Hail storms are notorious for wreaking havoc on various aspects of our properties, with roofs often bearing the brunt of the destruction. Understanding how hail damage on a roof occurs is essential for homeowners to take timely action in repairing and maintaining their roofs. Ignoring these issues can escalate into bigger problems, affecting the safety and longevity of your home. This article will explain the impact of hailstorms on roofs and highlight effective strategies for damage prevention and repair.
How Hail Storms Damage Roofs
Hail damage occurs when hailstones impact the roof, causing physical harm to its surface. Typical signs of hail damage include dents, cracks, and sometimes missing shingles. Although some types of damage appear minor initially, they can cause more severe issues, such as leaks and structural weakening.
Therefore, detecting and repairing the issues early on is critical to maintaining your roof’s integrity. A professional roof inspection is required to accurately assess the extent of damage, as some signs of damage may be subtle and challenging for the untrained eye to spot.
Types of Roofing Damage Brought by Hail Storms
- Hail Dents and Dings. Roof hail damage can create small dents or dings on the shingles, which may not be immediately visible but can affect the roof’s integrity.
- Cracked or Broken Shingles. The impact of hail can crack or break shingles, exposing the underlying layers to moisture and further damage.
- Missing Shingles. Strong winds accompanying hailstorms can lift and remove shingles completely, creating gaps in the roofing.
- Granule Loss. Hail can strip away granules from asphalt shingles, reducing their protection against UV rays and affecting overall performance.
- Bruising. Hail impacts can leave behind dark marks or bruises where the granules have been displaced, but the shingles are not visibly cracked.
- Damaged Flashing. Flashing, the metal pieces around vents, chimneys, and joints can become bent or punctured, leading to potential water leaks.
- Leaks and Water Infiltration. Hail damage can create openings for water to seep through, causing leaks and water damage inside the property.
- Damaged Gutters and Downspouts. Hailstones can dent or damage gutters and downspouts, affecting drainage and potentially leading to water pooling near the foundation.
- Splitting or Curling of Shingles. Hail impact may cause shingles to split or curl at the edges, increasing vulnerability to further damage.
- Soft Spots or Indentations. Heavy hailstones can create soft spots or indentations on the roof, indicating compromised structural integrity.
While the damage caused by hail can vary, the good news is that there are effective ways to protect your roof from these storms.
How to Protect Your Property from Hail Damage
Protecting your property from hail damage involves a combination of preventive maintenance, strategic enhancements, and effective management of post-storm repairs. Here’s a detailed explanation of each method:
Routine Maintenance Tips
- Regular Roof Inspections. Conduct regular roof inspections to identify and repair minor issues before they worsen. Search for loose or damaged shingles, flashing issues, and blocked gutters, as these points can be vulnerable during a hailstorm.
- Trim Trees and Branches. Ensure that trees and branches are trimmed back from the house. Overhanging limbs can break off during a hailstorm, damaging the roof or windows.
- Secure Outdoor Items. Regularly check and secure outdoor furniture, garden tools, and decorative elements. These items can become projectiles during strong storms.
- Inspect Siding and Windows. Check the siding and windows for any cracks or weaknesses. Sealing gaps or reinforcing weak areas can prevent hail from causing more damage during a storm.
Advanced Protection Strategies
- Impact-Resistant Roofing Materials. Invest in impact-resistant roofing materials, such as Class 4 shingles or metal roofing, which provide better protection against hail. This type of roofing material can withstand severe impacts, reducing the likelihood of roof damage.
- Storm Shutters or Impact-Resistant Windows. Install storm shutters or upgrade to impact-resistant windows to protect against hail damage. These improvements shield windows from breaking and protect the interior from wind-driven hail.
- Reinforced Entry Doors. Ensure that entry doors are sturdy and reinforced, particularly those made of glass. Consider adding shatterproof film or replacing them with impact-resistant doors to withstand hail impact.
- Install a Weather Monitoring System. Use weather monitoring systems to receive real-time alerts about incoming hailstorms, allowing ample time to prepare and secure the property.
Post-Storm Repairs
- Conduct a Thorough Inspection. After a hailstorm, conduct a detailed inspection of the entire property to assess damage. Pay close attention to the roof, siding, windows, and outdoor structures.
- Timely Roof Repairs. Address roof damage immediately to prevent leaks and further structural issues. Replace or repair damaged shingles and inspect gutter systems for blockages caused by debris and hail.
- Assess and Repair Windows and Siding. Check windows and siding for cracks or breakage and repair as soon as possible. Prompt attention can prevent further interior damage from water intrusion.
- Consult With Professionals. For severe hail damage, consult with roofing and exterior professionals to assess the full extent of the damage and perform necessary repairs. They can provide expert guidance and ensure the repairs meet safety standards.
- Review and Update Insurance Policies. After finishing storm-related repairs, review your insurance coverage to ensure it protects against future hail damage. Consult an insurance advisor to assess and adjust the policy as needed.
Choosing the Right Roofing Materials
Impact-Resistant Asphalt Shingles
These shingles are specially designed to endure hail impact without cracking or breaking. Classified as Class 4 by Underwriters Laboratories, they are made with a durable rubber-like polymer, providing enhanced flexibility and resistance.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofs, often made from steel or aluminum, are highly durable and can resist hail damage due to their toughness and ability to absorb impacts. Additionally, they can be coated with protective finishes to prevent denting.
Concrete and Clay Tiles
Both concrete and clay tiles are dense, making them inherently resistant to hail damage. While heavier and more challenging to install, they provide excellent protection and a long lifespan.
Slate Roofing
Slate is a natural stone that is extremely hard and durable. Its robust nature allows it to effectively withstand hail impacts. While more costly, its longevity and resistance to weather extremes make it a valuable investment.
Synthetic Roofing Materials
Synthetic roofs, made from rubber or plastic composites, can mimic natural materials while offering superior resilience against hail. These materials absorb impact well and provide long-lasting protection.
How Insurance Companies Can Help Fix Hail Storm Roof Damage
Insurance companies can help fix hailstorm roof damage by providing financial assistance to cover the cost of roof replacements or repairs. When a hailstorm hits, policyholders can file an insurance claim to assess the damage. The company typically sends an adjuster to evaluate the extent of the damage and determine coverage under the insurance policy.
Based on the assessment, the insurance company can cover the costs of repairing or replacing the damaged roof, reducing homeowners’ financial burden. Maintaining clear documentation and quickly reporting severe damage creates a smoother claims process.
Hire Stonecreek Roofing to Fix Your Roof After a Hail Storm
Hail storms can happen anytime, so it’s important to follow the different ways to protect and repair your roof. It’s also helpful to remember the different kinds of roofing damage that a hail storm can cause to know what suitable method can fix the problem. But if you think you can’t do the repairs alone, it may be time to consider hiring a professional roofing contractor.
Stonecreek Roofing offers trusted roofing hail damage solutions in Phoenix, Arizona. We assess the extent of the damage, give you a detailed assessment, and conduct the necessary roofing repairs. We have even assisted clients with insurance claims, assessing the damage and collecting important documentation.
Call us immediately to schedule an inspection or repair to fix your damaged roof from the hail storm.