Hailstorms can be a dangerous force of nature, wreaking havoc on roofs and causing significant damage. While it’s easy to spot the immediate aftermath of a hailstorm, determining whether your roof has been affected, and figuring out the extent of the damage, can be a lot more challenging.
Identifying hail damage, however is extremely crucial for ensuring timely repairs and preventing further issues down the line. As such, you need to have the practical knowledge of how you can identify if your roof has been affected by hail and why timely and professional roof inspections and repairs are of utmost importance.
How to Tell If Your Roof Suffered a Hail Impact
The first step in identifying hail damage is to visually inspect your roof. With the right safety gear and measures, you can generally do that yourself; however, it’s usually better to have a professional do it for you in most cases.
The aim is to look for any noticeable signs of damage, such as dents, cracks, or missing shingles. Check for dented gutters, downspouts, or metal vents as well. Hail damage often appears as small depressions or divots on the surface of shingles or metal roofing materials. It’s important to note that the severity of the damage can vary depending on factors like the size of hailstones and the type of roofing materials.
The following points generally have to be kept in mind during such times:
- Hail can dislodge the protective granules on shingles, causing granule loss. Look for areas on your roof where the granules appear sparse or have accumulated in your gutters or downspouts. Granule loss can weaken the shingles and expose them to the elements, leading to further deterioration if left unaddressed.
- A stronger hail impact can result in cracked or split shingles. At a glance, inspect your roof for shingles that have visible cracks or splits, as these are clear indicators of hail damage.
- Hailstones can cause soft spots or bruising on your roof’s surface, especially on asphalt shingles. Soft spots can be felt by applying gentle pressure with your hand, and bruising appears as dark patches on the shingles.
The Importance of Early Roof Inspections and Repairs
Now that you know how to identify hail damage on your roof, it’s crucial to understand the importance of timely inspections and of hiring a professional roofer for quick repairs following a hailstorm.
Addressing hail damage promptly can prevent the further deterioration of your roof. Small cracks or dents can worsen over time, leading to leaks and water infiltration. By hiring a Rockford roofing contractor with experience to conduct a quick roof inspection, you can mitigate the risk of more extensive damage that may require costly repairs or even a full roof replacement.
It’s worth noting that most homeowner’s insurance policies will cover hail damage. However, insurance companies often require prompt action to file a claim. Timely inspections and documentation of the damage are essential for the claims process. If you delay inspections and repairs, it may become challenging to prove that the damage was caused by the recent hailstorm, potentially resulting in denial or reduced coverage.
Finally, roofs that are promptly inspected and repaired after hail damage have a better chance of lasting close to their expected lifespan. By addressing the damage early on, you can prevent issues from escalating and ensure that your roof remains in good condition for many years to come.
