After the Storm: Your Guide to Hail Damage Recovery from 2024
If you’re like many of our St. Louis neighbors, you might be looking at your roof with concern after our 2024 hail and wind storms if your roof hasn’t been inspected. We understand the uncertainty you’re feeling. Let’s walk through exactly what you need to do to protect your home and get things back to normal.
What We’re Seeing Across St. Louis
During this past storm season, cities all over the Metropolitan area experienced anything from dime sized hail, to golf ball sized hail and larger. St. Charles, St. Peters, O’Fallon, Wentzville, and Lake St. Louis were hit hard. Hail and windstorm damage were also reported in South County, South St. Louis, Fenton, Arnold, Imperial, Crestwood, Chesterfield, and Ballwin.
The Compounding Effects of Recent Weather
If your roof took a beating during last year’s hailstorms and hasn’t been repaired or replaced yet, we need to talk about what’s happened since then. Those initial impacts from hail created vulnerable spots in your roofing system – think of them as small bruises that needed attention. But then winter arrived, bringing heavy snow and ice.
These winter elements didn’t just sit harmlessly on your roof; they actually worked their way into those vulnerable areas, expanding and contracting with each freeze and thaw cycle. What might have started as minor hail damage has likely developed into more significant issues. Water could be seeping into places it shouldn’t, weakening your roof’s structure from the inside out.
The reality is, every weather event since that initial hailstorm has been compounding the damage, making repairs more urgent and potentially more extensive. That’s why we’re addressing these issues before spring rains create even bigger problems.
Important Indicators of Roof Damage
Your roof is constantly sending signals about its condition, but these signs aren’t always as obvious as a leak dripping onto your kitchen table. Many homeowners miss the subtle hints of roof damage until they become major problems. Understanding these warning signs can save you thousands in repairs and protect your home from serious structural issues. Even if you think your roof weathered the storm okay, there are some subtle signs that might indicate otherwise. Have you noticed your energy bills creeping up? That could be from new gaps in your roof’s protection. Are your gutters suddenly full of small granules that look like dark sand? That’s actually protective material from your shingles, and it needs to be addressed before the next storm hits.
Even if you haven’t noticed obvious damage, be alert for:
- New water stains on ceilings
- Granules in gutters or downspouts
- Dents in roof vents or metal surfaces
- Unusual drafts or energy bill increases
- Visible light through roof boards
Working With Your Insurance Company
Here’s where we can really help take some stress off your plate. Insurance claims can be overwhelming, but they don’t have to be. When you work with us, we’ll handle most of the heavy lifting. Our team will meet with your insurance adjuster, walk them through the damage we’ve found, and make sure nothing gets overlooked. We’ve worked with every major insurance company in the St. Louis area, and we know exactly what documentation they need to process your claim smoothly. It’s important to note that most insurance companies require claims to be filed within one year of the date of the hailstorm. There is other important information that you need to know which can be found on your insurance declaration page. It outlines critical coverage limits, your deductible amount, and the specific types of roof damage your insurance covers.
Let’s Get Your Roof Back in Shape!
If you’re still reading this, chances are you’re concerned about your roof – and we want you to know that’s okay. The sooner you get a professional assessment, the better. Our St. Louis roofing team is ready to help with everything from inspection, to insurance representation, repairs, and complete roof restoration.
We’re Ready to Help When You Need Us
Getting in touch is easy.
Remember, we’re not just your roofing contractor – we’re your neighbors here at 1st Choice Construction. We’ve been serving the St. Louis community through every storm season, and we’ll be here long after these repairs are completed. Let’s get your roof back in shape together.
