Hail’s Effects on Roofs and Hail Resistant Roofing Options
Colorado’s Front Range has the ominous nick name “Hail Alley.” Hail Alley receives the largest hail more frequently than anywhere else in North America and most of the world. Residents in Hail Valley can count on at least three damaging hail storms each year. Hail causes serious property damage each year. In the last decade, hail has caused more than $3 billion in insured damage in Colorado alone.
Common Types of Roof Damage
The indicators of a damaged roof are different and vary by the type of roof that you have. Here are a few of the most common types of roof damage.
1. Cracks and Tears – As the years pass, roofs made of shingles or tile may begin to crack. Cracks may cause leaks within the attic or the crawlspace. Cracks may not always be apparent from a distance. Certain cracks might not be obvious without close inspection.
2. Hail Damage – If the weather is bad in your area it is often difficult to determine the extent of the hail damage that your roof has sustained. There are methods to determine whether there is actual damage to your roof, without having to climb on top your house. Check your gutters for dings and scratches. The roof could be damaged by hail damage if the gutters of your home are damaged by hail. It is also possible to inspect the drain spouts of your home. The black mineral deposits can be seen around the downspouts of roofs that have been damaged.
3. Wind Damage – The tension levels of wind are higher at the roof’s corners. Wind is able to loosen the roof at the corners . Once loose, the wind will go beneath and push the roof up and expose the roof’s underside. The rain and hail can get into the roof and the more loose the roof is, the more the wind will be able to grip it to tear it off. Other forms of wind damage to a roof is flying debris. This debris can stop drain pipes from flowing and cause flooding.
4. Debris – The accumulation of debris could cause damage to all parts of the drainage system on your roof, from the gutters and downspouts , to the drainage openings. Leaves and other organic debris can cause fungal growth, and even black spots on your roof. Moss can develop out of this kind of debris. This can decrease the life span of a roof , by storing moisture in high-value areas. This water can also freeze depending on the location of your house is located.
Hail Roof Damage – What to Look For
You must be able recognize hail damage on your roof to submit a claim to your insurance company. It takes a skilled eye to easily spot it in a glance. But if you know what to look for, you are able to look over your roof to get a first look. If you’re certain that hail damage has been caused to your roof call your insurance company to request a surveyor.
- Vents and Gutters
Experts say that gutter down spouts can be a good spot to check for damage, as are vents. It would be a good idea to stroll around and take a close inspection of these areas after a hail storm.
- Granules
Asphalt granules are asphalt shingles which have been taken off. There could be the granules in a recently installed roof. What you need to be looking for is an over amount, far greater than the normal.
- Dings
If the hail is sturdy enough to cause a scratch by dinging our metal gutters It is as strong to cause damage to your roof.
- Walk Your Roof
Make sure you do this only if it’s safe. What you’re looking for are tiny small dings. If you see more than 1 every square foot, you will need to get your roof replaced. Water can cause the roof to become deteriorated which can allow water into your home.
Causes of Roof Damage
The roof is an essential part of your home. The roof can be damaged due to a variety of factors that aren’t easily seen. Professional inspections are required by trained professionals who can detect these issues. If your roof is damaged that goes unnoticed the damage could lead to more and more expensive problems to your home over time.
How to Repair Roof Damage From Storms
The first thing to do in order to repair the damage caused by storms to your roof is to identify what the damage is. You can assess the damage and determine whether you require new support beams or if you are just looking to replace a few shingles. If you’ve got an attic, it is a definite plus to climb up and see whether there is any structural damage to the wood, often there won’t be but in the case of a storm that is severe that has debris flying and hail, there may be an underpinning amount of damage.
Hail Storm Roof Damage FAQs
Protecting the structural integrity of your roofing system should be a top priority, as it is one of the most important aspects of any fundamental home maintenance and repair agenda. As soon as your roof begins to show signs of damage or reduced performance, it is wise to contact a licensed roofing company who can locate the source of the damage and make any professional repairs or adjustments as needed. The sooner you catch a roof problem and deal with it, the less costly and invasive the repair process will be. This includes professional post-storm inspections to ensure your property is still intact.
Since most homeowners are not roofing experts, it is common to have a lot of questions and concerns when it comes time to repair a roof. Continue below to read some frequently asked questions about roof repair and replacement to gain a better understanding of your roofing system’s needs after a harsh storm.
- If There is Only a Small Amount of Damage, Should I Still Repair My Roof?
Even if you only have a small amount of damage, you must have it repaired to protect the true structural integrity of your roofing system. Neglecting to repair small damages can lead to costlier ones down the line, like water damage.
- Will My Insurance Carrier Drop Me if I File a Roof Repair Claim?
Since storm damage is something that is mostly out of your control, it is very unlikely that your homeowners’ insurance carrier will drop your policy. In fact, it is illegal for them to do so in most states. It is possible that there are exceptions to this rule, but in most cases, your policy will not be canceled for filing a storm damage repair claim.
- Will My Insurance Carrier Increase My Rates if I File a Roof Repair Claim?
It is common for insurance carriers to raise everyone’s rates across the board after a severe storm or natural disaster. One way to look at this is that you should file a claim for repair since you are already going to help pay for everyone else’s. It is possible that there are exceptions to this rule as well.
- Why is My New Roof Not Covered By the Manufacturer’s Warranty?
It is very common for roof product manufacturers to exclude hail repairs in their warranties. In fact, several warranties specifically name hail as a non-covered repair. Keep in mind that newer roofs are more prone to hail damage since they have not yet had ample time to cure and gain resistance against the natural elements. To avoid this problem, talk to a trusted contractor about the affordable hail damage protection options available to you.
- Do I Have Storm Damage if All My Shingles are Still Intact?
Missing shingles are not the only indication of storm damage. A storm can cause all sorts of problems for a roof, many of which are undetectable at first glance. For this reason, it is important to understand that your roof may still have been damaged in a severe storm even if it looks like it is in the same condition as before.