Hail Damage Inspection: How to Inspect Roof for Hail Damage

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It’s officially hailstorm season in Buffalo. And while it’s pretty to look at, hail is incredibly destructive. According to a March 2023 analysis by State Farm, the company shelled out over $3.5 billion in hail claims and 2022- an increase of over $1 billion from 2021.

Hail can damage homes, cars, crops- and more importantly, your roof. When hail hits your roof, it creates dents, cracks, or even dislodges shingles. If you don’t deal with it pronto, things can get worse.

Left unnoticed, hail damage to your roofing can provide the water a direct pathway to your decking, ultimately leading to leaks that can severely damage interior walls, ceilings, and floors.

That’s where timely detection and repair come in. Catching roof damage early on can help you avoid bigger, costlier repairs down the road. But how do you spot the signs?
Let’s find out!

Check Your Roof for These 7 Tell-Tale Signs of Hail Damage

Let’s be honest: inspecting a roof for hail damage isn’t easy, especially if you’re uncomfortable with heights. You might want to bring in experienced hail damage roof contractors like W.C. Rott & Sons to take care of it for you. In case you want to take the DIY route, inspect your roof for these seven signs of damage.

1. Dented or Bruised Shingles

Hailstones can leave marks that don’t look like much at first. However, they can weaken your roof’s protection.

A common mistake homeowners make is assuming that small hailstones can’t hurt their roofs. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Any hail larger than an inch in diameter is a threat to your property. In fact, 1.5-inch hail can cause severe roof damage.

Be sure to check your shingles for dents, dimples, or bruises after a hailstorm. Better yet, call in the pros for an expert look-over.

2. Missing Granules

Ever wondered what those tiny, gritty granules on your roof do? They protect your roof from the rain and sun. So, if you see granules collecting in your gutters or downspouts, hail might have knocked them loose.

3. Cracked or Split Shingles

Hail damage on shingles is a serious problem. Hail can crack shingles, which makes them prone to further damage from wind and rain. If you spot shingles that look like they’ve seen better days, it’s time to take action.

4. Exposed Underlayment

Sometimes, hailstorms can be so forceful that they expose the underlayment beneath the shingles. This is a clear sign that your roof’s integrity has been compromised.

5. Soft Spots or Indentations

Notice any soft spots or areas that seem to sink under your weight when your maneuver across the roof? It’s a red flag. Hail may have weakened the structure beneath the shingles.

6. Leaks and Water Stains

After a hailstorm, watch out for water stains on your ceilings or walls. Hail damage to roofs can create openings for water to seep in, causing leaks and staining.

7. Cracked Gutters and Downspouts

Hail doesn’t just target your shingles- your gutters could be under attack as well. Remember to check your gutters and downspouts for cracks, dents, or other signs of damage.

How to Assess Hail Damage on Your Roof

The quicker you spot signs of hail damage to your roof, the better. So, if you’re planning a hail damage roofing inspection over the weekend, here’s a quick guide on how to go about it!

  • Before you start climbing up your roof, make sure it’s safe. Use a sturdy ladder and wear appropriate safety gear, like non-slip shoes and a helmet.
  • Choose a sunny day for your inspection. Natural sunlight helps you spot those tell-tale signs of hail damage more easily.
  • Take a look at your roof from a distance. Are there any obvious signs of damage, like missing shingles or visible dents? This gives you a general idea of what you’re dealing with.
  • If you’re not comfortable climbing on your roof, use binoculars to zoom in on different areas and get a closer look.
  • Check soft metal components like gutter screens, downspouts, and roof vents. Hail can leave noticeable dings and dents on these surfaces
  • Inside your home, keep an eye out for water stains on your ceilings and walls. Hail damage might allow water to penetrate your roof.

Unsure about your ability to assess hail damage accurately? Consider calling in a professional hail damage roof repair company. They’ll have the expertise to spot even subtle signs of damage.

Why You Need Roof Repair Services to Fix Hail Damage

Sure, you can conduct your very own roof damage inspection. But hiring a professional roofing service is a smart move that can save you potential long-term costs. Here’s why you should think about bringing in the experts.

1. Expertise

Expert hail damage roof contractors have the experience and training to accurately assess the extent of hail damage. They know where to look, what to look for, and how to identify even the subtlest signs of damage you might miss. Seasoned roofers will check every inch of your roof with a trained eye, so no hail damage goes unnoticed.

2. Quicker Repairs

Even if you can fix hail damage on your own, it’s going to take a long time. Plus, roof damage is not the kind of thing you want to sleep on. The longer the roof is vulnerable, the higher the chances it’ll deteriorate further.

Not only does hiring a roofing service minimize potential damage, but it also whips your roofing into shape as quickly as possible. This way, your home is in working condition much faster.

3. Cost-Effectiveness

This might come as a surprise, but hiring a professional roofing contractor is often more affordable than figuring things out on your own. Timely and accurate repairs can prevent more extensive damage that requires expensive fixes later.

4. Insurance Claims

If you’re dealing with a hail-related insurance claim, hail damage roofers can provide detailed documentation of the damage and repairs needed. This helps streamline the claims process and ensures you receive appropriate coverage.

5. Warranty Protection

Many professional roofing services offer warranties for their work. This means that if there are any issues with the repairs down the line, they’ll take care of it without additional cost to you.

The Bottom Line

There you have it: a complete rundown on hail damage, how to spot it, and why you should get expert help to reverse the problem. Remember, hail damage might not be immediately obvious, but catching it early on can save you a lot of trouble down the line. So, grab your checklist and give your roof the once-over it deserves.

At William C. Rott & Sons, we take roof repairs seriously. Our experts have the knowledge, experience, and tools to handle a wide range of roof problems. No matter what you’re dealing with, our roof hail damage repair experts can come to your aid. Give us a call today!

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