The damage hail causes to a structure depends on the severity of the natural disaster, how hard the hail hits, and the type of roofing material used for the structure.
Hail damage usually appears in dents and pockmarks, standard on bitumen shingles. It can also puncture other roofing materials, such as metal, tile, or steel, and cause damage to the property.
Most hail storms will last only a few minutes, but the impact can devastate any building. Shingles are especially vulnerable, as the granules on the surface get chipped off, leaving tiny indentations in the asphalt.
If there has been significant hail damage or concerns about storm damage, homeowners should contact their insurance company to determine whether or not a claim is necessary. Getting a hail damage roofer from a local company is the preferred method of getting damage inspections and repair estimates.
Even minor roof damage and shingle fragmentation can be covered if the proper protocol is followed. Still, it is essential to document the damage and provide photos when filing an insurance claim.
What Do Hail Dents Look Like?
Hail hits can cause roof shingles to lose their protective layer of granules, leaving the structural fiberglass mat exposed to the elements.
Signs of hail damage can vary slightly depending on the type of roof material used to build the structure and the severity of the hail storm.
Generally speaking, hail damage looks like UV light degradation or distortion of the roofing material both on the outside and inside of the roof. If you have an asphalt shingle roof, you will see discoloration of the shingle tabs and granules washed away, followed by holes or cracking.
On the other hand, for a wooden shingle roof, there will be evidence of an array of circular patterns resulting from the hail hitting the wood.
How Long Will a Roof Last After Sustaining Hail Damage?
Hail storms can wreak havoc on roofs, and understanding how long the structure will last after it has sustained hail damage is a crucial piece of information for homeowners.
The size of the hail, its wind direction and trajectory, the speed at which it hits, and the material of your roof all come into play when evaluating hail damage. One inch in diameter-sized hail or larger can cause significant damage to asphalt shingles, the most common roofing material for homes in Texas.
When left unchecked, hail damage can lower your buildings envelope expected longevity. The average lifespan of asphalt shingles is 20 years, but it can decrease to 15 years after sustaining damage. On top of this, your roof may need to be replaced sooner, as the underlying decking and insulation can also be affected.
However, hail damage doesn’t necessarily mean that your roof needs to be replaced entirely. Minor issues, such as broken shingles or cosmetic damage, can be easily repaired by a professional roofing contractor. By addressing the hail damage immediately, you may be able to restore your roof’s expected longevity.
What Does Storm Damage to a Roof Look Like?
Common signs of storm damage on roofs include granule loss, blisters, and impact points.
Granules are small rock-like pieces found on the surface of many asphalt shingles. During heavy storms, these granules can become dislodged. This means your property has sustained roof damage and needs to be carefully inspected by a contractor.
On the other hand, blistering occurs when the roof’s surface starts to bring up material due to the moisture absorbed during a hail storm. The blisters are usually noticeable from the ground but can only be confirmed with an up-close inspection by a roofing professional.
Lastly, impact points are the most obvious signs of roof damage and, sometimes, the most devastating. They are created when hail stones hit the roof and cause a dent or depression in the shingles.
Impact points can easily be visible from below, with enough hail hits causing significant destruction to individual shingles and the roof as a whole.
How Can a Roofing Contractor Help with Roof Damage and Insurance Claims?
In the event of a hail storm, homeowners should ensure to have their roofs inspected and/or assessed by a roofing contractor as soon as possible to determine the damage sustained.
Filing an insurance claim is another crucial step for proper maintenance and repair, especially when hail hits.
The roofing contractor can also discuss which materials are more vulnerable to hail damage and which alternatives can provide a longer lifespan.
While a good contractor can help with everything from routine roof inspections to major repairs, they can also be an invaluable ally when filing claims against an insurance company for a hail-damaged roof.
A trustworthy roofing company can also provide excellent warranties and will be familiar with the area regulations for any repair or installation work required. It should also provide quality materials and offer competitive rates that fit within any homeowner’s budget.
Ultimately, the choice of a reliable contractor can mean the difference between a successful insurance claim and a reduced reimbursement amount.
Can I Get a Free Roof Inspection Done?
There are several factors to consider when deciding whether you need to have your roof checked and what kind of inspection to have performed.
Before you start, it’s essential to contact a qualified contractor, especially if you are unsure of the extent of the damage. A professional roof inspector can assess the structure, identify any signs of storm damage, and determine the best course of action, including a full roof replacement.
Many companies also provide free roof inspections, which can help homeowners save money without compromising maintenance. Experts will usually come in to assess the whole situation based on a free estimate only.
It’s also a good idea to ask family, friends, and neighbors if they know a roofer who can provide affordable quotes. Personal recommendations are typically more trustworthy than just going with an unknown company for a free roof inspection. Water Damage and Roofing of Cedar Park has been offering free roof inspections for domestic roofs for years.
Gathering Substantial Evidence for Hail Damage Against Insurance Adjusters
As homeowners assess their roofs and other structures following a storm, it’s essential to understand how to gather substantial evidence of hail damage to make filing an insurance claim easier.
In most circumstances, having an experienced contractor conduct a roof inspection of the siding and other structures can provide valuable proof to stand against an insurance company. Look for signs of visible damage, such as:
- Cracks in shingles and other roofing materials.
- Missing wood shingles, tiles, or pieces of metal fascia.
- Water leaks and dented gutters.
- Cracked or misshapen concrete shingles and vinyl siding.
- Damaged roof vents or metal flashing on flat surfaces.
- Dents in steel and aluminum materials.
In some cases, a trained professional may provide statements attesting to the roof hail damage your property sustained. It’s best to get these documents in writing, as they will be needed to support an insurance claim.
Conclusion
As homeowners, frequent hail impact can be a serious and unexpected hazard. Depending on the geographic area and weather conditions, the hail size can vary from pea-sized pellets to softball-sized chunks of ice. Even smaller hail stones can cause moderate to severe damage to your roofing material.
Accurately assessing hail damage is a skill that comes with practice and experience; however, homeowners can review some aspects of their home to identify when it is time to call a contractor and seek a professional roof inspection.
Gathering substantial evidence related to roof damage will help home and business owners pursue insurance claims in a much more straightforward and more efficient manner.