After a severe storm, there is usually an inevitable knock on the door from a roofing company in the area assessing your neighbor’s homes for hail damage. They think your roof may require repair, but how do you know?
Whether the storm that blew through was moderate or severe, knowing how to identify your roof for hail damage and determine if it needs repair is something every homeowner should know. Read on to learn more.
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Identifying Hail Damage on Your Roof
Fallen tree branches or missing shingles ripped off in the storm are a sure sign to call a professional about the condition of your roof. But, what else can you look for after a hail storm that could indicate hail damage?
Things to look out for include:
- Cracked or bruised shingles
- Shingle asphalt granules in downspouts and gutters
- Soft or bare spots
- Dents or black spots in shingles
- Dents on metal roof vents
- Damaged or loose metal flashing
Hail falls in a variety of sizes, ranging from pea-sized to softball-sized. Keep in mind that hail 1″ or larger is more likely to cause damage to your roof.
Roofs damaged by hail that go unrepaired are vulnerable to water leaks. Once the water has entered through your shingles, harmful molds can grow. Water can also damage the integrity and structure of your home, causing the wood to warp and rot.
Asphalt Shingles and Roof Repair
While other roofing materials are available, about 80% of American homes have composition asphalt roofing. The popularity of this roofing material is due to its affordability and expansive life cycle.
Asphalt shingles are designed as both fire and weather-resistant and consist of materials like fiberglass, mineral powders, asphalt, and granules. Hailstones knock granules loose from the shingles, and the granule loss can cause shingles to crack.
A hail damage roof repair company can determine if a moderate to severe hail storm has weakened the integrity of your asphalt shingle roof. Reach out to professionals like https://www.douglasconstruction.net/ to perform an inspection and tell you if a roof repair is needed.
Types of Hail Damage
For insurance purposes, hail damage is usually referred to as having functional or cosmetic damage.
Functional Damage
This kind of damage reduces the roof’s ability to do what it is designed to do – shed the rainwater. Functional damage is usually caused by hail penetrating the shingle, sometimes to the roof deck.
If the function of your roof has been compromised, it’s time to call a professional for roof repair.
Cosmetic Damage
When your roof’s surface has been damaged but not impaired the roof’s function, these kinds of damages are often referred to as cosmetic repairs by insurance companies.
Unfortunately, your home owner’s insurance may not always cover them. So, remember that cosmetic damages may still indicate your roof needs repair.
Yes, It’s Really Necessary
The threat from hail damage isn’t always immediate, and repairs aren’t always needed. But, unless you’re an expert in roofing and can safely navigate walking on the roof of your home, there is no way to be sure. Make the smart choice by hiring a professional to inspect it for you. But, unless you’re an expert in roofing and can safely navigate walking on the roof of your home, there is no way to be sure. Make the smart choice by hiring a professional to inspect it for you.
