Any severe hailstorm can wreak havoc on your home, particularly to the roof above your head. Surprisingly, the damage it leaves behind is not always conspicuous to untrained eyes.
Our post will walk you through how to identify hail damage – from dents and cracked shingles to missing pieces, discolorations, and granule loss in gutters.
A hail damaged roof from inclement weather can be just as compromised as a broken roof and leave you open to water damage.
While you can spot the signs of storm damage and hail roof damage yourself, oftentimes a roof inspection from professionals, like us here at Rankin County Custom, is required to assess the full extent of the hail damage to roof.
Signs of Hail Damage
Once hail hits, hail damage to your roof can manifest in various ways, including dents or indentations on shingles, missing or broken shingles, discoloration or bruising on shingles, and cracked or dented vents, chimneys, or skylights.
It can result in the need for roof repairs and emergency roof tarping depending on the damages—and remember, even minor hail can cause severe roof damage.
Dents or Indentations
One of the most common indicators of hail damage to your roof is the presence of dents or indentations on shingles. These markings often resemble dimples and can vary in size, usually depending upon wind speed, direction, and hail size during a storm.
For instance, imagine a golf ball hurtling down from the sky at high speed; it’s bound to leave an impression when it hits your roof. That’s precisely what happens during a severe hailstorm.
The sharp impact creates these visible depressions on your asphalt shingles which should not be ignored or left untreated as they compromise the integrity of your roofing system – exposing it to water leaks and potential future damages.
Missing or Broken Shingles
Hailstorms can wreak quite a bit of havoc on your roof, and one clear sign of damage is the presence or absence — more so the latter— of shingles. Hail, particularly large hailstones, hammer down with such force that they either break the asphalt shingles upon impact or dislodge them entirely.
The resulting gaps in your roofing system not only make it vulnerable to subsequent wind and hail storms but also increase the risk of water leaks which could lead to further internal property damage.
For instance, let’s say you’ve had a recent run-in with severe weather characterized by high winds and substantial hail size. While conducting an inspection afterwards, you notice bare areas where once durable shingles proudly served as protective barriers for your home – now strewn around your yard like tossed playing cards after a game gone awry.
Start documenting this type of significant damage immediately; take photos and jot down notes detailing what you see – from those scattered roof shingles on the ground to any observable large dents on others still holding onto their posts above.
Discoloration or Bruising
Discoloration or bruising on shingles is a telltale sign of hail damage to your roof. This typically manifests as dark spots or patches that interrupt the normal, uniform color pattern of your roofing.
Imagine you’re looking at a clean slate of asphalt shingles and suddenly you spot blackened regions scattered irregularly across them.
However, identifying these bruises isn’t always straightforward, especially for untrained eyes. Unlike dents or cracks which can be visibly prominent, bruises are subtle injuries buried under the protective granules of your shingles.
Hailstones hitting with great force can dislodge these granules causing significant loss over time; think about continual hammering on a wall chipping away its paint gradually.
Don’t underestimate these seemingly minor signs: they could easily escalate into severe damage requiring costly repair work or even whole roof replacement if not addressed promptly.
Cracked or Dented Vents
When it comes to spotting hail damage on your roof, it’s important to not only look at the shingles but also check for cracks or dents in vents, chimneys, and skylights.
For example, a cracked vent can lead to leaks and water damage inside your home. Similarly, dented chimneys or skylights may compromise their ability to properly seal against moisture.
Inspecting these areas after a hailstorm is crucial in identifying any potential problems. If you notice cracks or dents on vents, chimneys, or skylights, it’s essential to contact a professional roofer for an inspection and repairs as soon as possible.
Remember that even minor cracks or dents should not be ignored since they can worsen over time due to weather exposure. Roofing professionals have the expertise to assess the extent of the damage accurately and provide necessary repairs or replacements where needed.
Next Steps After Identifying Hail Damage
After identifying hail damage, it is important to document the extent of the damage by taking photos or videos for insurance purposes. Contact your insurance company immediately to file a claim and inform them about the hail damage to your roof.
It is advisable to hire a professional roofer who can conduct a thorough inspection and provide necessary repairs.
Document Damage
After a hailstorm, it is crucial to document the damage to your roof by taking detailed photographs or videos. This evidence will be invaluable when you file an insurance claim and need to prove the extent of the damage.
Be sure to capture close-up shots of any dents, indentations, or broken shingles, as well as wider angles that show the overall condition of your roof.
When documenting the damage with photos or videos, make sure they are clear and well-lit so that all details can be easily seen. It’s also helpful to include something in each photo for scale purposes, such as a ruler or a familiar object like a coin.
Remember: accuracy is key when documenting hail damage. Your images and videos will serve as proof for your insurance company during the claims process.
Contact Insurance Company
If you’ve identified hail damage to your roof, one of the most important steps you need to take is contacting your insurance company to file a claim. Promptness is key in this process, so don’t delay in reaching out to them.
Letting your insurance company know about the damage as soon as possible will ensure that you’re covered for any necessary repairs or replacements. When speaking with your insurance agent, be sure to provide them with all the details and documentation regarding the hail damage, including photos or videos if available.
They will guide you through the claims process and inform you of any additional steps that need to be taken.
In addition, keep in mind that homeowners’ insurance policies often cover hail damage but always contact your specific insurance provider first for guidance on how best to proceed.
Hire Professional Roofers for Inspection and Repair
After identifying hail damage on your roof, it is crucial to hire a professional roofer for a thorough inspection and repairs. While you may be tempted to tackle the repairs yourself, hiring an expert will ensure that the damage is properly assessed and addressed.
By hiring a roofing contractor, you can have peace of mind knowing that any potential issues will be detected and repaired promptly. Additionally, many roofing contractors offer free inspections and estimates for hail damage.
Remember that after experiencing hail damage on your roof, time is of the essence. The longer you wait to address these damages, the higher the risk of further deterioration or water leaks into your home.
Conclusion
Once you’ve identified hail damage to your roof, it’s time to take the next step. Document the damage with photos or videos as evidence for insurance claims. Contacting your insurance company should be a priority so that you can file a claim and get assistance with covering repair costs.
To protect your roof in the future, consider taking preventative measures such as installing impact-resistant roofing materials. Rankin County Custom offers high-quality CertainTeed shingles that are covered by warranty for a lifetime.
If you’ve experienced damage to your roof after hail storms, take action immediately and contact us today to get started on your professional roof repair.