Hail is one of nature’s most powerful and destructive forces. When it strikes, it can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. Your roof isn’t immune to hail damage either; it can take a real beating from this weather phenomenon. So what do you do when hail damages roof? How do you know if the damage is bad enough to warrant repairs or replacement? In this blog post, we will answer all those questions and provide some tips on how to best handle the situation if your roof has been hit with hail. Read on to learn more!
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What is hail damage?
Hailstones can range in size from a pea to a softball, and they fall from the sky at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. When hailstones hit your roof, they can cause significant damage.
The first thing you should do if you think your roof has been damaged by hail is to call a qualified roofing contractor for an inspection. Your insurance company may also require an inspection before they will approve any repairs.
Once the inspection is complete, the roofing contractor will provide you with a report detailing the extent of the damage. If the damage is cosmetic, such as dents in gutters or shingles, it can usually be repaired without too much trouble. However, if the hail has damaged the underlying structure of your roof, you may need to have some parts replaced.
How to know if your roof has hail damage
If you suspect that your roof has hail damage, it’s important to have a professional roofing contractor take a look as soon as possible. Hail damage can often be difficult to spot, but there are a few telltale signs that can indicate whether or not your roof has been damaged by hail.
One of the most common indicators of hail damage is granules from asphalt shingles in your gutters. If you notice that your gutters are filled with an unusual amount of granules, it’s a good idea to have your roof inspected for hail damage.
Another way to tell if your roof has been damaged by hail is by looking for dents in metal components like vents and flashing. Hailstones can also cause cracks in shingles, so be sure to check for any signs of damage when inspecting your roof for hail damage.
The best way to repair hail damage
If your roof has been damaged by hail, it’s important to act quickly to ensure that the damage is repaired properly. Here are a few tips on the best way to repair hail damage:
1. Contact your insurance company. If you have hail damage, your insurance company will likely cover the cost of repairs. They may even have a preferred contractor that they work with.
2. Inspect the damage yourself. Once you’ve contacted your insurance company, take a close look at the damaged areas of your roof. If you see any missing or damaged shingles, it’s important to have those repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
3. Make temporary repairs. If you can’t get a contractor out right away, you may need to make some temporary repairs to prevent further damage. This could involve tarping over damaged areas or covering holes with plywood.
4. Get professional help. Once you’ve made any necessary temporary repairs, it’s time to call in a professional roofing contractor to make permanent repairs. They will be able to assess the damage and give you an estimate for the cost of repairs.
5. Follow up after repairs are made. After your roof has been repaired, be sure to inspect it regularly and contact your contractor if you have any concerns about the quality of their workmanship.
How to prevent hail damage in the future
Hailstorms can cause serious damage to your roof, and the repairs can be costly. Here are some tips to help you prevent hail damage in the future:
1. Inspect your roof regularly. Look for any signs of damage, such as missing or damaged shingles, and have them repaired as soon as possible.
2. If you live in an area that is prone to hail storms, consider installing impact-resistant shingles on your roof. These shingles are designed to withstand hail better than standard shingles.
3. Make sure that your gutters and downspouts are in good condition and are able to properly drain water away from your roof. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up onto your roof, which can lead to leaks and other damage during a hail storm.
4. Keep trees trimmed around your home so that they don’t rub against your roof or drop limbs onto it during a storm.