Summer brings summer storms, and, with them, the possibility of hail. Hail roof damage can occur when hail is 2cm (¾ inch) in diameter, approximately the size of a nickel. The effects of anything larger than nickel-sized hail can be influenced by a variety of factors – wind speed, wind direction, and the age, slope and type of your roofing material.
Hail often causes what most people consider to be cosmetic damage. Shingles may appear dented or bruised, have punctures or granule loss. Though these blemishes might appear to be small, they often cause large problems, like roof leaks, which you might not notice until the next rainfall or storm when water starts entering your living areas. In the case of hail, it is best to do a thorough inspection of your roof after every hailstorm. Here’s what to look for:
#1 Look around your home and yard
If you see dents and damage to your deck, painted surfaces, screens, or siding, chances are your roof has experienced damage too.
Debris around your home, like fallen branches or twigs, probably means there is debris on top of your home, on the roof. This debris should be removed as soon as possible.
#2 Check the eavestroughs
Eavestroughs are part of the system for removing water from your roof, playing an important role in keeping your home safe and dry. Look for dented or damaged eavestroughs and downspouts, and ensure that they allow good water drainage.
The contents of your eavestroughs might wave a red flag to warn you of roof damage. If your roof has asphalt shingles, your eavestroughs might be clogged with granules. Granules shield the asphalt layer of your shingles from the sun’s UV rays. When a shingle loses granules, its asphalt layer is exposed to the elements, leading to accelerated aging. If you notice granules in your eavestroughs, this is an indicator that damage has occurred to your roof.
#3 Inspect the roof
Look for:
- Missing shingles/roofing material
- Torn, creased, cracked, lifted, loose or curled shingles/roofing material
- Exposed nails
- Popped or exposed fasteners
- Cracked roof vents or chimney damage
- Broken seals or membranes
Any of the above damage means that your roofing material cannot effectively protect your home from the weather.
When to call a professional
If you notice any of the above damage during your inspection of the roof or eavestroughs, call your Save On Roofing pro. As a general rule of thumb, if the hail was nickel-sized or larger, if the wind speed carrying that hail was great, or if it hailed for an extended period of time, give our team a call. In addition to the above, our trained eyes may notice fractures to your fiberglass mat, sealant strips or shingle underlayment, roof injuries that are more difficult detect, but important to the longevity of your home.
Most homeowners’ insurance policies will include coverage for roof damage from hail, but policies are ever-changing. Check your coverage to review hail details and possible restrictions, like reporting time limits. For your best chance of quick repairs, we recommend that you make an appointment to have your roof inspected as soon as possible after you suspect harm to your roof caused by hail. A Save On roofer can quickly determine the severity of the damage.
Hail damage to a roof can be repaired, often without large expense. Sometimes a single shingle might need to be replaced, or a seal or downspout repaired. A simple repair on your home’s most external layer, its roof, can protect you from complicated damage to the more expensive internal layers, like moldy insulation, rotting wood, and electrical issues. Being proactive about your roof after a hailstorm means you can save thousands on other repairs and keep your home in great condition.