Storms come and go without stopping to ask us what we have to say about the matter. And along with these storms can come the threat of hail, bringing potential damage to our cars and homes.
But what’s the big deal with hail damage? Is it only cosmetic damage, wherein we shouldn’t be worried about further damage or added expenses? Should we really be concerned about hail damage to a roof?Let’s explore the topic, starting with some things you should know if you’re wondering whether or not you have any storm or hail damage to your roof.
How can I tell if the roof was damaged?
Shingles can react in a few different ways when struck by hail. The type of shingles on the roof can make a difference in the type of damage that ensues, meaning that damages to asphalt shingles are different than those of wood shingles. It’s good to know what to look for if you’re wondering whether or not your roof is damaged after a hail storm. There are a few signs you can look for yourself, as long as you’re able, before you call in the professionals.
For the most part, you can tell there has been damage from hail when you see indentations and/or fractures on the surface of the shingles. These can be a random pattern of dents as hailstones vary in shape, size, and hardness. You may even notice clusters of granules that have come off in a random pattern that expose the asphalt on the shingles. And if you can’t tell just by looking at your shingles, check for indentations on your siding, on chimney caps, metal flashings, roof vents and other soft metals like these.Unfortunately, even without some of these obvious signs, you may have damage and not know it. If you have good reason to believe your roof has been damaged by hail or high winds (or both!), go ahead and contact us today for an inspection- it’s better to be safe than sorry. Our trained eyes will help see what you may not be able to see.
What’s the big deal?
Is this really cause to be concerned? Is the damage just a cosmetic problem or are there bigger things at risk here?
When there’s granule loss on shingles due to hail there is either an immediate or gradual consequence of the asphalt coating being directly exposed to the elements, which can lead to accelerated aging of the shingle.Hail can also cause a fracture to the underlying roofing paper, which could result in further tears radiating out from the points where hail made an impact. This can later lead to cracks and tears in the shingles themselves as they age. The self-seal strip integrity could be weakened due to hail damage as well making it more likely for shingles to blow off in future storms. Missing shingles can lead to water leakage into your home.
Not just cosmetic
With all this being said, I think it’s safe to say that hail damage is not just a cosmetic concern. Besides the initial damage from the hail, it can lead to further damage to the roof itself and damage of your home’s interior due to leakage. These problems can result in even larger expenses that you probably don’t want to have to pay. Don’t let these issues go unchecked; have your roof inspected after a hailstorm.