As anyone who lives in Texas knows, the state is prone to some really nasty weather and especially hail storm roof damage. Each year heavy rains, high winds and tornados, and lightning cause a significant amount of damage to homes and property, but one of the worst hazards is hail. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, Texas has led the nation as the state with the most yearly hail damage claims for three years running, with over 811,000 loss claims out of almost 2,900,000 nationwide. In second place was Colorado with around 395,000, less than half of those in Texas.
Hail storm roof damage is costly because it affects everything outside including cars, boats, outbuildings, windows, and mailboxes. But it can be especially hard on your roof, and unlike broken windows and dents that are easy to see, hail damage to your roof can be subtle and hard to spot. Even if it’s not leaking there could still be damage that will lead to future leaks and deterioration of shingles and other parts of your roof. It takes a thorough inspection by an experienced roofing professional to accurately assess the damage and determine what types of repairs need to be done.
How Does Hail Damage A Roof?
The amount of damage a hail storm does to a roof depends on several factors, including the size of the hail, wind speed, what type of roofing material was used and its age, and the angle of the slope. A hail pellet that hits a roof straight on can cause more damage than one that strikes a glancing blow. Here are some of the most common ways that hail can damage a roof.
- Granule loss – The rough particles on top of a shingle form a protective layer. When they are removed, the asphalt of the shingle is exposed to the natural elements, which leads to faster aging and deterioration. These granules can be seen in your gutters after a storm.
- Cracked shingles – When a shingle is cracked or torn it leaves a bare spot that allows water to get under it and eventually leak into your home.
- Exposed and/or fractured fiberglass mat – The impact of hail can remove the surface of a shingle leaving the fiberglass underneath bare and cracked.
- Weakened sealing strip – Hail strikes can weaken the sticky self-seal strip that keeps the shingle from blowing off in the wind. When a shingle is torn off it often causes damage to the surrounding shingles. When shingles are missing or torn you no longer have any protection in that area and leaks will follow.
How Can You Tell If Your Roof Has Hail Damage?
It’s important to remember that even small hail pellets can cause damage to your roof when combined with high winds. Some types of damage to a roof are easy to spot, such as shingles that have been ripped off or badly torn, but other kinds of damage are more subtle and can easily be missed by a homeowner. It’s highly recommended that you have a professional inspection performed to be sure. But one way to tell if a hailstorm has caused damage is to look at your gutters and downspouts. If they have been dented by hail or have become clogged with loosened granules it’s likely that other types of damage are present as well.
Life Roofing Hail Damage Chart
Can This Roof Damage Be Repaired?
Yes. Even if it’s not immediately obvious, if you suspect that a hailstorm has caused damage to your roof it’s important that you have it inspected and repaired as quickly as possible. If left uncorrected roof damage will only get worse over time, leading to leaks and ice dams. Water is insidious, and once it finds a way to invade your home it will eventually cause costly damage to the wood structure and your interior and furnishings, and can also cause electrical problems and mold infestation. Unless you have experience in roof repair, it’s best to hire a professional service to do the work. It’s dangerous to work on a roof without the proper equipment, and a roofing contractor will have the expertise to spot all of the damage and perform the repairs right the first time. They’ll provide valuable advice on the most affordable way to repair the damage and give you a free estimate of costs.
Does Insurance Cover Hail Storm Damage?
Most homeowner’s insurance will pay to repair hail damage to a roof, but you’ll need to check your policy and talk to your insurer to find out exactly how it will be applied. Generally, you will be required to file a claim within a year of the damage occurring, but the sooner you have your roof inspected and get an estimate the better.
If you’ve had damage to your roof from hail in Texas, contact us today for a quick and free estimate.
