Hello World! Welcome Friends! Roofs are surprisingly easy to ignore and become complacent about. Despite the fact the roof basically holds the home together by protecting it from rain, the sun, and other elements, people often don’t give them a second thought.
The problem with this is that damage can go unnoticed and lead to bigger issues including leaks and damage to the structure of the roof itself.
Storms cost billions of dollars every year, and there are endless insurance claims due to the damage they can wreak. One particular type of storm can be very damaging to roofs. Hailstorms are responsible for damage inflicted on asphalt shingles and other roofing tiles.
What happens though if you just ignore this damage? Would it matter if you leave a few damaged shingles?
What Damage is Caused by Hail Storms?
In many regions, a hailstorm is merely an inconvenience. Tiny pellets of ice raining down can sometimes sting a little, but often they are so small that they are insignificant.
However, some hail storms are far more serious. The heaviest hailstone to land in the states weighed nearly 2 lbs and was 8 inches in diameter. That is bigger than a bowling ball, in case you were wondering.
In April 2021, there were 3 separate hail storms in one night in the US. The Washington Post reported that these hail storms may have caused at least $1 billion in damages. Baseball-sized hailstones rained down on three separate urban areas causing damage to cars and houses, not to mention hitting people too.
So you can see that hailstones aren’t always tiny little bits of ice. Sometimes they are actually dangerous and can cause immense damage.
After a Hail Storm has Passed, What Should you Do?
The next day after a hailstorm it is a good idea to look over your roof. If you are able to, check the shingles for signs of damage. This may include cracking, loose shingle, missing shingles, and bare spots on the shingles too.
You may also find granules in the gutter where they have been knocked off of damaged shingles. There could be dents in both the shingles and any metalwork on the roof. Vents and flashing can be damaged by hailstones as well.
If there is any damage then it may be time to call in the experts to assess your roof and what repairs need to be made. In an extreme case, you may need to replace the roof but normally repairs can be carried out.
What Happens if you Ignore Damage From a Hail Storm?
If you choose to ignore the damage done from a hailstorm then you may end up with worsening problems later.
Leaks from cracked shingles can lead to moisture gathering in your attic. This can then help mold and mildew to form, and even end with structural damage to the roof. By fixing small problems you could avoid needing to make major repairs or getting a roof replacement later.
Replacement roofs are not cheap, and Forbes reports that the average cost of putting in a new roof is about $8,000. If you ignore damage then you may miss out on an insurance claim too for neglecting to make repairs.
Can you Fix Hail Damaged Roofs Yourself?
If you feel capable of repairing your roof, and you can do so safely, then you might be able to carry out some small jobs.
Many people enjoy DIY and resent having to call in repairmen. Replacing some shingles, repairing those that are broken and cracked, and gluing down curled shingles, are fairly simple tasks.
The problem with carrying out these jobs yourself is that you may miss other damage that a roofer would spot. Maybe a professional roofer is more capable of giving your roof a little TLC than you are, but only you can tell.
The one thing to consider when taking on roofing repairs yourself is the danger you may be putting yourself in, and the damage you may do to your roof. It is very easy to end up with further damage to shingles if you are not accustomed to roofing. You will also be putting yourself in a precarious situation that you may not be equipped for.
Summary
One way to check whether you have sustained damage after a hail storm is to look to your neighbors, and the cars parked in the area.
If your neighbors are carrying out roof repairs then they clearly have sustained some damage, and you certainly will have too. You can also check your car and the neighbors. Cars often take damage during a hailstorm, and once again they are a good indication of whether your roof has too.
There are many ways to protect a roof, and one of them is to keep it well maintained. If you have sustained damage from hail then call in the experts to carry out an assessment. Leaving damage to worsen may lead to you needing a whole new roof.
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
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Toodles,
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