Hello World! Welcome Friends! The roof stands as the first line of defense against harsh elements, safeguarding your home against heavy rain, high winds, blizzards, and more. However, not many homeowners consider the consequential damage hail can cause to their rooftops.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, hail storms have caused over $10 billion worth of damages in the U.S. alone from 2016 – 2020. This article elaborates how hail storms can wreak havoc on various roof types and how preventative measures taken can save significant costs.
Understanding Hail Storms and Their Potential Effects
A hail storm is an intense meteorological phenomenon that involves the formation and downward slide of sizable ice particles. Upon striking your rooftop, these icy projectiles can cause notable damage depending on their size and velocity.
Small-sized hail might appear harmless. Yet, if it falls at high speed and in large quantities over a prolonged period, it can impact your roof just as much as bigger pieces would under normal circumstances.
How Hail Impacts Different Roofing Materials
Asphalt shingles are commonly used for roofing due to their cost-effectiveness and durability. However, they become distressed when hit by hail causing granule loss, cracks, or even punctures in severe cases. If you use tiles or clay for roofing, they can also sustain cracks or, worse still, shatter if bombarded with heavy hail.
The Silent Ruin Caused by Hail
Hail damage is deceptive in nature- often going undetected until the late stages when repair becomes costly. Repeated bombardment by hailstones crushes the top layer of protective granules on asphalt shingles. Although this makes them prone to leaks during subsequent rains, it might take years for signs to start showing.
Early Signs of Hail Damage
The onset of hail damage starts subtly with granule loss, leading to the exposure of the fragile asphalt layer. This results in weathering and a shortened shingle life span. Another tell-tale sign of damage is indentations on metal flashings or vents, giving your roof a dimpled appearance.
Hail Damage Increasing Roof Vulnerability
When hail causes granule loss on your shingles, it reduces their ability to shield against UV rays. This accelerates aging and could lead to leaks over time. Hailstorms can also destroy the waterproof seal that asphalt shingles boast of, making them susceptible to wind uplift.
The Importance of Regular Roof Check-ups after Hailstorms
Regular inspections of your rooftops after hail storms will help you detect issues earlier before they morph into significant problems. Bring in professionals like Mammoth Roofing & Solar of Austin to conduct thorough checks – spotting indications such as granule-filled gutters or cracked tiles in their infancy stages will save you from spending thousands on avoidable repairs.
Professional Assistance for Evaluating Damages
Roof inspectors leverage their expertise and state-of-the-art tools to diagnose deep-rooted problems effectively. Unlike quick DIY checks, these inspectors are trained to ascertain if hail impacts have penetrated far enough to cause substantial internal damages- something that an untrained eye cannot discern.
The Consequences of Ignoring Hail Damage
If not timely addressed, ignored hail damage can culminate into significant issues like internal home flooding or attics infested with mold caused by leakage. Even more, unresolved roof damages can compromise the structural integrity of your property causing substantial depreciation in its market value.
Considering Insurance for Hail Damage
As hail damage repairs can be quite costly, having a comprehensive home insurance policy that covers eventualities like hail storms is beneficial. But, make sure your policy terms clearly define the types of roof damages that are covered.
Filing an Insurance Claim for Roof Damage
You might be eligible to claim insurance if the destruction of your roof was caused by a covered risk such as hailstorms. This process involves filing a “proof of loss” statement, documenting the extent of the damage, its cause, and repair estimates.
How to Prevent Hail Damage
Taking preventive measures like regular maintenance checks and installing impact-resistant roofing can mitigate the potential disaster brought on by hailstorms. Regular caulking also helps prevent water leakage caused by hail-induced cracks on roofs.
Timely Replacement of Damaged Roofs
In cases where your rooftop has sustained heavy damage from recurrent hail storms, consider a complete rooftop replacement instead of fixes. Opting for durable, quality materials can serve you better in the long run and offer superior protection against such calamitous weather conditions.
The Long-Term Care of Your Roof
Beyond repair or replacements post damage, regular upkeep is crucial to prolong your roof’s lifespan. Scheduling professional inspections twice annually or following severe weather conditions will help identify early signs of wear and tear and fix them promptly.
In Conclusion
Severe hailstorms pose a significant threat to rooftops and proactive measures are key to counter this. Ensuring timely inspections, adopting preventive measures and making use of robust insurance policies can save needless distress in ensuring the longevity of your roof.
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
Web-Based Auto Dialers: Optimizing the Engagement Experience for Businesses
Enhance Your Outdoor Space with Professional Fence Staining Services
Busting Common Myths About Home Valuations
How to Improve Your Bedroom: Top Tips
4 Symptoms that Your Heat Pump is Low on Refrigerant
Decoding Clinginess in Dogs: Why Is My Dog So Needy?
I’d love for you to join my email list! You’ll receive a notification straight to your inbox which will include links to my latest home project posts! Simply enter your address below.
Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful day/night depending on where you are in the world! Go with God and remember to be kind to one another!
Toodles,
[…] How Hail Storms Can Severely Damage Your Roof […]