Illinois & Chicago Hail Damage Claim Specialists | Amazing Exteriors

Claim Process

How to Properly File Your Claim

Have one of our qualified field representatives do a free no obligation inspection of your property. If damage was found to you property, your field representative will show you the extent of your damage.

Upon contacting your insurance company with your field representative, you will receive a claim number and a time when your insurance adjuster will come and inspect your home. If your insurance company does not give you a time and date one will be issued within 24 to 72 hours. Contact your field representative with the date and time (name and number if possible of your adjuster ) ASAP. Your field representative will work with your insurance adjuster at your home during the inspection.

Your Amazing Exteriors field representative will make sure ALL DAMAGES are documented to assure that you get the highest possible settlement toward your home repairs.

Vinyl Siding Benefits

Vinyl siding is a popular choice for homeowners who want to improve the looks of their home without painting. While vinyl is relatively inexpensive, and long-lasting, there are some pros and cons when it comes to choosing it for your home. There are many factors to consider when looking at installing vinyl siding.There are several benefits to installing vinyl siding on your home. Vinyl siding is long lasting, durable, inexpensive and easy to maintain. Vinyl comes in a variety of grains, thickness and colors making it a practical choice for many homeowners.Durability: One of the main reasons homeowners want to install vinyl siding is because it is long lasting and durable. Most vinyl siding companies offer siding that should last for a very long time. Vinyl siding can stand up to most weather conditions without worry of severe damage. Newer vinyl is even stronger than the older versions and is less likely to crack and become brittle. In addition, vinyl siding can withstand years of sunlight without fading.Maintenance: Vinyl siding is easy to maintain. There is no need to ever paint the siding and it never fades from the elements. The only regular maintenance vinyl siding needs is to be spray washed once or twice a year. Vinyl siding has a new look year after year. If moisture becomes an issue, you will need to recaulk the joints between the siding and trim.

American Herald® vinyl siding brings prestige and warmth to any home. Its flawless beauty and superb strength assures your home’s beauty will endure for decades to come.

Roof Info

A roof system is designed to shed water, but it takes the right materials and careful workmanship to build a roof that is durable and leak proof. Start with a solid deck made of plywood, OSB sheathing, or 1×6 boards; any wood that is not sound must be removed and replaced before you begin roofing. If you live in a snowy climate, plan for an ice and water barrier, which is an asphalt-backed plastic membrane that stops leaks at the eaves. Next come asphalt paper, the drip edge, the shingles (with flashing and counter-flashing as needed), and the hip and ridge caps. All combine to make your roof impervious to water.

Q: Are asphalt shingles good for the environment?

A: Shingles are good for the environment because they protect your home/building from damage from the elements. They are durable, lightweight, contain recycled post-industrial materials, and are easily maintained.

Q: Can hail affect asphalt roofing shingles?

A: Hail can affect asphalt roofing shingles. The damage caused by hail can be classified into two groups: aesthetic damage and functional damage. Aesthetic damage results in slight granule loss and the life of the shingle is usually not affected. Functional damage is characterized by substantial granule loss or cracking or penetration of the shingle. Functional damage may result in short term leaks or a reduction of the life expectancy of the shingle.

According to CASMA Technical Bulletin No. 14 (1997), there are several factors that impact how roofing shingles perform in hail:

  • Size and density of hail stones – Larger heavy stones will cause more severe damage.
  • Age of the shingles – Newer shingles are more resistant than older shingles, as the asphalt is less brittle and better able to absorb the impact energy.
  • Angle of hail impact – Hail which strikes the roof at a 90° angle is more likely to cause shingle fractures, while hail that strikes the roof obliquely is more likely to result in spots of granule loss.
  • Temperature – Colder temperature will be more likely to cause fractures as the asphalt will be more brittle than in warmer weather.
  • Roof deck conditions – Solid roof decks on moderately spaced trusses offer better support to the shingle surface in resisting hail damage. Shingles on rotted or flimsy decking can be more easily fractured.

Q: How much ventilation do I need on my roof?

A: The amount of ventilation needed is determined by the size and design of the roof. For roof and attic spaces above an insulated ceiling, the vent ratio is one square foot of net free ventilating area/300 square feet. For low slope roofs or roofs with cathedral ceilings the vent ratio is one square foot/150 square feet

Q: What are ice dams?

A: Ice dam formation is the result of continuous freezing and thawing of snow due to escaping heat from the house or from gutters being backed up with frozen slush. When this occurs, water may be driven under the roof which may cause ceiling, wall, and insulation and gutter damage.

Iko’s History

IKO was founded in 1951 in Alberta, Canada, and began manufacturing and selling asphalt- soaked paper for building construction. In 1954 they began selling roofing shingles, and eventually began operating in Europe. They opened their first US plant in 1979 in Wilmington, Delaware.

Warranty

Shingle warranties depend on the composition and strength of the individual line. Most companies carry several lines with a variety of styles. IKO offers their “Iron Clad” warranty to all shingles. It covers the cost of repair or replacement, including labor charges, for up to five years.

Terms of their standard limited warranty vary from 30, 40, to 50 years and cover wind velocity ranging from 70 mph to 110 mph. All of their shingles are class “A” fire rated, the highest rating in that category.

IKO shingles with algae protection are warranted for 5 to 10 years, depending on the shingle brand and style.

APPEARANCE

  • Deep emboss and low-gloss finish recreates the look of rough-sawn wood
  • Four distinctive profiles let you add the perfect touch to any home
  • Choose from 14 classic colors or make a bold statement with the five rich, dark colors from our Signature Series color collection

PERFORMANCE

  • 0.044” Panel thickness adds durability and resists dents
  • Napco’s color extrusion technology creates a consistent color throughout the panel to minimize the appearance of scratches and ensures an exterior free from chipping, peeling or flaking
  • Signature Series colors are made with ASA resin for superior color hold, this ensures your home will keep its dramatic look for years to come

INVESTMENT

  • Siding never needs painting and is virtually maintenance free
  • Limited Lifetime Transferable Warranty enhances resale valued by our lifetime limited transferable warranty.

All this and more make American Herald® the ideal choice for any neighborhood – anywhere.

Illinois & Chicago Hail Damage Claim Specialists | Amazing Exteriors