Hailstorms can be quite destructive, leaving behind a trail of property damage. The roof is often the most vulnerable part of a building during a hailstorm, as its entire surface is exposed to the sky. Seeing things like these ten severely hail-damaged roofs has many homeowners wondering what they can do to mitigate the roof damage. Let’s take a closer look at how hail can damage your roof and what you can do to mitigate it.
What is hail damage?
Hail damage is the destruction caused by hailstones that hit a surface with considerable force. Hailstones are frozen raindrops, often confused with ice pellets, although they cause the same problems. When they hit the roof, they can cause significant damage to shingles, gutters, and flashing. In worst cases, hailstones can even create holes in a roof or damage the underlying structure, leading to leaks and other costly repairs.
What does hail damage on roof look like?
The signs of hail damage can vary depending on the size and intensity of the hailstones. Some common signs of hail damage on a roof include:
- Dented or cracked shingles: Hailstones can cause dents, cracks, or punctures in shingles, compromising their integrity and making them more vulnerable to water damage.
- Missing granules: Hailstones can knock off the granules on shingles, leading to premature aging and a reduced lifespan.
- Broken or cracked tiles: If you have a tile roof, hailstones can cause cracks or breakages in the tiles, allowing water to penetrate your roof.
- Dented or damaged gutters: Hailstones can dent gutters, leading to water buildup and potential water damage to the roof or foundation.
- Holes in the roof: Large or intense hailstones can create holes in a roof, leading to significant water damage and other problems.
How to prevent hail damage roof?
To prevent hail damage in the future, there are steps you can take:
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Install impact-resistant roofing materials: Consider installing roofing materials with a Class 4 hail rating or metal roofing to help your roof withstand hail impact.
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Regularly maintain your roof: Have your roof inspected and repaired regularly by a professional roofing contractor. Regular maintenance can help identify and address any issues before they become major problems.
Hail can cause significant physical and long-term damage to your roof. Having your roof inspected by a professional after a hailstorm is important to assess any damage and make necessary repairs. Additionally, investing in impact-resistant roofing materials and regular maintenance can help prevent future hail damage and ensure the longevity of your roof.
What should you do if your roof has been damaged by hail?
Depending on the size and speed of the hailstones, hail can cause anything from small dents to big cracks or holes. In addition to the physical damage, hail can cause leaks and mold growth if not fixed immediately.
To fix hail damage, you should first have a professional roofer look at it carefully. They will assess the extent of the damage and recommend the appropriate repairs. One common way to fix damage caused by hail is to replace cracked or broken shingles or tiles. The entire roof may need to be replaced if the damage is extensive.
It is important to note that hail damage may not always be immediately visible. Even if the roof appears intact, underlying damage may lead to leaks and other problems over time. Hail can cause damage to your roof’s protective coating as well as damage to the roof itself. This can cause your roof to age and break down faster than it should. That’s why it is important to conduct a professional inspection after a hailstorm, even if there are no visible signs of damage.
If you have homeowner’s insurance, contact your insurance company to file a claim for hail damage. Make sure to show proof of the damage, such as photos and a written estimate from the contractor for hail damage roof repair.
Contact Findlay Roofing to learn more about how to protect your roof from hail damage.