Most residential homes in the United States have roofs that are designed to withstand flowing water from rain, snow, and even high winds. Even though most roofing materials are able to withstand some of the harsher climates, shingles and other forms of roofing material are still susceptible to damage from heavy impact.
Hailstorms are one of the most devastating phenomena for many homes. Not only will hail break windows and doors, but it will also punch holes on your roof. Leaks and holes can serve as gateways to other problems for your roof.
But before we get into how we can protect our roof from hail damage and what are some of the best measures to take, we have to first identify hail damage and what are the long-term effects of it.
How To Spot Hail Damage
If you’re not well-versed in roof repair and design, you’ll find that there are certain damages to your roof that’s harder to find. Here are some of the best tips in finding hail damage on your roof.
SEARCH FOR DAMAGE
From the ground, you’ll be able to see the damages of your roof. In most cases, hail damage can be easily seen. But for you to be able to have an extensive inspection of your roof, you’ll need to be able to get on top of your roof.
Set up a ladder and safety equipment
Getting to the top of your roof can open up different hazardous scenarios and situations. It’s best to set up a ladder that’s placed on hard and stable ground. Once you have set up your ladder, wear boots or footwear with good traction so you won’t slide off the roof.
Identify the damage
Once you’re now at the top of your roof, examine the different types of damages that are on your roof. Take photos and send them to your local roofing contractor so they’ll be able to make a recommendation on what to do with your roof.
If you’re not sure how to find these damages or if you lack the safety equipment in getting on top of your roof to inspect the damages, you can always contact your roofing specialist to do it for you. Having professional supervision can mitigate any accidents from happening.
Hail Damages
Damages from hail can vary. There are several different factors to consider when examining the damages of hail. Smaller and denser hail are some of the most dangerous hail since it can easily leave holes and leaks on your roof. Larger and lighter hails might not be as dangerous but will still leave dents and cracks on your roof. Ultimately, the type of hail damage will also be dependent on the roofing material that you’ll be using.
Dents
Dents are quite prevalent among metal roofing that is bombarded by hail. If you see bruising and dents on your roof, this can disrupt the flow of water from your shingles and your flashing and might end up in inappropriate areas.
The best way of identifying denting on your roof is running your hand across your roof. If you do see any ‘dimples’ or irregularities on your roof, then this is a sign of impact damage.
Cracks
Cracks are quite common on asphalt shingles and natural slate tile roofs. Impacts from hail or because someone treaded on those shingles is the most common reasons why cracks form. Cracks are usually made from large hail. If you ever see circular cracks, this is a tell-tale sign that there was an impact in that specific area.
Holes
Smaller and denser hail is the usual culprit for holes on your roof. If you ever find leaks inside your home or light penetrating from your roof, then it’s best to contact your roofing contractor to repair this issue as soon as possible. Leaks and holes can create a domino effect of problems in your home.
Impact-resistant shingles
Since most roofing materials are not designed to withstand impacts, these types of roofing materials will eventually deteriorate if placed in the path of hailstorms. If you’re still installing roofing materials, impact-resistant shingles are one of the best materials that you can use in mitigating damage.
Almost every roofing material that you’ll be using for your roof will get dented and damaged by hailstorms. Mitigating the damages and making sure that hailstorms won’t reach the more sensitive areas of your home is your priority. Additionally, it is paramount in preserving the lifespan of your roofing Ball Ground GA and the overall health of your house.
Related Articles
- Metal Roof Cost VS Asphalt Roof Cost
- Roofing Colors: How To Choose
- How Long Do Asphalt Roof Shingles Last