Although your roof is designed to bear the wrath of the elements, hail storms can be quite intense and can cause varying levels of destruction on your roof. Since the damage cannot be seen from the ground, many people often dismiss the idea of hail damage.
However, if you know where to look, you can find out if hail has damaged your roof. Some of the most common signs of hail damage are given below. These can help you determine whether your roof needs minor or extensive repairs.
Dented Gutters:One of the telltale signs of roof damage is dented gutters, downspouts, and screens. These damages are a good indication that there may be some damage to your roof as well.
Chipped Chimneys, Skylights, and Vents:Hail storms can also chip, crack, and dent your chimneys, skylights, and vents. To check the chimney covers, run some white chalk sideways over the surface to see if it has been chipped. Vents made of soft metals may show clear damage from hailstones. Your skylight may become cracked or may be completely shattered depending on the size of the hailstones which can be anywhere between 0.25 inches to 4 inches large.
Dings on Window Sills and Siding:Your home’s sidings, window sill, and metal fascia on the roof eaves may also show some faint dings which indicate roof damage.
Chipped Deck: Hailstones can also chip off the paint on your deck, patio, or other outdoor hardscapes. If this is so, there may be some damage to your roof as well.
How Does Hail Damage Different Types of Roofing Material
Hail storms can impact the different types of roofing materials in different ways:
Asphalt: Asphalt is incredibly strong and can withstand a huge amount of force from hailstones. This material does not crack easily unless it is repeatedly bombarded on the same spot, in which case it may show cracks or displaced granules. If your granules are displaced, the underlying asphalt will be exposed to harmful UV radiation that can deteriorate the material, resulting in blister formation, edge damage, and water leaks.
Metal:Metal roofing can offer strong protection against hail. If it is hit by larger hailstone, metal roofing may show a few dings and dents. However, your roof will not easily puncture. To make sure there are no holes in your roof, get your roof inspected after a hail storm.
Clay and Concrete: Clay and concrete roofing are one of the most popular options these days because they are extremely strong materials. If they are hit with a volley of hailstones, they may crack but the chance of severe or irreparable damage to the roofing is minute.
Slate: Slate is stone which means it is extremely durable and strong. If you have this kind of fear, a hail storm will hardly be able to put a dent in it. However, depending on the intensity of the storm, a few shingles may come out.
Wood:The extent of damage to your wood roofing depends on the type of wood you have used. Hardwood like redwood and cedar are much better than softer woods like pine. During a hailstorm, you should expect some loose and cracked shingles. Large hailstones can cause moderate damage to wooden roofs.
How Utah Roofing Can Help You After a Hail Storm
The damage to your roof may be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the type of roofing material you have chosen and the intensity of a hail storm. The most serious kind of damage involves the collapse of the roof and flooding of your house. However, the chances of this happening to roofs in good condition are very small.
Most of the time, the most common concern is water leaking into your home through tiny cracks and dents in the roof. This can further weaken your entire roof structure and cause rot. The insulation of your home may also be affected because of a damaged roof.
If you live in Utah and have a roof with hail damage, do not panic. At Utah Roofing, we have a team of highly competent and experienced craftsmen who can check the damage to your roof and determine the best way to fix it. If your roof is old and has suffered extensive damage, we may also recommend another roofing material for it. Reach out to us today by calling 801-921-6815 today.
