5 Things to expect with hailstorm damage to roof

Hailstorms are not uncommon in Texas and hail damage to the roof is a certain occurrence even for the best-kept roofs of the state. New roofs that have been laid well may not face too much damage, but as the roof ages, it is bound to feel the brunt of the throbbing lumps of ice that plummet on them incessantly. Hail damaged roofs are bearers of deeper problems to follow and must be checked before the issue escalates and causes deeper structural damage to the building. here are 5 Things to expect with hailstorm damage to the roof –

1. The roof hail damage

Hail damage occurs when the hailstones hit the roof shingles at a high speed and in worse cases may require the entire roof to be changed, or lead to expensive repairs as the damage can spread across a wide area. Severe hailstorms can puncture the protective mat underneath the shingle tiles and break the protective cover that prevents leakages. This in turn could start with damaging the attic and spread to other parts of the house too.

2. Shingles and Hails

Different types of shingles react differently when struck by hail. For instance, asphalt and composition shingles look very different than wood shingles when damaged. In the case of asphalt and composition shingles, hail damage can be discerned in random patterns and the place hit turns black. Furthermore, it causes loss of granules which may expose the roof felt. Wood shingles also have no discernible damage pattern, but they turn brown/orange in color. Hail damage causes split in the shingles that can be observed in sharp corners and edges and there will be obvious impact marks or dents along with the splits.

3. Beware of the “storm chasers”

Apart from the obvious hail damage, another collateral damage occurs in the form of “storm chasers”, that is random technicians who turn up at the doorstep offering concession rates for roofing services without requisite equipment, license, or insurance provisions. Working with such unlicensed technicians can invalidate the building owner’s insurance claim, besides there will be no guarantee for the services either. Hence, it is important to beware and only connect with a licensed roofing expert in the locality.

4. The insurance angle

Homeowners’ insurance generally covers hail damage, wind damage, and any other extreme weather damage to the roof. In case one suspects a hail roof damage, then they must contact their insurance company and then a roofing contractor. the roofing contractor can conduct an inspection and submit the requisite reports for processing the insurance claims and only once the claim has been approved, they will start working on the roof repair. For complete roof replacement or major replacements cover under hail damage insurance, for hail damaged metal roof, there may be a need to replace the entire metal panel where the metal integrity has been compromised. For hail damage claim for replacing asphalt roof shingles, there must be evidence of hail damage to soft metals such as downspouts, gutters, vents, or flashings on the roof.

5. Some protection measures against hail roof damage

There isn’t much one can do to prevent hail damage to the roof. Some preventive measures one can take to avoid going to the hail damage repair phase is to work with reliable roofing contractors who will hail-proof your existing shingles and use a sturdy, weather-resistant roof while installing the roof. Some other preventive measures can be taken to reduce the extent of damage such as –

• Trim the overhanging tree limbs that could fall on the roof during the storm
• Conduct periodic checks on the attic and look for signs of mold, mildew, or water stains on walls and ceilings
• Get periodic roof inspections done and have broken shingles replaced with new ones regularly.

There are different degrees of intensities in hailstorms, but hail presents a greater danger to the roof than rain or snow as an individual hailstone can weigh over a pound. Have a professional roof look in for hail and wind damage if you find some obvious signs of wear and tear. A problem nipped in the bud can save you major expenses later. It is always viable to work with a reputed roofing contractor who understands hailstorm repair in Texas and who has prior experience working with insurance companies for appropriate guidance on placing a hail damage claim.