One of the most underrated problems in roofing is hailstorms. The reason for much of this is that hail damage happens pretty infrequently. But this does not mean you should ignore it when a storm threatens your area. In fact, hailstorms could be a major issue for your home and should be approached with just as much vigilance as a fire extinguisher or flood-control system.
What are the main problems caused by hail damage?
Hail can cause several different kinds of damage to roofs, and the more serious the damage is, the more it will cost to repair. The most common forms of damage hail storms can cause include:
Multiple dents: If hailstones have struck your roof, there is a chance some or all of the shingles might be dented. While this may not affect how your roof protects you from weather, it does affect its appearance and may indicate that your roof is not being protected properly.
Dented flashing: Flashing is a term for any metal put on a roof to keep water out of cracks or other vulnerable places. If the flashing has been dented by hail, water can get in and cause even more expensive damage when it freezes.
Cracked or broken tiles: Hail can also break or crack tiles on a roof. This can cause leaks and make the entire repair process much more expensive.
Partial or total loss of shingles: If too many shingles are lost due to hail damage, they will have to be replaced to prevent leaks and other serious problems. Fortunately, this type of damage is often covered by insurance after an inspection as long as you have comprehensive coverage.
Mold
It is necessary to deal with the hail damage as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that water will penetrate the surface and allow mold to begin growing. If you have any concerns about the condition of your roof following a hailstorm, contact a professional as soon as possible.
Cracked vinyl
Cracked or split vinyl is clear that the roof has been damaged. The problem can be caused by hail, but it can also be caused by other weather damage. If you do have hail damage, contact an expert immediately. The longer you wait to repair the damage, the more likely it will cause further problems.
Gutter damage
Gutters and downspouts are designed for rainwater only. They do not prevent hail from damaging your roofing material. So if the size of the hail is greater than 1″ in diameter, it will cause considerable damage to your roof.
The force of a hailstorm can knock gutters apart from the roof and make them fall off. The hailstones can also push the water into your house through the damaged guttering system. Roof leakages due to broken downspouts or gutters are very common in areas that experience severe hailstorms every year.
Collapsing of roof
If you have hail damage, your roof is at risk of further damage or even collapse. Hail causes cracks and dents in your roof’s shingles that can lead to leaks. Hail also causes your roof to expand on the top and contract on the bottom, which creates an imbalance that can cause your roof to collapse. It’s important to have your roof inspected after a hailstorm for these signs of damage.
What to do after a hailstorm damage
Get the right type of roofing
The first step to avert any potential problems is to make sure you have the right type of roofing for your home. Many roofs consist of asphalt shingles, which are very susceptible to hail damage. Slate, clay, tile, and shake roofs are much more resistant to hailstones. If you don’t have one of these types of roofs, consider getting one installed before any major storms come through your area.
Prepare
Once you’ve taken steps to protect your roof from hail, it’s wise to prepare for a storm by removing anything on top of the roof that could be blown away by the wind. This includes air conditioners, satellite dishes, vents, and other objects. After a storm has passed, check your roof for dents or missing shingles. If you have a number of damaged shingles or if there are visible cracks in them, contact a roofing professional as soon as possible for repairs or replacement work.
Inspection
After a hailstorm, you need to inspect your roof for damage and repair any areas in which the wood has rotted or is otherwise damaged from the hailstorm and subsequent effect on the roof materials. If you haven’t had your roof inspected recently, it’s best to call someone qualified to do so immediately after a storm passes through your area.
If you’ve ever experienced hail damage, you know how devastating it can be. If your roof has sustained damage from hailstones, you need to take immediate action in order to keep your home safe and protected. Hail can cause major damage to a roof that may seem irreparable, but there are steps you can take to repair the damage before it becomes worse.
