When Hail and Your Gutters Collide
According to America’s go-to sources for all things weather-related, the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), hail causes about $1 billion dollars in damage to crops and property each year. And, a chunk of of that damage is from residential and commercial gutters.
Over the years we’ve seen most sizes of hail fall in the Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston areas including hail the size of softballs. In some cases, we’ve seen gutters torn away from houses holes punched completely through the gutters. Slight to moderate damage will likely not keep gutters from doing their job but severe damage can affect the overall operation of the gutter system. The big danger is the potential for additional damage to the home or business if rain is not correctly directed away from the building’s foundation. It can also be unsightly and negatively affect the exterior appearance.
Don’t ignore the damage
Although not as critical as repairing a damaged roof, you don’t want to wait too long. Hopefully, the roofing company you choose provides gutters services. At Peak Roofing & Construction, we’ve invested in hiring our own gutter crews and gutter truck to serve the Dallas and Fort Worth areas. We’re able to create gutters on-site so they are measured for an exact fit. Then, our roll-forming seamless gutters are produced right in front of the home or business and installed immediately. If you haven’t seen the process done in your neighborhood, give us a call. It’s really an amazingly efficient process.
Gutters should be covered by insurance
In the policies I’ve seen, gutters are considered part of your home or building. So, when you talk to your roofing company for an estimate, make sure they are including all the linear feet of damaged gutters. Do the same when the insurance inspector arrives including checking to see if they have included all your downspouts and gutter covers (also called gutter guards). And don’t stop at the roof and gutters, they should also be inspecting your fence, windows and siding.
Being caught in a hailstorm is certainly not fun. I recommend reading our advice on maximizing your insurance claim to help prepare and get the full benefit that your policy allows.
About Peak Roofing & Construction
Peak Roofing & Construction is family-owned, with 30-years of experience. Bonded, insured and accredited, we provide roofing, gutter, fence, window and exterior facelift services. Guaranteed. Call 972-335-7325 (Dallas-Fort Worth) or 281-290-7325 (Houston) today!