By RAFTRx Roofing + Exteriors.

Why you shouldn’t ignore hail damage to your roof.

Wind and hail are the most common drivers of residential insurance claims regarding roofs. In fact, wind and hail claims have increased significantly in just a few years, jumping from 17% of total claims in 2022 to 25% in 2024. While hail can happen any month of the year, spring and summer tend to see the largest amount of hail fall in the United States.

If you’ve recently been through a hailstorm, one of the first things you probably did was go outside and check your house for any damage. And from the ground, your roof may look just fine. But the truth is, it can be tough to tell if there is hail damage to your roof and ignoring it can come with a hefty price tag.

That’s why you should always schedule an inspection with a certified roofing expert to avoid these potential hail-related issues.

Mold and mildew

The tricky thing about hail damage is that it can leave tiny dents and cracks in your roof. And while these cracks might not be big enough for pests to get it, there is plenty of room for water to seep through. And it leaves your home vulnerable to mold and mildew which can wreak significant havoc on your home and health.

Increased energy costs

Water isn’t the only thing that can seep in through cracks in your roof. It also means air can seep out. Your walls, roof, windows, doors and insulation all form an envelope around your home. This is what keeps the outside out and the inside in, and that includes temperature. Any punctures in the envelope mean you are losing hot or cooled air, and your climate control has to work harder to compensate. A tiny little crack might not make much of an impact, but dozens of them will.

Deteriorating infastructure

If you’re lucky, mold and mildew growth will be easy to spot. But if water is coming in behind your walls, you may not notice it until it’s too late. With enough time, water can start to rot the wooden frame, leading to sagging walls, collapsing floors or worse. Your electrical system can also pose a risk, with water short-circuiting the system and potentially starting a fire.

Increased repair costs

It goes without saying that more damage to your home means higher repair costs. According to Angi, the cost of hail damage repair ranges from $375 - $7,500, depending on the size and extent of the damage. If you ignore the damage, you can also expect to pay between $1,222 - $3,571 for mold remediation, $1,361 - $6,282 for water damage restoration and $294 - $924 for drywall repair (data also from Angi).

Diminished property value

Hail damage will also decrease the value of your property, even if you didn’t know it was there. If a potential buyer requests a home inspection during closing and finds damage to the roof, they may lower their offer, request you cover repairs or walk away from the offer entirely.

Voided warranties

Most roofing materials come with a manufacturer’s warranty. In the event that the material gives out before the covered time and causes damage to your home, the warranty helps cover the costs of replacement and repair. However, most warranties come with a clause that states the homeowner must practice routine maintenance to keep the warranty valid. If you neglect to fix preexisting damage, your warranty is no longer valid and you’ll have to pay out of pocket.

Insurance complications

Insurance is another factor to be mindful of when it comes to hail damage on your roof. The purpose of insurance is to help you cover the cost of repair in the event your home is damaged by an accident or natural disaster. But, similar to roofing warranties, if you file a claim and the insurance inspector finds preexisting damage to the roof, the insurance company can refuse to cover the cost of the new damage.

How can I tell if my roof has hail damage?

Usually, you can’t. Not from the ground, at least. To truly assess hail damage, a roofer needs to be up on your house and able to get up close and personal with your shingles. The damage is often too small and hard to spot from the ground or with drone flyovers. The best way to assess your roof for hail damage is to call and schedule an inspection immediately after a hailstorm.

Don’t wait, act now

If you think your roof has suffered hail damage, don’t wait. Acting quickly could be the difference between a reasonable repair bill and a massive one. Reach out to a trusted roofer today to evaluate the condition of your roof. At RAFTRx, our team of experienced roofing professionals knows what to look for in the aftermath of severe weather. We’ll give you a complete picture of your roof’s health and help you prioritize what needs to be addressed immediately and what you need to keep an eye on.

Need help with your insurance company? We can help walk you through the claims process. Contact us today.

By RAFTR Roofing + Exteriors (RAFTRx).

While there is no guarantee that your home will remain untouched during severe weather seasons, you can stay informed about local weather alerts and conduct regular home inspections.

Although spring promises warmer weather and longer days, severe weather is also just around the corner. Whether it be tornados, hail or severe thunderstorms, home and business owners should ensure their roofs are prepped for potential storm damage.

Already this year, a front of severe storms bringing strong winds, hail, rain and even tornadoes caused millions of dollars in damage and took the lives of 42 people across seven states. Although proactive roof maintenance can’t guarantee complete protection for your home or business, it can identify issues that may worsen during a storm, potentially compromising your safety and leading to significant damage.

Preventative maintenance

Proactive roof maintenance is the best way to ensure that you and your family are prepared for the best possible outcome during severe weather. As spring approaches, make sure to visually inspect your home for existing damage, clear out your gutters and remove any debris and overhanging vegetation near your home.

Routine inspections

While there are many actions you can take to prepare your home for severe storms, we recommend adding a preventative roof inspection to your spring-cleaning list. Home and business owners should get their roofs inspected at least once a year. Roofing professionals are trained to spot damage you may miss, so leave it to a trusted roofer to identify any hidden problems and make repairs before storms cause more costly damage.

