Roof damage is one of the things that homeowners dread most. Even though your roof is designed to protect your home from the elements, it can get damaged in severe weather. While several things can lead to roof damage, one of the most important things is to protect your roof from hail and wind.
Wind can cause tree branches and other flying debris to strike the roof and break or loosen the shingles. A hail storm can cause extensive damage to your roof. In some cases, you won’t have time to prepare before a storm hits. Luckily, you can take steps to minimize the impact of both hail and wind. Let’s look at some of the things you can do to protect your roof against hail damage and strong winds.
If you need help with hail damage repairs or a roof replacement, our Greenville roofing contractors can help. Call Lanier Roofing today.
The amount of hail required to damage a roof can vary based on several factors, including the type of roofing material, the age and condition of the roof, and the size and velocity of the hail. Even small pieces of hail can cause dents and dings in your roof.
Hail Size: Typically, hail must be at least 1 inch in diameter (about the size of a quarter) to cause damage to asphalt shingles or other common roofing materials. Large hailstones are more likely to cause damage.
Material Type: Different materials have different thresholds for damage. For example, asphalt shingles can be damaged by hail an inch or more in diameter, while metal roofs might only show cosmetic damage from these sizes. Tile roofs can crack with larger hailstones.
Roof Age and Condition: Older roofs or those in poor condition are more susceptible to hail damage. A new roof with modern materials is more resistant to hail.
Impact Velocity: The speed at which hail hits a roof also affects the potential for damage. Faster-moving hailstones have more energy and can cause more significant damage.
It’s also important to note that even if hail doesn’t create immediate, visible damage, it can still shorten the lifespan of a roof by loosening the granules on asphalt shingles, which protect the shingle from UV rays and weathering. Regular inspections after hail storms are recommended to assess and address any potential damage.
Ensure that all roofing materials are securely fastened. This includes using enough nails, proper nail placement, and the right type of nails. For areas prone to strong winds, enhanced edge-securing techniques should be used.
Install a high-quality, durable underlayment beneath the shingles for additional protection against water infiltration, which can occur if shingles are blown off or damaged by hail.
Conduct regular roof inspections, especially after severe weather events. Look for missing, damaged, or aging shingles and address these issues promptly to maintain the integrity of the roof.
If a roof already has cracked or missing shingles or structural damage, strong winds and hail storms will only make things worse. You need to have a professional examine the inside and outside of the roof for signs of damage.
If there are preventative steps you need to take before the next storm, they’ll let you know. Even small problems can make your roof vulnerable. The older your roof is, the more likely it is to be vulnerable. Unsealed shingles, warping, and curling are all signs of damage.
You should also take a look at the ceiling of your attic. Water damage like mold, mildew, dark stains, streaks, and excessive humidity may mean you have water damage. Without repair, hail storms are sure to cause further issues.
Clear Debris: Keep the roof free of debris such as leaves, twigs, and other materials that can retain moisture or uplift during high winds, potentially causing damage.
Gutter Maintenance: Keep gutters clean and well-maintained to prevent water buildup and potential overflow during heavy rain. This reduces the risk of damage during storms.
Trim Trees: Falling limbs from overhanging trees can wreak havoc on your roof. To prevent this from happening, cut off any branches which are over the roof. You should also ensure that old, rotting trees are removed promptly.
If you have to repair or replace a damaged roof, consider getting high-quality materials that will provide better protection. Some shingles are designed to withstand various wind speeds as well as the impact of hailstones.
These shingles can be made of plastic, resin, copper, and aluminum. The shingles that are most resistant to hail have a Class 4 rating. The highest rating is UL2218 and these roofing products can also withstand winds of up to 110 miles per hour. However, if you can’t afford these products, modified asphalt shingles are a more affordable alternative.
It’s important to take the following proactive steps to safeguard your roof before a hail storm.
Despite your best efforts, your home’s roof may still suffer hail damage. If you delay repairing damage from wind or hail, it can lead to bigger problems. The holes in your roof might not be leaking now. However, if water seeps in, it can damage your ceiling and attic. The moisture may attract pests and insects which also contribute to the growth of mold. If you don’t act quickly, you may end up needing a full roof replacement.
That’s not all. When you opt not to call your insurance provider immediately, the adjuster may refuse to cover the cost of your repairs. Another thing to consider is that putting off roof repairs can cause your home to decrease in value. If you plan to resell and you want to get the maximum price, you need to think about this.
Whether your roof has already suffered damage from hail or high winds or you want to prevent damage, we can help. While roofing issues may seem complicated, you don’t have to handle everything on your own. When you work with certified roofing contractors in Greenville, South Carolina, you can be sure your roof is in good hands.
We do everything from inspections to preventative maintenance, repairs, and roof replacement. Schedule an inspection and we’ll advise you about what needs to be done to protect your roof from hail damage. We offer free estimates.
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