What Do You Do After Hail Damage to Your Roof

A lot of homeowners are often unaware of the extent of hail damage on their roofs. You cannot see all the roof damage caused by hail storms from the ground. Hence the reason why so many of them go unnoticed until the damage becomes too much.

The truth is, hail damage can happen almost anywhere when there’s a threat of thunderstorms. They’re more common than you think. According to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the cost of damage caused by hail storms in the US is about $1 billion annually.

The cost is going higher because of the increase in the average home size built in the US. Also, as homes are getting bigger, they’re now being built close together, increasing the number of homes damaged by hail storms.

In 2020 alone, there were about 4,611 severe hailstorms in the US, according to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration weather database. Therefore, it’s essential you know how to identify hail damages to your roof and what to do afterward. Our Greenville roofers can help you repair your roof damaged by hail.

Effects of Hail Damage on Roofs

The effect of hail damage to roofs differs depending on some factors. Factors like roof size, wind speed, wind size, the material used for the rooftop, age of the materials used, and slope of the roof determine hail damage.

Damage to a roof can either be cosmetic or functional. The damage is cosmetic if it is more severe than it appears. For example, broken shingles, punctures, granule loss, and bruises.

• Granule Loss: When there’s a hail storm, there could be granule loss. Granule is the sandpaper-like part of a roof that protects the asphalt coating. When there is granule loss, the asphalt coating is exposed, leading to accelerated aging of the top.

• Exposed Fiberglass Mat: When a hail storm happens, there’s a possibility that the fiberglass can shatter. If that happens, the fiberglass mat becomes exposed, exposing the shingles.

• Fractured Fiberglass: Though challenging to dictate, fractured fiberglass can lead to holes and cracks in the shingles. Also, a hail storm can cause the under-layer of the fiberglass mat to break apart.

• Cracks: Cracks can appear in the shingles, especially after high winds or impact from hard hail. The gaps that arise can lead to tears and exposure. Cracked shingles cannot protect your roof effectively.

• Weakened Seal Trips: Hail can weaken the integrity of the seal trip of your shingles. When a seal trip gets weak, there’s a higher chance that your shingle will get blown off and expose your roof. Once a shingle is damaged, its integrity becomes compromised. Other shingles around it begin to tear, and leaks will appear on the rooftop.

How To Tell That Your Roof Has Hail Damage

There are signs of hail damage invisible to the untrained. Others like blown-off shingles, broken tree branches are pretty obvious. However, we’ll be looking at some signs that you can look out to show that there has been hail damage.

You could tell that there’s been a hailstorm if you discover holes, cracks, and dents on any of the following:

• Siding
• Windowsills
• Window and door screens
• Mailboxes
• AC condensers/heat pump
• Outdoor furniture and lights
• Dents on decks and painted wood surfaces
• Chipped or cracks to the satellite dish
• Loose or missing shingles
• Water stains, mildew, and mold
• Leaking roofs

Since not everyone can detect hail damage, get our roof repair professionals in Greenville, SC, to carry out a thorough roof inspection.

Now That Your Roof Is Damaged, What Do You Do?

Once you’ve identified hail damages on your roof, you have to fix it. The earlier you fix your roof damages, the fewer expenses you’d incur. If you allow your roof damage to linger, chances are it could turn into a water problem.

When ignored, shingles damage can turn to leaks and an ice dam. These could eventually lead to further problems like rotting wood, electrical issues, mold damage, etc. As a homeowner, being proactive about hail damage will save you tons of money and preserve your property.

Do I File an Insurance Claim for a Damaged Roof?

The simple answer is yes. Typically, a homeowner’s insurance covers roof damage from hail. However, the details of your policy, your insurer, and where you live affect how your insurance is applied.

Get a Greenville Roofing Expert From Lanier Roofing!

After detecting signs of roof damage, the next best step to engage the services of a factory-certified contractor. Get an experienced Greenville roofing contractor who handles projects that the homeowner files insurance claims. At Lanier Roofing, we have a team of roofing experts ready to fix your roof. Contact us today to get a quote.