Extreme weather can lead to unexpected property damage. Homeowners are often left overwhelmed by the aftermath of bad weather, whether it’s heavy rains, flash flooding, or thunderstorms. Another weather event that can threaten your property that most people don’t think about is hail.
Hail is a form of precipitation that can vary in size and speed. Essentially a ball of ice, it can strike your home forcefully during severe weather. Hail damage often results in costly repairs, such as roof damage, if not addressed immediately.
As a homeowner, don’t delay seeking repairs if your home has recently been affected by hail. For a better understanding, this blog will outline the effects of hail on your roof and the damage left behind by a hail storm.
Hail Sizes and Roof Type
Hailstones vary in diameter and can cause damage depending on what type of structure they hit and how quickly the stones impact the building. Asphalt roofs have a stronger resiliency, but metal roofs withstand the impact better than asphalt roofs. For further reference, look at the National Weather Service’s size guide to gauge what type of hail has affected your roof.
The Effect of Hail Damage on Roofs
The effects of hail roof damage depend on several factors: hail size, wind speed, wind direction, roof materials, and the age of the roof and its slope. Roof damage caused by hail can result in leaks and other issues. Damages can be functional or cosmetic, no matter the hailstone size.
The roof damage that’s caused by hail depends primarily on its size. If hail is more than one inch in diameter, your roof will undoubtedly feel its impact. When severe wind gusts merge with hail, the damage can be severe. Because hailstones affect your roof in different ways, we’ve compiled a detailed look at the types of damage:
Granule Loss. Granules are the sandpaper-like part of the shingle, and they help protect the asphalt coating from the elements. When a shingle loses granules, its asphalt coating is exposed, leading to bare spots and accelerated aging. Check your gutters and downspouts after a hailstorm to see if any granules have come off your shingles. Have your roof inspected by a professional as soon as possible if you notice any missing granules. You’ll want to detect this early to avoid significant roof damage.
Cracks in the Shingles. Any cracks or fissures in the shingles can allow water and moisture to enter your home, possibly damaging your home’s interior. Cracked asphalt shingles can also tear easily, leaving your roof exposed to sun, rain, and wind.
Exposed Fiberglass Mat: Hail impact on a roof can shatter the shingles’ surfacing, causing it to break away from the fiberglass mat underneath. Exposed fiberglass mats are particularly vulnerable to damage and can lead to significant leaks.
What Happens When You Ignore Roof Repairs?
When neglected, roof damage caused by hail can lead to further property issues, such as leaks, structural problems, mold growth, electrical issues, and even wood decay. In extreme cases, a damaged roof can collapse, making it all the more necessary to have your roof inspected after a hail storm and make repairs as soon as possible.
If you need time before calling a professional to make repairs, at least make sure you have contacted a provider to install a temporary tarp on the damaged areas of your roof to prevent further damage.
Repairing Hail Damage to Your Roof
When repairing hail damage, the best option would be to contact a roofing contractor. They can inspect the damage and make repairs as necessary. Once the damage has been assessed, you can then decide whether you need to repair or replace your roof. If you choose to repair your roof, you’ll need to remove the damaged shingles and replace them with new ones. Sometimes, you may also need to replace damaged gutters or downspouts.
If you decide on a full roof replacement, you’ll need to consider the cost of roofing materials and labor when making your decision. No matter what course of action you decide, do not wait to repair your roof; a prompt response ensures no further damage will occur.
Does Insurance Cover Hail Roof Damage?
It depends. Homeowners’ insurance policies cover roof damage from hail, but coverage may be applied differently depending on your location, insurance company, and policy details. For example, an insurance company may only cover the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged portion of the roof, while others may cover the entire roof replacement expense.
Some insurers may require you to purchase a separate policy rider to add hail damage coverage to your policy. As a result, it’s wise to clearly understand your policy’s details before assuming your roof damage will be covered by your insurance. Otherwise, you could be left with a pricey repair bill.
If you think your roof has been damaged by hail, file an insurance claim. Most insurance companies require you to file a claim within one year of determining that your roof has sustained hail damage, so make a roof inspection appointment immediately. Doing so ensures that your insurance claim is filed promptly.
Preventative measures will ensure your property is guarded against hail’s damaging effects. Hail can lead to minor issues that can escalate to significant damage if not treated in time. When hail hits, don’t leave repairs for the last minute. Ensure you have adequate insurance coverage and that your roof can resist hail’s impact.
Call PuroClean Today for All Your Restoration Needs!
PuroClean’s property restoration experts are available 24/7 to help with fire damage, water damage, mold remediation, biohazard cleanup, and more. As the “Paramedics of Property Damage®,” we are the first responders of property restoration, providing emergency service when you truly need it.
We assist both residential and commercial clients. When your home or business is on the line, go with an established and trustworthy company that you can trust instead of general contractors. We will walk you through the entire process and offer you peace of mind. Please call (800) 775-7876 or visit our website to connect with your local PuroClean office today.
