As a native of the Midwest, you know, those miracles of nature when springs come with the threat of severe thunderstorms, and you can listen to the hail crashing against your roof. Despite the beauty of these storms, they can cause severe damage to your home – particularly to your roof.
In fact, a hailstorm can leave your roof looking like it has been pounded with golf balls. But how do you know if your roof has actually been damaged by hail? And, more importantly, what should you do about it?
In this blog post, we’ll provide some tips on how to spot hail and storm damage on your roof. We’ll also discuss what steps you should take if you find damage. So read on for all the information you need!
1. Factors Influencing the Hail and Storm Damage
Hail damage on roofing and siding varies from light to severe depending on four factors:
A. Type of Hailstone
There are two types of hailstones – soft and hard. Soft hailstones are composed of water droplets that have frozen together. Hard hailstones, on the other hand, have a core of ice with a coating of snow. Because hard hailstones are denser, they are more likely to cause damage than soft hailstones.
B. Size of Hailstone
The larger the hailstone, the greater the chance of damage. Obviously, a hailstone the size of a golf ball or grape is more likely to cause damage than a hailstone the size of a pea. Here speed can change the scenario making small-size hailstones more dangerous if moving at high speed.
C. Velocity Of Hailstone Falls
If a hailstone falls at a velocity of 90 mph, it has the same kinetic energy as being shot out of a cannon. So, it’s not surprising that hailstones falling at high speeds are more likely to cause damage than hailstones falling at lower speeds.
D. Angle of Impact
The angle at which a hailstone hits your roof can also influence the amount of damage sustained. If a hailstone hits a roof at a 90-degree angle, it is more likely to cause damage than if it hits at a glancing angle.
2. Sings of Hail Damage: What to Look For
Identifying the hail damage to your roof can be tricky. After all, you’re not likely to get up on your roof during or after a hailstorm to take a look! However, there are some signs of hail damage that you can look for from the ground. These include:
A. Dents in Gutters and Roof
One of the first places to look for hail damage is on your gutters, sidings, or downspouts. If you see dents or other signs of damage after a hail storm, this is a sign that the hailstones were large enough to cause damage to your roof.
Example: Metal roof, is more susceptible to dents than a shingle roof. So, if you see any damage to your gutters or roof after a hail storm, be sure to check the metal roof for dents.
B. Cracked Shingles or Broken Shingles
If you notice any cracks in your roof, it’s important to determine whether they were caused by hail or some other factor. Hail-related cracks have a few specific signs that can help you determine whether they were caused by a storm.
Hail-related cracks typically have jagged edges and are often wider at the top than at the bottom. Broken or missing shingles may also accompany them. If you see any of these signs, it’s likely that your roof was damaged by hail.
Example: Cracks in Clay Tiles, If you have a clay tile roof, look for cracks. These cracks will be most evident on the edges of the tiles.
C. Missing Shingles
Missing shingles is the most obvious sign that can be seen from the ground. This can be caused by either high winds or large hailstones. If you see any bare spots on your roof after a hail storm, it’s an idea to have a professional inspect the damage.
Example: Missing shingles are observed in the Asphalt roofing system.
D. Granules in the Gutters
If you have asphalt shingles, another sign of hail damage is granules in the gutters. Asphalt shingles are covered with a layer of granules that protect the shingle from UV rays. If this layer is damaged, it can cause the shingle to deteriorate prematurely.
E. Bruises or Splits in Shingles
Bruises or splits in shingles can also be caused by hail. These bruises are usually circular or oval-shaped, and they may be accompanied by cracks. If you see any of these signs on your roof, it’s likely that the damage was caused by hail.
Example: Such type of damage is mostly seen in the wood roofing.
3. What To Do if You Find Hail or Storm Damage
It’s important to regularly inspect your roof and siding for damage. Storms can cause damage to your roof, siding, floor, and other properties like cars. Inspecting your property after a storm will help you determine the extent of the damage and whether you need to make repairs.
Here are some tips on how to fix the roof and siding damage:
A. Assess the Damage
The first thing you should do is inspect your roof from the ground with a pair of binoculars. Look for any missing or damaged shingles, and also check for any dents or holes in metal roofs. If you see any damage, it’s important to have it repaired as soon as possible so that water doesn’t enter your home and cause further damage.
B. Repair the Damage
If you have hail damage, it’s important to have it repaired as soon as possible. If left unrepaired, hail damage can lead to leaks and other water damage. When repairing hail damage, it’s important to use materials that match the type of roofing on your home.
For example, if you have an asphalt shingle roof, you’ll want to use asphalt shingles to repair the damage.
C. Get a Professional Opinion
If you’re not comfortable inspecting your roof and siding yourself, you can always hire a professional to do it for you. They will be able to spot any damage that you might miss, and they can also provide you with an estimate for repairs.
D. Prevent Future Damage
After your roof is repaired, it’s important to take steps to prevent future hail damage. One way to do this is to install a hail-resistant roof. Hail-resistant roofs are made from materials that are designed to resist impact, and they can help to protect your home from future hail storms.
You can also take steps to prevent damage by trimming trees and other vegetation around your home. This will help to reduce the amount of debris that can be thrown onto your roof during a storm.
What Expert Says….
If you think that your roof may have been damaged by hail, it’s important to have it inspected by a professional. They will be able to spot any damage that you might miss, and they can also provide you with an estimate for repairs. Taking steps to prevent future hail damage, such as installing a hail-resistant roof, can help to protect your home from future storms.
How Valet Works Can Helps You!
Valet Works is here to help you with all your apartment improvement needs. We can connect you with a vetted and qualified contractor who can inspect your roof and siding for damage. We can also help you get an estimate for repairs, and we’ll even handle the paperwork for you.