Hail Damage To Roof And 5 Best Preventative Measures
Severe storms followed by floods are North America’s most common natural hazards. These severe storms include rain storms, snow storms as well as hail storms. However, hail storms do the most damage to the roofing system in the shortest period compared to the other two types of storms.
Therefore, the best methods to prevent hail damage to the roof are by carrying out regular maintenance and repairs, having sturdy skylights and sliding, trimming trees around the home and picking the right roof.
In this article, we will learn how to identify hail damage to a roof, and how to prevent it. What is the repairing process and does insurance cover hail damage to the roof?
How To Identify Hail Damage To Roof?
These are several signs to look for while identifying hail damage to roof.
Cracked Shingles
Hail can cause small cracks or splits in the shingle material. These cracks may be difficult to see and may require a close inspection to identify them. Cracked shingles can allow water to infiltrate the roof, which can lead to further damage.
Broken or Fractured Shingles
Hail can also cause shingles to break or fracture, which can lead to roofing issues. Broken or fractured shingles may have large pieces missing or be completely shattered into smaller pieces. These shingles will need replacement to prevent more damage.
Dents In The Roof
Hail can cause dents in the roofing material, especially metal roofs or any roofing equipment made of metal. These dents may vary in size, but they ultimately weaken the roof as the original shape and structure of the roof are compromised up to a certain extent.
It is important to identify and repair these dents as soon as possible to prevent roofing problems from rising from them.
Granule Loss
Asphalt shingles have a granular coating that reflects heat and keeps the roof cool. When the hails hit the shingles, these granules loosen up and wash away with flowing water on the roof.
So if you notice small particles in your gutters or downpours, after a hail storm, means your shingles are suffering from granule loss.
This can compromise the structural integrity of the shingles. Shingles that are most damaged by hair storms must be replaced.
Black Colored Dots
Hail can cause small, black-colored dots to appear on the roof. These dots are generally the impact marks left behind by the hails. These dots may be difficult to see at first. They indicate damage to the roofing material. It is important to identify these dots and carry out the due repairs.
Tears at End of Shingle
Hails can cause tears in the shingles. Especially the ends could be completely ripped off. The tears may differ in size, the small ones are difficult to detect.
However, getting a professional roofer to deal with this problem is the best way to avoid any more roofing complications.
How To Prevent Hail Damage To The Roof?
Maintain Your Roof
Regular roof maintenance can help you be prepared for hail damage. If your roof is in a good condition, it has a greater probability to sustain hail damage. Basic roof maintenance can be DIY or done by roofing professionals.
You can get more information about regular roof maintenance here!
Carry Out Necessary Repairs On Time
Wear and tear of the roof is natural over time. However, carrying out necessary repairs to reduce this wear and tear will increase the lifespan of the roofing system.
If you notice any damages or issues with your roof, it is important to carry out necessary repairs as soon as possible. Delaying repairs can lead to further damage and make the repairs more costly in the long run.
Choose The Correct Type Of Roof
Your choice of roofing system must be influenced by the climate in your region. If your region is prone to extreme weather conditions it’s better to get a roof that is capable of combating these weather changes.
If you live in an area that is prone to hail storms, heavy snowfall or consistent rains, it is important to choose a roofing system that can withstand these conditions.
Sloped roofing systems, such as a gabled roof, are generally more resistant to hail damage than flat or low-sloped roofs.
Pick The Right Skylights And Sliding
Skylights and sliding doors can be most vulnerable to hail damage. If you experience frequent hair showers, it is important to choose skylights and sliding doors that are made from impact-resistant materials.
So, you do not have to repair or replace them after every hail storm.
Trim The Trees And Shrubs Around The Roof
Just like our, roofs and vehicles hail storms affect trees too. The leaves fall, branches break and whatnot.
If there are trees or shrubs close to the structure of your home and overhanging branches on the roof, chances are these overhanging branches and fallen leaves may accumulate on your roof.
Trimming trees and shrubs around the roof can help to prevent damage from falling branches during a hail storm.
Therefore, it is imperative to plant trees a considerable distance from your home. Or regularly trim branches that are close to the roof or that have the potential to fall on the roof during a storm.
Can Hail Damage To Roof Be Repaired?
Hail damage to
roof can often be repaired, depending on the severity of the damage. A professional roofing contractor can assess the damage and recommend the necessary repairs.
Factors that may impact the repair process include the age and condition of the roof, the extent of the damage, and the type of roofing material.
In some cases, if the damage is extensive, it’s better to replace the entire roofing system, instead of replacing parts of it.
Also, it is important to repair hail damage as soon as possible to prevent a heap of roofing issues ahead.
Is Hail Damage To Roof Covered By Roofing Insurance?
Hail damage to roof may be covered by roofing insurance, depending on the specific terms and conditions of the policy.
It is important to review the policy to determine what types of damages are covered, as well as any exclusions or limitations. Most standard homeowner’s insurance policies cover hail damage to roof, but there may be deductibles and limits on the amount of coverage provided.
If hail damage is suspected, it is recommended to contact the insurance company as soon as possible and provide documentation of the damage. It is better to regularly review the insurance policy to ensure adequate coverage for specific needs.
Additionally, before submitting the damage report, it’s best to get a professional roofer on board to do the roof damage assessment.
Conclusion
If this article offered you actionable steps to combat hair damage to roof, you may check out our other blog posts for similar information about roofing. Moreover, if you have any more damage regarding this section of roofing, drop your question in the comment box, and we will get back to you soon.
Also, if you need professional help to make your roof hair storm-ready, contact us Anytime!
Leak-Stop is a one-stop destination to meet your roofing-related requirements. We offer roof repair, replacement, maintenance and inspection services all over GVRD (Greater Vancouver Regional District).
We offer a free inspection to first-time clients. Connect with us TODAY at 1 866 777 0084 for immediate assistance!