Hail is a weather event that always causes a level of concern for homeowners around metro Detroit. It causes a litany of problems for your home, belongings, and nature. But why is a hailstorm so concerning? Kearns Brothers will show you why hail is so damaging to your roof and what you need to do about it.
Why Is Hail Bad for Your Roof?
Hail can travel at speeds of 9 mph up to 40 mph! The impact of these lumps of ice can cause weaknesses in your roofing system or create immediate hail damage roof repairs or require you to replace your roof.
Hail damage will ultimately lead to a roof leak and cause water damage inside your home. Getting a free hail damage inspection is important to prevent any future water damage and an increasingly expensive repair process.
How to Find Hail Damage on Your Roof
Hail can damage your roof in different ways, and it all depends on the roofing materials that make up your roof. If you experience a hailstorm, you should find a trusted local roofing company to survey the extent of the damage to your roof.
Identifying storm damage to your roof may seem like anyone can do but utilizing a free storm roof inspection is the best way to go. Often, hail damage may not be visible to the untrained eye, and working with a local contractor who can identify hail hits and wind damage. Your local roofer will guide you through the home insurance claim process is beneficial.
All Types of Roofing Can Be Damaged by Hail
Your roof system can sustain different types of damage. The experts at Kearns Brothers will review all the signs of hail damage to your roof shingles.
Below is a breakdown of what can happen to your roof.
Hail Damage to Asphalt Shingles: Recognizing, Assessing, and Addressing
When it comes to hail damage on your asphalt shingles, there is no discerning pattern of hail hits. It is scattershot. When hail hits your shingles, you may find the following:
Hits or indentations that are black
Your gutters and downspouts may have shingle granules in them
Some of the asphalt may have a sheen on them compared to nearby shingles
Soft spots on your shingles that resemble a bruised apple
Metal Roofs and Hail Damage
The properties of metal roof panels are different from asphalt shingles. A metal roof will sustain different damage due to hail storms. Some of the problems that a metal roof encounters may differ because the roof is at a particular slope or thickness of the panels.
Cosmetic damage of small dings and dents
Large hail stones can create holes and deep dents in the metal panels
Wood Shake Shingles Can Receive Hail Damage
Wood shingles may splinter due to hail hits. Homeowners with wood shingles may encounter other types of damage, such as:
Split shingles where the wood is turned brown or orange
Areas around the split that show sharp corners and little deterioration around the edges
Hail Damage to Gutters: Signs and Solutions
Your gutter system helps direct water away from your home. Hail can dent your gutters, knock the gutter system away from the fascia and even pull down the entire gutter system.
Gutter systems without guards can accumulate hail stones and clog the downspouts. This may cause the gutters to temporarily overflow and could create a leak in the basement.
Hail Damage to Roof Vents: Spotting Damage and When to Call a Professional
Your bathroom and furnace vents protrude out of your roof. Since these are exposed to the elements, it’s very easy for your exhaust vents to become dented or sustain damage to the caulking used to seal them.
A reputable roofer will be able to diagnose the damage caused by hail and determine the next best steps for hail damage repair.
Flashing Hail Damage 101: Understanding What Severe Weather Can Do
Flashing is a thin piece of metal to restrict water from entering a structure. Thin metal can become dented, and the sealant can become cracked or broken opening an entry-point for water to penetrate your home.
What Size Hail Will Damage a Roof?
The thing about hail is it is unpredictable. It does not leave a pattern. Hail size can differ drastically across an area. What sized hail will require a roof repair?
Let’s look at the most common-sized hail and how it can impact your home’s exterior.
Pea-sized hail is relatively common. It will seldom cause damage to the roof of a home. That said, if you experience small hail frequently, there is a chance that your home will sustain damage due to repeated exposure. It will not hurt to schedule a free roof inspection after a hailstorm.
Golf ball-sized hail is serious. It can cause large spread damage to your shingles, gutters, flashing, and more. Always contact a trusted roofing professional to conduct a thorough inspection of your property if you experience hail the size of golf balls.
Large hail stones are especially troublesome. They cause widespread damage due to their size and velocity. With large hail, make certain to get a free inspection, even if you think that your home was unscathed.
File a Claim with Insurance and Schedule a Free Hail Damage Inspection
Insurance claims feel stressful, but it is extremely beneficial when you partner with a roofing company that is deeply experienced with working with insurance companies. A roofing contractor will help navigate the nuances of filing an insurance claim and work with your insurance adjuster for your hail-damaged roof.
Hail Damage Roofing Contractors
No matter what, homeowners should hire a reputable roofing company to spot hail damage. Not only will they receive peace of mind that they have received a thorough hail damage roof inspection, and support throughout the insurance claims process.
Kearns Brothers have been helping homeowners in the metro Detroit area for nearly 40 years. Roof repair and replacement due to storm damage are in our wheelhouse. In addition to roofing, siding and window storm damage replacement are services we happily provide.
If your home has been on the receiving end of severe weather, the team at Kearns Brothers is here to help. Contact us today for a free inspection of your roof!
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