What Does Hail Damage Do to a Roof?

How Hail Affects Different Roof Materials

Roofs are made of materials that react differently when hit by hailstorms, from asphalt shingles and metal to tiles. All can leave lasting imprints when struck.

• Asphalt Shingles: Hail damage may result in dented or dislodged granules from asphalt shingles, potentially leading to dented spots or knockoff granules that ultimately require replacement shingles due to leaks or complete replacement needs.
• Metal Roofs: Although more resilient, metal roofing can still be damaged by hail. Large hailstorms may dent it, and damage can even appear aesthetically; leakage might still not result.
• Tile Roofs: Clay or concrete tiles can crack under significant hail pressure, causing visible cracking damage that must be dealt with quickly to prevent further storms.

The Immediate Effects of Hail Damage

Following a hail storm, you might notice visible evidence of damage, such as dented roof tiles or loose pieces; small hailstones could weaken the structure over time and increase vulnerability to further damage in future storms.

Long-Term Problems from Hail Damage

When hail damage goes undetected, problems quickly escalate. Water can seep into cracks or damage shingles to cause leakage. Mold growth or even rot might develop within your roof's structure, requiring extensive repair to restore.

Roof Contractors' Role in Dealing with Hail Damage

When hailstorms strike, professional roofing contractors should always be called. Their experts can conduct a full assessment and offer solutions such as repair or full roof replacement, depending on the damage. A reliable company will offer sound advice.

How to Spot Hail Damage

Not every hail damage is obvious. Here are a few methods you can use to check for issues:

• Search For Missing Granules: Check your gutters and downspouts; they could contain all the granules that have come off your shingles and been washed into them by hailstorms.
• Inspect for Dents: Metal fixtures like vents or flashing might show hail dents that need repair from hail storms.
• Examine from Inside: Hail damage may be visible even within your attic space. Keep an eye out for signs of light leaking in or water spots that indicate roof damage, such as light coming through the roofing materials or water spots indicating compromised structures.

Preventive Measures and Maintenance

Maintaining your roof properly is vital in protecting it against hail damage. Professional inspections by roofing companies can identify minor problems before they become major ones. Keeping trees pruned can prevent branches from coming onto your roof during storms and causing further havoc. It's wise to trim back trees regularly to limit how far branches extend onto your roof when storms hit.

Selecting an Experienced and Trustworthy Roofer

Securing quality repairs requires finding an experienced team with proven expertise and an established history of roof repair or shingle replacement projects. Don't be shy to request references and examples of their past work when making this important choice.

Milledge Roofing Company

Hail damage can be devastatingly destructive to roofs, leading to leaks, cosmetic damages, and structural issues that must be dealt with quickly to save them from further costlier repairs in the future. Regular roof inspections by professional contractors such as Milledge Roofing Company will help alleviate such problems. Dealing with hail damage early may save more money on future repair costs than trying to patch over it later on.