Hailstorms can cause severe damage to roofs. In addition, hailstorms can cause hailstone impacts that damage roofing shingles and possibly cause water damage to your home.
Although you can’t avoid hail damage, it is possible to reduce the damage to your roof by being proactive and repairing or replacing damaged roofing as soon as possible.
Learn how you can protect your home and roof from hail damage.
How do I know if my roof has been damaged by hail?
It is essential to inspect your roof for damage after a hailstorm. Hail can only cause damage to a small number of houses in a neighborhood.
Hail damage signs
It would help if you looked for signs of hail damage in your yard and on your property, such as:
- Stripped plant leaves
- Car dents
- Air conditioners that are damaged or not working properly
- Other exterior furnishings may have evidence of damage
A roof inspection is required for hail damage
You may not be able to see some roof damage from the ground. For a thorough inspection, you will need to inspect the entire roof.
To ensure that your roof is properly and safely inspected, we recommend you schedule an inspection with a professional roofing company. Many roofing contractors offer free estimates and appraisals. If you decide to inspect your roof yourself, please be sure to follow all safety precautions.
Surface Hail Damage
The first thing you should look out for is damage to your roof’s surface. After a hailstorm, damage to asphalt shingle roofs can be noticeable.
- Small divots
- Black areas in the round
- Bruises
- Loss of protective grains, which can collect in downspouts and gutters.
Hidden and related roof hail damage
Some hail damage is not visible on the roof shingles’ surface. However, sometimes hailstones can cause roof shingles to split. You can see this damage if you look at the backside.
It is best to contact a roofing contractor to assist with this inspection. They can lift, inspect and seal shingles as necessary. A professional roofing contractor can also examine other components for damage, such as flashings, roof vents, skylights, gutters, and chimney caps.
Imitation hail damage to a roof
Identifying the exact type of roof damage is vital for the best plan. This may include insurance claims and warranty. A skilled roofing professional should know how to distinguish hail damage from other types of roof damage.
- UV damage from the sun can cause blistering and cracking.
- Damage to the shingles from installation
- Wind and debris defacement
- Worn out shingles
After identifying the extent of the damage, your contractor will provide an estimate. This will help you decide the following steps to take to get your roof repaired or replaced.
Do You Need to Repair Roof Hail Damage?
It can be hard to determine if hail damage has caused any roof damage. You should address this performance problem immediately to prevent further water damage to your home.
Hail damage can cause granule loss to your roof shingles. This aspect could affect the performance and aesthetics of your shingle. Granules are used on asphalt shingles to protect them from sun-induced UV light damage. Although you might not notice a roof leak immediately, shingles with lost granules are more likely to fail prematurely.
Does insurance cover roof hail damages?
Most insurance policies cover hail damage. However, reviewing your homeowner’s approach is a good idea, especially if your area is prone to severe hailstorms. This action is because hail-related insurance claims can have some common conditions.
- Most homeowners have one year to file a claim.
- A deductible is a payment the insurance company must make before paying its share.
- Your premium rates may rise if you file a claim.
- Certain states with higher hail claim frequency may have a percent-based deductible.
- Some insurance companies will not cover cosmetic roof hail damage.
For more information, contact your agent.
How to handle hail damage claims
- Before hiring a contractor such as Roofing Repair Sherborn MA, always get references and read reviews. Also, verify any licenses and certificates of insurance that your region will require.
- To file a claim, notify your insurance company immediately. You can also call to file a claim. Some insurance companies offer online and mobile tools that make it easier.
- If you agree to allow your contractor to work with you, be sure to understand what each person will do and the steps you must take.
How can you prevent roof hail damage?
Hailstorms can be dangerous in areas where hailstorms are possible. If hail is predicted in your area, any exterior items such as patio furniture and landscaping could be damaged.
You can’t “pull your roofing into the garage” during a storm. You might consider installing more impact-resistant roofing materials, such as Class 4 shingles. This product will help reduce hail damage or prevent other debris from getting on your roof.
You may also be eligible for a homeowner’s discount by installing Class 4 shingles in your home. For more information, contact your agent.
Although you cannot prevent hail-related roof damage from all angles, you can minimize the damage to your home and reduce the potential for further damage. This is because not only can you install Class 4 impact-resistant roofing tiles, but early detection and prompt action are also critical.
