What should I do if I see missing shingles?
Request a roof inspection soon. Missing shingles can expose underlayment and decking, allowing water intrusion during the next rain.
Why is photo documentation important after a hail storm?
Photos help preserve visible evidence before repairs, more storms, or time make the condition harder to understand. Good documentation can also make conversations with your carrier more organized.
What should I show RAFTRx when requesting help in Elgin?
Share the property address, roof age if known, storm date, photos of leaks or missing shingles, ceiling stains, gutter granules, and any insurance or adjuster details you already have.
What is the difference between a roof inspection and a roof estimate?
A roof inspection focuses on condition and visible issues. A roof estimate focuses on projected repair or replacement scope and pricing after the roof has been reviewed.
Why is collateral damage important in a roof claim?
Collateral damage can help show that a hail or wind event affected the property as a whole. It may support the storm story when roof damage alone is difficult to see or was previously overlooked.
What areas do you inspect besides shingles?
We may check gutters, downspouts, garage doors, roof vents, flashing, metal trim, window screens, siding, fencing, exterior paint, and other visible areas that may show hail or wind damage.
Can hail damage show up on garage doors?
Yes. Metal garage doors can show dents or impact marks from hail. Those marks may be part of the property-wide documentation after a storm.
Can RAFTRx review storm damage before repairs start?
Yes. Reviewing and documenting visible storm-related issues before repairs can help you understand the scope and avoid missing related problem areas.
Can RAFTRx help with a roof estimate in Elgin?
Yes. RAFTRx can review the roof condition, damage concerns, repair scope, and replacement questions so you can get a clearer idea of the next step for your Elgin home.
Why are granules in my gutters important?
Granule loss can expose shingles to faster aging and may indicate hail impact, old shingles, or storm wear. It is one clue that should be reviewed with the overall roof condition.
Can I submit photos before scheduling?
Yes. Photos of roof damage, ceiling stains, gutters, shingles, and storm evidence can help RAFTRx understand your concern before the inspection.
What if I have damage to gutters and roof?
Gutters and roofing often need to be reviewed together after hail or wind because both can show storm impact and both affect water control around the home.
Are you public adjusters?
No. RAFTRx is a roofing company, not a public adjuster. We document visible roof and property damage and help homeowners understand the inspection findings and next steps.
Can hail damage show up later?
Some issues become more visible over time as granules loosen, bruised areas age, or water begins entering weakened spots. That is why post-storm review is useful.
Do former insurance agents make better roof inspectors?
Insurance background can help with documentation mindset. RAFTRx uses that perspective to look for the types of evidence, patterns, and property-wide details that are often important after a storm.
Should I wait for another storm before checking my roof?
No. Waiting can allow minor issues to become bigger leaks. If you suspect roof damage now, it is better to request an inspection and understand the condition.
Can RAFTRx help with emergency roof repair after storms?
RAFTRx can help review urgent roof concerns, active leaks, missing shingles, and temporary protection needs when storms create immediate problems.
What are soft metals on a roof inspection?
Soft metals are exposed metal components such as vents, flashing, caps, turbines, and trim that may show hail dents more clearly than shingles.
What does RAFTRx mean by whole-property storm damage documentation?
It means we inspect more than just the roof. We also look for visible storm indicators on gutters, downspouts, garage doors, vents, screens, siding, soft metals, fencing, and other exterior surfaces.
What should I send RAFTRx before a second-opinion inspection?
Helpful items include the claim decision letter, scope if available, date of loss, storm date, photos, videos, leak photos, and notes about what the previous roofer or adjuster inspected.
Can RAFTRx reopen my denied insurance claim?
RAFTRx does not control insurance claim decisions and does not guarantee reopening or approval. We can inspect the property, document visible storm evidence, and help you understand what may have been missed.
Do you inspect commercial roofs too?
Yes. RAFTRx can review commercial roofing concerns, leaks, storm damage, maintenance needs, and replacement planning depending on the building and roof type.
Can RAFTRx provide a roof replacement estimate in Elgin?
Yes. If replacement appears to be the right path, RAFTRx can help review roof size, roofing materials, ventilation, tear-off needs, accessories, and project scope.
Can RAFTRx inspect roof leaks in Elgin?
Yes. If you have a ceiling stain, active drip, wet insulation, or a recurring leak after rain, RAFTRx can help look for likely roof entry points.