Roof Hail Damage

Hail damage to roofing is a problem faced by most home owners. While there is a specific time period during which hail may occur, it can still cause unforeseen damage. Hail is solid and circular, and may vary in sizes, from those of peas to golf balls. As such, it is likely to seriously damage any surface it may hit, from cars to homes. Detecting and identifying roof hail damage is essential to prevent further problems like those of leakage and water collection.

Detection

To be able to detect damage, it is important that you carry out a thorough roof inspection after a hail storm. However, ensure that you exercise all necessary caution while doing so.

• Check in and around the roofing shingles for signs of damage. For instance, you may notice dents on the shingles of varying sizes, from small to large. Also check the metal vents, for if those have been damaged, it is a sign of roof hail damage too.
• If you have asphalt shingles, you should check for a collection of asphalt granules in the roof gutter. These may be settled or evenly distributed along the gutter.
• Take a close look at the shingles. You will be able to tell if the entire roof, or one particular part, has a consistent pattern of damage. If you notice a recurring pattern, the reason for the damage could be hail.
• Shingles will have uneven or broken edges if damaged by hail. Similarly, damage in the shape of 'dogs ears' is another indicator. If you notice this pattern on a majority of shingles, hail is the likely culprit.
• A powerful hail storm is likely to cause holes in the shingles. These holes may have different shapes and sizes. In some cases, there may be the presence of a roof liner, into which the hail may have penetrated. As such, you cannot rely only on holes as an indicator of hail damage.
• Though this indicator may take time to get noticed, leaks are also a sign of roof hail damage. Due to the damage caused to the shingles after a hail storm, they may become less resistant to leaks and water collection. Thus, after a hail storm, keep a watch even on your ceiling for any signs of leakage.

It may be unsafe to go up on your roof immediately after a hail storm, as it may be slippery. Also, a steep slope on the roof can be dangerous. Do not try to check for roof hail damage if you are unsure about being able to climb up to take a look. Take the help of a professional to do so.

Repair

When a roof has suffered from hail damage, parts of the roof, or in some cases the entire roof may have to be replaced. It is important to remember, while replacing parts of the roof that such an instance may occur again and may cause damage in the future. After you have detected roof hail damage, file a claim with your insurance company. They may be able to partly reimburse you for the cost on damage repair. However, ensure that you do so within a maximum of a week of the damage, as some companies do not repair older damages.

Do not ignore the necessary inspection after a hail storm, as the subsequent damage to your roof can lead to further problems. These problems may not be noticed until much later, when the damage has spread to the interiors of your house in the form of a leaky ceiling, and other such problems. Finally, as mentioned above, if you aren't sure about undertaking the inspection process yourself, seek the help of a professional.