2021 was perhaps one of the worst years in terms of hail storms recorded in San Antonio, Texas.
According to data shared by StormerSite, the year saw 21 hailstorm reports within ten miles of the city center. That is 13 more hailstorms than were recorded the previous year.
Now, if you are a homeowner, hailstorms are definitely something you should worry about. Hailstorms can cause roof damage, including denting the aluminum siding, shingles, and gutters. Depending on the speed and intensity, they can even crack your vinyl siding or asphalt roof.
Hail is such a problem that it makes up the most common reason for people filing homeowner insurance claims. According to data, over 7.1 million US properties were affected by hail damage in 2019.
Given the varying hailstorm reports every year and the ever-changing climatic conditions resulting from global warming, there is really no way to predict how the weather will behave this month, the rest of the year, and the years to come. However, you can be sure that there is a storm in the offing, even if that is not today.
Now, the roof is one of the most expensive parts of your house, and storms present the most significant threat. So, if the previous storm left substantial damage to your roof or threatened to, prior preparation for the next one is important.
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How to Prepare for a Hail Storm
Clear Out Your Gutters and Drain Sprouts
The main purpose of installing gutters is to drain rainwater. So, if your gutters are clogged with leaves and dirt, water and hail will collect on your roof or flow down your home’s exterior causing damage that could set you back thousands of dollars.
Trim Any Nearby Trees
Having trees near your home means there is always a risk of branches falling onto your roof during bad weather. So, you want to have them trimmed down at all times.
Repair and Tighter Any Broken or Loose Parts
If any part of your roof is damaged, it is best to repair it as soon as possible. That way, you can prevent further damage, which could be costly, and be ready in case a storm hits.
Book an Inspection with a Professional Roofing Contractor
Getting a professional roofing contractor in San Antonio expert to look at your roof and advise you on where you need improvement is your best decision as a homeowner.
What Can a Roofing Contractor in San Antonio Do for You?
Prepare Your Home for a Storm
The first thing a roofing contractor will do is assess the condition of your roof. This inspection includes an in-person look at the state of all parts of your roof, including the sheathing, eaves, gutters, siding, shingles, and soffits.
If anything is damaged, loose, or worn out, they shall promptly repair or replace it. In addition to roof restoration, your roofing contractor can help reinforce your roof to withstand intense storms. The kind of reinforcement you will need will depend on the kind of roof you have and its current condition.
Restore Your Home After a Storm
Was your roof partially destroyed or beaten down by a hailstorm? A roofing contractor can also come in to do storm damage repair to restore your roof to the best condition. The process starts with thorough cleaning and clearing of debris, and then your contractor assesses the damage and creates a restoration plan for you.
How to Find the Best Roofing Contractor in San Antonio
As a homeowner, price should not be the only thing that determines whether you hire one contractor over another. However, there are many other essential considerations if you want to find someone who will do the job right, not just at a bargain.
Here are five things to look at before you hire a roofing contractor.
1. Years in Business
You probably would be skeptical about trusting a doctor who graduated the other day with heart surgery; instead, you would feel safer in the hands of an experienced medical expert. On a similar note, you want to work with a roofing contractor with years in the business because that guarantees that they have enough experience to do an excellent job.
You do not want to hire fly-by-night contractors who disappear every other day to avoid the many customers they have disappointed. Take your time to do enough research, paying particular attention to contractors with more years on the job. Such experts will often deliver better results seeing as there is a higher chance they have dealt with a similar problem before.
2. Reviews and References
Word-of-mouth reviews from trusted people such as friends and family will undoubtedly go a long way in ensuring that you find the best roofing contractor. Besides, you can ask the roofing contractors you want to work with for references from at least three of their past customers. This way, you can better understand their craft and process.
Some of the things you want to clarify from the references include:
- The contractor’s ability to stick to the budget.
- The contractor’s track regarding meeting deadlines.
- The quality of work and service.
3. Licenses and Insurance
Every roofing contractor should have proper licensing as per your state’s specifications. For this reason, be sure to ask for proof of the same before commencing any restorative procedures in your home.
And to safeguard your home and everyone involved if an accident occurs, your contractor should always have worker’s compensation and liability insurance. Avoid any contractor without these documents.
4. Storm Restoration Services
Lastly, you should always check that the contractor you are considering provides storm restoration services. At the end of the day, you want to have a contractor on speed dial to step in, especially in emergencies. And, if they already understand your roof, you save time and even money.
Need to Protect or Restore Your Home After Storm Damage? Hire a Good Roofing Contractor to Sleep Better at Night
Have you experienced one of the many reported hail storms in San Antonio in recent months? Storms can have damaging effects on property. But you do not need to wait until it happens to you. Take action before disaster strikes and hire a qualified roofing contractor in San Antonio to help protect your roof.