Review your home insurance policy

It’s important to know what kind of damage is covered by your insurance in the event of a severe storm. Understanding your deductible and other potential expenses can help you better prepare financially ahead of time and help you understand the steps that you need to take to file a claim.

Saving you money and a headache

Addressing issues before they escalate is crucial for prolonging your roof’s lifespan and saving you money, particularly ahead of severe weather season. Studies indicate that proactive roof maintenance can decrease repair costs by as much as 50%.

Another cost to consider is the cost of your entire home. Letting your roof go unchecked can cause problems inside your home, such as leaks, mold and structural damage, which can lead to extensive repairs and property damage. Worse, if your insurance company determines these problems were the result of neglect, they won’t cover the cost.

Safety and comfort

Roof inspections offer more than just financial savings. For many families, safety and peace of mind are paramount. Severe storms can not only harm homes but also create unseen health risks. A leaking roof can lead to mold growth, which not only harms your home but also presents significant health risks. By tackling potential issues early on, you can safeguard both your property and your loved ones.

Property value

Are you planning to sell your home in the near future? Documenting your roof inspections is an excellent way to maintain your home’s value and reassure potential buyers that the property has been well-cared for. Severe weather can damage roofs, but proactive maintenance ensures your property stays in top condition, preventing last-minute surprises when you sell.

While there is no guarantee that your home will remain untouched during severe weather seasons, you can stay informed about local weather alerts and conduct regular home inspections. The certified roofing contractors at RAFTRx are here to help you.

Contact our team at RAFTRx today to arrange a free inspection and learn what’s happening above you before severe weather approaches.

RAFTR Roofing + Exteriors expands portfolio with acquisition of Missouri-based brand.

RAFTR Roofing + Exteriors (RAFTRx), a top-rated roofing and outdoor exterior solutions provider that specializes in the insurance-claim sector, announces today its acquisition of Kingdom Krafters. With its first presence in Missouri, RAFTRx continues its methodical growth of highly reputable, strategically located roofing and exterior companies that enhance its service capabilities and reinforce its commitment to improving communities one roof at a time.

Founded in 2021, Kingdom Krafters is a trusted provider of residential and commercial roofing services in Kansas City, St. Louis and Springfield, Missouri, delivering unparalleled craftsmanship and exceptional customer service. Current and future customers can expect a seamless transition, with access to not only top-tier roofing solutions but a service team that’s unmatched in navigating the claims process.

“We’re excited to bring Kingdom Krafters into the RAFTRx portfolio of brands,” shares Gyner Ozgul, CEO of RAFTRx. “They have been a roofing upstart in Missouri, built on a local community commitment and craftsmanship that aligns with the brands in our RAFTRx portfolio. Their expertise and talent will play an important role as we serve the often unexpected and timely roofing needs of Midwest businesses and homeowners.”

The Kingdom Krafters team actively gives back to the Missouri community, donating roofs to those who might not have the means necessary through their Homes For Hope program. Additionally, they’re committed to nurturing the dreams of the next generation, sponsoring local sports teams, settling school allowances and covering educational costs for children in need.

“Joining the RAFTRx family of brands is an exciting next step for Kingdom Krafters,” says Garrett Brumley, principal and founder of Kingdom Krafters. “RAFTRx has established itself as the progressive industry leader, building a company that empowers its brands to continue to do their great work locally while leveraging RAFTRx’s resources, particularly in areas like technology infrastructure and the insurance claims process.  

The acquisition aligns with RAFTRx’s long-term growth strategy to provide local roofing services on a national scale. Additional RAFTRx portfolio brands include Blue Hammer Roofing, Humbled Roofing, Mills Siding + Roofing, Perimeter Roofing and Regal Roofing. For more information about RAFTR Roofing + Exteriors and its portfolio of brands, visit http://raftrxroofing.com/.

About RAFTR Roofing + Exteriors 

Formed in 2023, RAFTR Roofing + Exteriors is a multi-regional, residential and commercial roofing and exterior solutions platform focused primarily on insurance-claim demand. Its companies use a differentiated direct-to-consumer selling model to provide customers with roofing and exterior services. RAFTR Roofing + Exteriors is headquartered in Duluth, Georgia with 24 offices across 10 states. The current RAFTR Roofing + Exteriors portfolio of brands includes Perimeter Roofing, Humbled Roofing & Restoration, Regal Roofing, Blue Hammer Roofing and Mills Siding & Roofing. For more information, contact Marketing@RAFTRx.com.  

About Saw Mill Capital

Saw Mill Capital is a private equity firm that partners with founders and management teams of successful, entrepreneurial business services, specialty distribution and manufactured products businesses with enterprise values up to $200 million. Leveraging our dedicated investment research team and curated operational approach, we invest aggressively in our portfolio companies to accelerate growth and build market-leading businesses. Saw Mill has been helping leadership teams grow entrepreneurial companies since 1997. For more information, visit www.sawmillcapital.com.