Our area experienced significant hail damage near Easter. It turns out that many homes in our area are receiving new roofs (25%+). The one story homes seem to have a lower roof angle, that I suspect allows for morre damage. We have a two-story house, with little damage on the upper level, and not enough on the lower level to warrant replacement.
The roofer and adjuster came out last week. They find damage on the aluminum siding, shutters, and gutters. Plus the screening on the screened porch. The roof damage on my house, on a block full of approved replacements, shows only a few shingles damaged. It might by my roof pitch that may have caused lesser damage, I don’t know. Any thoughts here on the roof?
We’re thinking of going with vinyl siding on the upper level (lower is brick), for future maintenance. I have seen vinyl on new construction popping out and am afraid it might be a mistake. Are there good vinyl siding and shutter options that ARE good? If so, can anyone offer good brand recommendations? Also we are considering gutter guards, and a co-worker recommends a finer diagonal mesh that does not permit the maple seedlings to get in.
We are expecting the insurance report next week and then we need to make some decisions. I’d prefer to go into the decision process with some good practical information. Any advice is most helpful and welcome. Thank you in advance!
Replies
pocket the money
If the roof doesn't leak and the damage is not ugly, put the money away and earn a return on it.
As for siding, fiber cement siding, such as from James Hardie, will ensure you won't have hail damage on the siding again. With a durable material such as brick for part of the house, it's a shame to combine it with vinyl.
http://www.jameshardie.com
I live in hail and tornado alley me thinks . <G>
Most of the people never know they have hail damage . She says only 25 percent on this one . What Im saying is most of the roofs go ahead and live out there life with out being replaced unless there is shingles off .
Its a good bet to let the money draw interrest in an account of its own till she gets a leak .
Better yet would be checking it . But hail pits dont leak.
Tim
Thanks for the input. As it happens, the adjustor and roofer concluded that there were only a couple of shingles pitted. The roofer said we had a few good years left and that we shouldn't expect leaking. So no dough for a roof. I will look at siding choices as I won't replace with aluminum. I'm not thrilled about vinyl, but like the lower maintenance. I'll look at the link and see if it is acceptable in appearance and maintenance, then I'll have to figure the cost aspect and see if it fits.
Your idea about banking roof money is a good one. I swear nearly everyone on my block was approved, however, the majority were ranch styles with a lower pitch, so the hits would have been more straight on. Thanks again for the tips. I'll check that site.