The roofs of our homes could quite easily be considered the most important part of our homes too. Often times we take for granted the protection and security our roofs offer until a problem arises, but once the problem is present it consumes our thoughts. It is important to be aware of a huge enemy to our roofs, hail. Being educated on the signs of hail damage, and the actions to take if hail damage is present can be a big time and money saver. While some companies may advertise that their roofing methods are hail proof, experts agree that there is no such thing as a hail proof roof. Some types of roofs are more or less resistant to hail, but there is no such thing as a roof that is 100% immune to hail damage. One of the most common types of residential roofing materials, composite or asphalt shingles, can be damaged by hail, and homeowners should learn how to detect hail damage.Before you and your home have to go through a hail storm you should be conscious of your insurance policy on hail damage. Different insurance companies have different lengths of time in which they allow you to make your insurance claim. It is always the best idea to make the claim immediately and not hold back. Another difference between insurance companies is the scales in which they use to determine if the hail damage is significant enough to need repair. Know this information beforehand and keep it in mind if your home has suffered damage. Asphalt shingles often times are hard for people to detect hail damage. A common miss-belief people have is that if there are no shingles missing there is no damage. This is not the case though. High wind is what causing missing shingles while damage from hail is harder to see. Pay attention during the storm, and if you believe the storm caused any damage to your house take pictures while hail is still on the ground. Having the date present on the photograph can be useful. You should also include a picture of you entire roof in one shot. Never throw these pictures away even if you feel like no damage actually occurred. If problems come up later from the storm, these pictures will be helpful. Before you begin a thorough inspection of your roof and gutters, give it enough time to completely dry. A big sign of a worn or damage roof is asphalt granules building up where gutters drain. Be on the look out for weathered areas on your roof and photograph these also. Once you find evidence of hail damage in the form of weathered hailstone size spots on your shingles, it is time to get a professional opinion concerning detecting and repairing hail to roofs. Many roofing companies offer free inspections. A homeowner can combine a professional’s inspection report with the photographs and submit the material to an insurance company.Dan Netko has been assisting people handle hail damage for the last thirty years. Find out how he can assist you completely with your insurance claims, roofing repairs and hail damage repairs today.