4 Roofing And Insurance Discounts

Some insurance companies recognize the strength of class 4 roofing. If the roof is a UL 2218 roof there might be discounts available. In some cases the insurance company will only offer the discounts if there is a cosmetic wavier signed. What this means is that if there is a hail storm that peppers your roof they will only pay to replace the roof if there is actual structural damage. If there are just dents but your roof isn’t leaking they might refuse to pay to replace it.

The cost savings per month isn’t significant enough to risk being stuck with a golf ball textured roof. So many times it’s better to pay a little extra a month but know that if a sever hail storm is on its way that you’ll be covered by your roof, and your insurance company.

What To Do If You Have Wind or Hail Damage On Your Roof

The storm has passed and now you have to assess the damage. You may or may not know what to look for, and you might not really want to get up on a damaged roof without knowing where to step. You can call us to discuss the next steps for your roof claim at 713-732-9415 

Caution Before And After The Storm

After the hail will come the door knocks and calls from many of the hail storm chasing roofing contractors. Many of these contractors that follow storms will try to get a local address they can use to appear local. Check their credentials, and try to find listings and reviews from them that are local. Some even go so far as to claim they are from roofing Manufacturer Company. This doesn’t happen and these are the characters to be wary of. Some of these roofing companies also carry contracts which, with your signature, allow them to claim the right to work with your insurance company to repair the roof. Once that document is signed you no longer have control over who you choose as the insurance company will be legally required to use the roofer with that has your signed contract. This may not be a bad thing as long as you are aware of what is happening.

Aesthetic Or Structural Damage?

Aesthetic damage is surface dents (cosmetic damage). This is damage that doesn’t actually affect the performance of the roof. In fact many time after a hail storm it can be hard to tell if some of the damage was there before the storm. This is a situation where you might choose to ignore it.

Structural Damage however means that the shingle granules are missing, the matting is cracked or broken or trim has broken loose. If you can see sections of your roof that are clearly damaged you have no choice but to nip it in the bud and get it fixed. Your best bet to finding the right roofing company is to contact your local roofer. Someone that might have built the roof in the first place or will still be in the area and able to help you with any other minor repairs and warranty their work.

Local Roof Wind and Hail Damage Repair

After the storm passes everyone wants someone that they can trust. Someone that has been working in the field for decades and intends on being in business in your home town for the long haul. We would like Fair Trade Roofing to be your first choice when it comes to reliable roofing repairs.

If you’ve had wind or hail damage or any storm related damage to your roof give us a call today for a free inspection. We’ll assess the damage and help you find an affordable solution to fixing your roof.

Fair Trade Roofing  936-323-2518