Wind and hail can do a lot of damage, especially to a house. Knoxville homeowners know this concept all too well thanks to a series of Spring storms that rolled through the area.

Hail forms when updrafts in a thunderstorm carry raindrops upward into cold areas of the atmosphere where they freeze.

Even a moderate hailstorm can cause damage to a homeowner’s roof. Assessing hail damage can be complicated because damage might not be obvious immediately after the storm. Also, different types of roofing materials can experience different kinds of damage. Composite shingles are designed to protect your roof from water by using a tar or asphalt layer covered by granules that protect the tar from harmful sun rays. Hail can damage the shingles by dislodging the granules on the shingle surface. Seeing excess granules in gutters or under eaves for weeks or even months after a hailstorm indicate that your roof might be comprised.

If you suspect hail has damaged your home, the first call should be to your insurance company. The adjuster will be able to access the damage and determine if you have a claim. A door-to-door canvaser should not be the only person to determine if your roof needs repair.

Finding a reputable company to repair the roof damage to your Knoxville home can be complicated. Companies, or "storm chasers", thrive on the hardship of Knoxville homeowners and breeze into town after a major storm. Typically, these companies request payment for work and start the job, however, they don’t complete the job or they use shoddy materials and provide inferior work.

Knoxville homeowners should be aware of fraud practices of unscrupulous business owners. A business card or flyer might indicate they are a local company, it is not always true. Also, just because they have the Better Business Bureau logo on their information does not necessarily mean they are a BBB member. The Better Business Bureau features a database of BBB members.

Indicators that a roofing company is legitimate include a local business license that was issued more than a year ago, a member of the BBB, proof of general liability and worker’s compensation insurance, written manufacturer warranties and they are able to provide local references for jobs completed in the last 30 days and over a year ago.

Knoxville homeowners should also understand that a written estimate does not require a signature. Several homeowners have been duped into signing a contract when they were under the impression they were signing an estimate.

For Knoxville homeowners, patience and thorough research will prevent you from being a victim.