Nothing fills a homeowner with dread quite like the sound of hail on a roof. This unusual weather occurrence can cause thousands of dollars in damage within just a few minutes. Before another hailstorm strikes, learn how to deal with hail roof damage.
How to Deal with Hail Roof Damage
Hail consists of small balls of ice that are created when strong winds blow raindrops into cold areas of the atmosphere. These drops freeze into hailstones and then fall to the ground, much like rain.
Unfortunately, unlike rain, a hailstone can be up to five inches in diameter. Hail can also fall at speeds upwards of 40 to 100 miles an hour. It can break windows, damage aircraft and cars, and even be deadly to people and animals. Hail roof damage can also cost unlucky homeowners thousands of dollars in needed repairs. Knowing what hail roof damage looks like, and how to deal with it, is the best way to protect your investment in your roof.
Spotting Hail Roof Damage
There are four factors that can affect the degree of damage your roof experiences from hail:
- Wind: Strong winds can blow hailstones into your roof at damaging speeds. They can also make pre-existing damage worse, which is another reason to deal with hail damage sooner rather than later.
- Hail Size: Most hail is the size of a pea, or even smaller. However, if conditions allow, hailstones can get up to the size of a softball. Hail can also have rough edges and points that can cause additional damage.
- Material: The material your roof is made of will affect the type of hail damage you see. A metal roof may show circular dings, while wooden or vinyl shingles may show cracks or might even be knocked completely off the roof. In extreme circumstances, large pieces of hail can puncture a roof.
- Surrounding Cover: Even if the hail is severe, you might catch a break if something can block it from reaching your roof. Large trees, surrounding structures, or even the angle of the wind can make a difference in how much your roof is affected.
Some forms of hail roof damage, like split or missing shingles, are easy to spot. Other kinds of hail roof damage, such as asphalt discoloration, may not be immediately apparent. So if your home is affected, what can you do?
Fixing Damage After the Hailstorm
After a hailstorm, there are a few steps you should immediately take:
- Walk around your property to survey any damage. Keep in mind that hail can break glass and create other hazardous conditions. You will want to wear gloves, goggles, and boots. Be sure to bring a camera so you can document any damage.
- Carefully photograph any damage you find. If you can, write up simple descriptions of what has occurred. Include the date of the storm, the date the damage was discovered, and any relevant details you have about the storm (size of hail, wind speed, etc.). All of this information can be helpful to whomever assesses the damage later.
- If the hail has damaged your roof to the point that it has been compromised, take immediate steps to cover the damage. If your roof is accessible, you can use a tarp to cover any open areas. Cover any broken windows as well. If the roof is not easily and safely accessible, call a roofer for emergency assistance.
- Contact a local licensed roofer to inspect your roof for hail damage. Share the information you have about the storm. They will be able to confirm what, if any, work needs to be done.
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Hail roof damage can be unpredictable, so make a plan now to be prepared when that hailstorm hits. You’ll be glad you did.
If you live in southwest Missouri, contact the professionals at Taylor-Made Roofing. With over 20 years of experience in residential and commercial roofing, Taylor-Made Roofing is a company that you can trust with all of your roofing needs. Our family-owned business offers quality services, a reassuring warranty, and free estimates. For more information, please give us a call at 417-326-8778 or contact us online. We look forward to hearing from you!