How Does Hail Damage Affect Your Roof?

9/22/2021 (Permalink)

Hailstorms most commonly occur in the southern and central plains of the United States. They are caused when rain droplets that are transported upward by thunderstorm updrafts into extremely low temperature parts of the atmosphere and freeze. They fall when the updrafts can no longer carry the weight of the hailstones.

Your roof is one of the most integral parts of your residence as it helps to shield everything within your home from the element. As hailstorms are an uncontrollable aspect of our local weather and climate, damage to our roof over time can cause severe issues in the long-term. Here are the common signs of hail damage on the roof and why you shouldn’t ignore them.

Bruising on the Roof

Bruising is a very common result of hailstorms. They are usually identified by small dents along the roof shingles. If the dents give way when some force is applied, it is an indicator that your roof might be decaying, whereas if the bruising is not serious, no immediate actions will need to be taken.

If possible, you should go up to the roof and feel along the surface to check if there are any bruised or decayed parts on it. If the bruising is severe and there are signs of decay, it is important for you to contact a roofing professional to do a comprehensive inspection to prolong the lifespan of your roof.

Missing Spots on the Roof

Missing spots or shingles on your roof can be caused by many factors such as exposure to the elements like the sun and inclement weather like hailstorms and thunderstorms that can cause the roof to be fragile. Cracking, blistering, and flaking are also other types of common wear and tear caused by storm damage. These are usually signifiers that your roof might need maintenance.

Leaving these missing spots unrepaired in the long-term can threaten the structural integrity of your roof and with more exposure to the elements, can cause even more damage like water leaks within your home. At the end of the day, you might be looking at expensive bill for a roof repair or replacement.

Whenever it’s possible and safe for you to do so, you should do a physical check and identify any damage or cracks in your roof shingles. It is important to note that the appearance of the damage may vary depending on the material and composition of your roof shingles.

Weak Spots on The Roof

After a hailstorm, it is important for you climb up and inspect your roof physically. One type of roof damage you should check out for are soft spots, they usually feel like the surface of a ripe apple’s skin. If left unaddressed, these may cause serious problems like water leaks in the future. Immediate actions and repairs should be taken to rectify the issue immediately.

Defective and Damaged Roof Vents

Most roof vents are created using lightweight metal. As a result, dents and cracks can be formed by the impact of the hail falling on them. In the worst case, where there are actual breakthroughs on the entire structure of the roof vents, serious issues such as water damage may occur and will cause extensive damage. Contact your local roofing professional immediately if you discover these defects during your roof inspection, time is of the essence.

Roofing Granules Found in Roof Gutters

When checking your roof for any hail damage, you should also check its gutters for any shingle granules that might have come loose due to the hailstorms. Hailstorms can chip away at the granules in the shingles and may be carried away into the gutters once the hail melts.

These granules are extremely small and are usually indicators that your roof is not providing your home with the same structural integrity and protection as before. If this is the case, it is vital that you contact a storm damage specialist to repair and fix any roof damage.

The aftermath of a hailstorm can be messy and a true hassle to deal with. If you are looking for a quality storm damage cleanup and restoration service provider, SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan/Financial District is prepared to help you through your turbulent times, please feel contact us to find out more.