Big Hail Means Big Problems for a Roof: 4 Signs You Need a Pro

Big Hail Means Big Problems for a Roof: 4 Signs You Need a Pro

Big Hail Means Big Problems for a Roof: 4 Signs You Need a Pro

There’s nothing quite like sitting in your house listening to the hail pounding outside. You know you are safe, but you can’t help but wonder what damage is happening to your property. What will your car look like in the morning? Will your garden be destroyed? Will any trees be knocked over? And the big question: is my roof going to be in good shape tomorrow?

Roofs are incredibly important. They provide cover for all your belongings in your house. Unfortunately, they can also be costly. After a storm, how do you know when to call a professional? How do you know if there is roof hail damage? Many things will affect the amount of damage to your roof during a storm.

During a hail storm, wind plays a huge factor in the amount of damage your property will sustain. The higher the wind speeds, the more likely you are to have hail damage to your vehicles and structures.

The size and density of the hail will also determine how much damage is likely. Hailstones can vary significantly in size. Some are incredibly small like a pea, and others can be much larger like a softball. The larger the individual hail, the heavier it generally is, which will cause more damage. Also, hail is usually not round and smooth; often there are rough edges. These sharp sides can increase the amount of damage caused by impact.

Your structures and vehicles will sustain different amounts of damage depending on their material. Different materials will absorb impact in different ways. If you have aluminum siding or gutters, or asphalt shingles, dings and dents are common. If you have vinyl siding or wooden shingles, cracks can occur.  You should also consider the age and condition of your roof. The older the structure, the more likely it is that there will be serious damage.

One more thing that will affect the damage your property sustains is the presence of barriers. If there are plenty of trees and landscaping near your home, the damage and loss will be less.

So what are you looking for with hail damage? Here are the times you know you should call a pro.

Random Damage With No Regular Pattern

Whatever kind of roof you have, the number one thing to look for is an irregular pattern of damage. If you have small dents all over your roof, it is time to call a professional. Because hail is irregularly sized and falls in an abnormal pattern, the damage will not be consistent. Whether you have asphalt or wooden shingles, you will be able to see the dents. Check for indentations throughout your roof.

Discoloration

If you see discoloration in places, that is a good sign it might be damaged. Frequently, asphalt and composition shingles will turn black at the damage point. If you see a dent with black in it, that is very likely damage. Similarly, wooden shingles can change colors from damage. Usually, you will notice brown or orange discoloration at the split in wood shingles.

Loss of Granules or Shiny Spots

If you notice granules missing in your asphalt or composition roof, this is likely damage. If enough granules are damaged or gone, you will see the felt of the roof. This is a serious issue and needs to be dealt with as soon as possible.

Sometimes damage will not break or crack the shingles but can make them appear shiny. If you have an asphalt or composition roof and notice shiny spots, this is a good indicator there is damage.

Splits or Bruises in Shingles

It is common for wooden shingles to split upon impact. There are several things to look for with these splits. The most apparent sign there is new damage from a hail storm is a split with sharp corners and edges. These edges tell you the roof hail damage is fresh. Also look for a split with little or no deterioration at the edges. You might even notice impact marks and dents along the splits or cracks. These are all obvious signs there is hail damage to your roof.

Whether you have an asphalt, composition, or wooden shingle roof, hail will not always cause cracks and dents. Sometimes bruising occurs that is not apparent to the naked eye. To check for bruising, run your hand over the shingles to feel for dips along the surface. If you find dimples, gently press to see if there is any give. If you feel movement, there is likely damage beneath the indentation.

Call for Help

It is crucial to remember that not all hail damage is immediately visible. If you have recently had a hail storm at your house, it is smart to call a professional to check it out. The experts at Built Strong Exteriors have the experience needed to determine what damage your home received. They will meet with you for a free consultation, so you know what you are getting into if you choose to hire them.

Be careful when choosing a roofing company. Often after a severe storm, people come out of the woodwork promising quick fixes at the best prices. Do not fall for these scams. You will find that often they are from out of town, or even out of state, and they are trying to take advantage of the situation. Find a company with a trusted history in your area.

Do not let roof damage go unnoticed or untreated. Things will only get worse. After the damage has occurred, things can get expensive quickly if left untreated. Ultraviolet light will affect exposed spots making them brittle. Winter weather can further weaken these spots, making leaks and wind damage likely. Once a leak occurs, many serious issues can follow including mold and electrical problems.

Furthermore, a professional inspector will help you understand when and how the roof damage occurred. The timeframe is important because insurance generally has a time limit on how long the homeowner can make a claim. You will want to start the process sooner rather than later.

Call the professionals with the experience and the recommendation of the community. Call Built Strong Exteriors.