Hail storms can cause significant harm to your roof. Detecting roof hail damage quickly will save you money on repairs and keep your home safe from water intrusion. Homeowners frequently neglect the signs of early warning until the issue becomes serious. This blog is dedicated to informing you on how to identify damage quickly, and take action.
Identifying Roof Hail Damage Indicators
Hail can leave certain signs of damage on a roof. The extent of hail damage can vary depending on various facts including size of the stones, speed of the wind, and age of the roof.
Watch out for the following signs of damage after a storm:
- Round depressions or bruising on shingles demonstrating a direct hit
- Missing granules that expose the dark base of the shingle
- Cracked shingles or broken shingles that usually show up in groups
- Dented or bent metal flashings around vents or chimneys
- Dented gutters or downspouts
Any water stains that appear in your attic or on your ceiling indicate the hail has penetrated the roof barrier. These stains can appear days or even weeks after a weathered event. Prompt inspection can help in reducing potential secondary damage to your home such as mold or deterioration.
Your Roof Inspection Following a Hail Event
A physical inspection will show the complete extent of damage. Safe inspection practices will keep you safe and allow you to gather important information:
- Begin the ground-level observation with an appropriate pair of binoculars or by using the zoom capabilities of your camera.
- Observe your roof for shifted or displaced shingles or shingles running a pattern of separation.
- Observe your gutters for dents, debris, and/or evidence of proper water flow.
- Peek in the attic for penetration light or moisture through the ceiling or roof.
- Use photographs to document everything for your records.
Roofing Services Houston provides professional work with the necessary training and equipment to safely access your roof area and provide you with documentation for an insurance event. A professional system will help make sure that you didn’t miss anything important in the damage assessment and evaluation of your hail damage.
Recognizing Necessary Roof Repairs from Hail Damage
The level of damage that has occurred defines your repair options and repair schedule. Different situations require different approaches:
- Some minor bruising may only require replacement shingles at targeted areas
- Widespread impact damage often requires a full replacement of the roof
- Crisis leaks require immediate patchwork to ensure your home does not suffer interior damage.
- Preventing deterioration and future complications ensures all repairs are completed correctly.
Moreover, most homeowners’ policies cover hail damage to their roofs. Getting the documentation from experts will assist in getting your approval and processing your claim. Hail damaged roof repair experts understand the needs of your insurance company and will walk you through the entire process, smoothly and professionally.
Roof Maintenance After Hail Storm
Maintaining a roof after a severe storm protects your investment and extends the life of your roof. The following actions reinforce the durability of your roof:
- Schedule an annual professional inspection or inspection after severe weather
- Clear gutters to avoid water backup or overflow
- Replace damaged flashing and sealants as soon as possible
- If applicable, you may want to switch to impact-resistant shingles for future protection
- Trim tree limbs that may cause further damage
A roof inspection after a hail storm maintains your roof’s lifespan. In addition, in many cases, it lowers insurance premiums. Consistent roof maintenance helps ensure you can discover problems before they become costly emergencies that require significant repair.
Safeguarding Your Residence in the Future
Taking precautionary measures today will save you cash down the road. Here is what homeowners should be focusing on after any weather event:
- Photograph and take written notes of all storm damage for your insurance
- Report any storm damage to your insurance company in accordance with their timeframes
- Obtain multiple repair estimates from qualified and licensed contractors
- Ask about warrants for repairs and the materials used in the repairs
Are you ready to safeguard your home from hail damage? Reach out to our team today to schedule a hail damage evaluation and to provide information on the repair process and preventative measures.
