Gutter Hail Damage: What to do After You’ve Been Hit

Living in Colorado, we’ve all witnessed some damaging hailstorms. It’s reported that Colorado has the second-highest number of hail claims in the US. These mean hailstorms cause significant damage to roofs, windows, and gutter systems, leaving homeowners stressed out trying to find professionals to repair the damage done to their homes. 
If your home has been damaged by hail, you may be wondering what to do next. While it can be difficult to know where to start, this guide will help you get started on the process of repairing the damage. Keep in mind that it is important to act as soon as possible, as hail damage can lead to further problems down the road. Let's look at some of the steps you need to take after being hit by hail.

1. Inspect Your Gutter System 

If your roof has been damaged by hail, chances are your gutters most likely have been affected too. Gutter systems are designed to bear the weight of rain, snow, and ice, but hail can damage even the strongest gutter systems. Hail dents in your gutters may cause cracks, leaks, pooling water, damaged downspouts, and broken gutter hangers, which can all jeopardize the way water is supposed to be directed away from your home.
After the storm, you need to go around your home and inspect your gutter system for visible signs of hail damage. Look below your gutters for dents, check for any pieces hanging off or appearing loose, and look around your downspouts for granules from roof shingles. If you notice any of these signs, then the next step is to contact your insurance company.

2. Contact Your Insurance Company

Before searching for contractors, the first thing to do is call your insurance company. They need to come out to assess the damage to compensate you according to your policy. Your gutters systems are components of your home, so the claims adjuster should account for all parts of the system, including the gutters, downspouts, spout extensions, and gutter covers. 

3. Call Professionals for Repairs

After calling your insurance company, it’s time to contact professionals to do repairs. It is extremely important to hire people who specialize in the industry that you need repairing, instead of a general contractor, or a handyman company. Sometimes, roofers may offer to complete your gutter work along with the roof, which can result in lower quality gutter materials and poor installation, since their specialty is roofing and not gutters. If your insurance policy allows coverage for hail damage, your insurance company should cover the cost to repair both your roof and your gutter system, even if you have two different contractors.
When searching for a reliable gutter company, do some research about the company before allowing anyone to touch your home. You can look for awards, Better Business Bureau ratings, and customer reviews. Then be sure to call these companies yourself and ask any questions you have until you feel satisfied.  

4. Gutter Repair and Replacement

​The final step is getting your gutter system repaired or replaced. Typically, with damage from hail, the gutters will need to be replaced. Dents in gutters can’t be undone like you can on car dents. Gutter companies offer a variety of colors and gutter styles to choose from. If you wish to match the existing color but that color is no longer available, your insurance company may be obligated to replace the entire system so you can have a new matching system in one color of your choice. 

Contact Colorado Seamless Gutters

​With over 29 years of experience, our highly skilled and knowledgeable team is specialized in assessing and repairing damaged gutters. We service Denver, Boulder, Wheat Ridge, and Lakewood. Contact us today to schedule a free no-obligation estimate for gutter repair, installation, or cleaning!