Hail Damage To Your Roof? – What Homeowners Need To Know
Living in an area with frequent hailstorms, such as Georgia, makes it evident that the possibility of hail damage to your roof is quite real. Even if you’ve never experienced it yourself, chances are you know someone who has. In fact, hail damage is one of the most common types of roof damage that we see at Eagle Watch Roofing.
While it may not seem like a big deal, hail damage can actually be quite serious and even lead to larger problems down the road if left untreated. That’s why today we’re going to share with you everything you need to know about hail damage to your roof – from what it looks like and how to spot it to what steps you need to take if your roof is damaged. By the time you finish reading this post, you’ll be an expert on all things hail damage!
What Does Roof Hail Damage Look Like?
Have you ever wondered what roof hail damage may look like on your home’s roof? When roof hail damage is present, roofers and roof inspection specialists typically begin by trying to find any visible signs of roof hail damage. Dents or spots on your roof’s shingles may be visible, appearing as dimples or areas where the surface appears smashed in. The size and shape of these marks can vary depending on the type and size of hail, but will often have a circular or oval shape.
Tiles may also suffer from noticeable fractures or cracked edges caused by large hail stones that impact with lots of force. If you notice any such signs of roof hail damage, it is always best to call in an experienced roofer to conduct an inspection as soon as possible. Roofers often use sophisticated technology such as infrared imaging to detect any hidden roof hail damage that may be present beneath the surface, even if there is any indication visible from ground level.
Causes of Hail Damage
Hail is one of mother nature’s many surprises, and it can wreak havoc on even the most durable of roofs. Often caused by strong thunderstorms, hailstones can range from small to large sizes and chip, dent, or crack shingles on your roof. Along with damage to your roof’s structure, hail can also cause harm to your gutters and downspouts as it builds up debris and blocks drainage.
Being aware of other conditions that can cause hail damage is crucial, including wind-driven rain that can loosen shingles due to increased friction caused by constant pounding of water. To prevent potential future damage, it is essential to promptly repair any type of hail damage that occurs.
Signs and Symptoms of Hail Damage
Have you ever found yourself caught in a storm and wondered about the potential damage that hail could have caused to your roof? It can be difficult to tell what kind of damage hail has caused while standing on solid ground. Luckily, there are some key indicators that can help you to identify what roof hail damage does look like.
The size of the storms can lead to various issues arising from the relentless impact of ice on your roofing materials. This can include dents in metal surfaces, broken shingles, and discoloration in siding. The elements associated with hail can even enter the residence through the compromised material causing interior damages like ceiling discoloration due to water leakage.
Evaluating your property for signs and symptoms of hail impact can save you from undesirable (expensive) surprises down the road. Upon detecting any signs of damage, it is crucial to seek the expertise of a professional roof repair specialist to ensure a thorough inspection and address any potential issues.
Large chunks of ice can cause major hail damage to your roof.
Types of Roofing Materials Prone to Hail Damage
Roofs in residential properties can be constructed using a range of materials, and hail damage to roof shingles can happen irrespective of the material used. However, hail does tend to vary in its impact depending on the type of roofing material used. Composition shingle, also known as asphalt shingle, is generally less expensive than other roofing materials, and hail can cause serious damage due to their composed nature.
Metal roofs are more prone to hail damage, especially if exposed because the hail can easily leave dents or puncture marks on the surface. Wood shake roofs are vulnerable, too, since hail can easily destroy the tiles and cause them to splinter. Clay tile and slate tile are more resistant, but “catastrophic hail,” such as hail stones greater than 2 inches in diameter, could still cause significant damage.
As you consider replacing your roof after hail has caused visible changes, it’s important to know what type of material will best withstand that kind of weather event in the future to make the right decision for your home.
Steps For Inspecting Your Roof For Hail Damage
After a hail storm hits your area, the most important thing to do is inspect your roof for any damage. It is paramount to be proactive in checking for hail damage, as ignoring it can lead to further damage. Before beginning any roof-related tasks, it is essential to prioritize safety by wearing footwear with a good grip and a hard hat when climbing onto the roof.
Looking out for dings or marks on your shingles or tiles is the first step in assessing how well your roof protected itself from the hail. Also, be sure to check if any of the granules from the shingles have been knocked off, as this indicates that your roof may have received significant damage from the storm. Next, observe how well the flashing has faired; has it been cracked or warped? Don’t forget to keep an eye out for these signs that indicate the extent of hail damage to your property.
Of course, if you don’t own a ladder or are a bit unsteady on your feet, it’s best to leave climbing on the roof to the professionals.
Repairing A Hail Roof Damage
Hail can wreak havoc on roofing systems, from dented shingles to catastrophic roof damage and leaks. Luckily, Eagle Watch Roofing provides experienced roof repair for hail damage and can help you get your roof back in top condition. Our roofers have the experience and knowledge needed to handle all types of roof repairs stemming from hail damage.
By taking advantage of our roof repair services, you can quickly restore lost protection against the elements while maintaining or even enhancing the health and appearance of your roof.
Contact Us At Eagle Watch Roofing
At Eagle Watch Roofing, we understand that hail damage to roofs can be difficult to detect and confusing for homeowners, so allow us to take the hassle away. Our experienced staff has decades of knowledge in the industry and deep local roots in Georgia. We are here with a courteous and friendly attitude, ready to answer all your questions about roofing services and the procedures needed when you suspect roof hail damage. Contact us today if you live in or near Georgia and need help with roof hail damage. We’re dedicated to providing superior service at an unbeatable price – guaranteed!