A hailstorm poses a lot of threats to your home but is particularly dangerous for your roof. If your home has been recently hit by a hailstorm, you might be wondering:
- Was my roof damaged by hail?
- Do I need to repair it?
- Will insurance cover the cost?
Whether you need hail damage roof repairs or are simply looking to identify roof hail damage, we’ve done the research for you. Not only will you be able to better identify hail damage, but you’ll be better equipped for when it’s necessary to make repairs or call in the professionals.
What Does Hail Damage Look Like
It’s stopped hailing, and now it is time for you to inspect your home. The trouble is, you don’t know what you are looking for!
When it comes to identifying a hail-damaged roof, there are a couple of different signs to look out for. Different shingle types will react differently to impact, so it is important to examine your roof carefully or hire a professional roofer to do it for you.
Dents
One of the most common signs of hail damage is dents on your roof shingles. These dents typically present as small craters on the face of your shingles. You might also notice the shingles themselves being a little misshapen.
Splits
Splits or cracks are also common types of hail damage to your roof. These can present as hairline cracks on the shingles themselves or sharp, cracked edges.
Granule Loss
When you check your gutters after a storm, you may notice a collection of granules in your gutter system. Granule loss is a normal part of the aging of your roof, but hail damage can accelerate the process.
Roof Vent Damage
If your shingles look to be in fine shape, you might mistakenly believe that your roof has survived a hailstorm unscathed. However, there is another essential part of your roof system that might have sustained significant damage. The roof vents are an often forgotten part of your roof but are just as susceptible to hail hits as the shingles are.
It is important to check for debris that may have gotten trapped in the vent and that the waterproof seal is still intact.
What Are the Dangers of Hail Damage?
When you check your roof for signs of hail damage, it may not look all that serious. After all, a few small dents don’t seem like they could cause structural damage. But the truth is that hail roof damage is more than just cosmetic damage. Here are some of the challenges your home could face if you leave your roof as is after a hail impact.
Leaky Roof
One of the most obvious signs that your roof is suffering from structural damage is leaks inside of your home. If you are noticing frequent leaks, particularly in your attic, it’s a sure sign that water is making its way past the layers of your roof. The moment you notice a leak, it is important to reach out to a roofing contractor and set up a repair so that you do not risk creating a bigger problem.
Water Stains
If you don’t see a roof leak, it may be a good idea to check for water stains on your walls and ceilings. These typically present as yellow or brown splotches on the walls and ceiling. Water stains are an indicator that water is leaking into your home from the roof. Not only is this not aesthetically pleasing, but it can be a fire hazard when water leaks into your electrical systems.
Damaged Roof Deck
Most of your roofing problems happen when water gets past your shingles and begins to damage your roof deck. This type of roof damage can cause huge problems for the overall structure of your roof. Unless the roof damage is caught early, you could be looking at large, expensive roof repairs. Because of this, we recommend scheduling a roof inspection as soon as you notice signs of hail damage to your roof.
Loose Shingles
When you inspect your roof, are you finding loose or missing shingles? Storm damage to your roof can easily loosen shingles from your roof. Without that initial layer of protection, your home is open to water damage from snow and rain.
Can You DIY Your Roof Repair?
If you’re noticing just a few dented shingles, you might wonder whether or not you really need to call a roofing contractor. After all, how difficult can it be to replace just a few shingles?
You can absolutely replace most types of shingles yourself. Asphalt shingles, in particular, are very DIY-er friendly. Be aware, though, that other types of roofing materials, such as wood shingles or metal roofs, may require professional installation.
That being said, your roof is a hugely important structure in your home. Before you begin your roof repairs, it is important to do thorough research to make sure you install the shingles securely to avoid creating more damage than when you began.
Still not feeling confident? A roofing expert will be able to replace your shingles quickly and correctly so that you can have peace of mind.
How Much Does It Cost To Repair Hail Damage?
One of the most important questions for homeowners after receiving roof hail damage is how much a repair will cost.
The cost of a hail damage roof repair will vary wildly depending on the extent of the damage and the size of your roof.
Asphalt shingles themselves are not particularly expensive to replace, totaling only $3-$5 per square foot. If you only have to replace a few shingles, it can be a relatively inexpensive job. However, if the damage is more extensive, you may need to replace parts of your roof deck, as well. This will require professional installation, and the costs can add up quickly. Average costs can be anywhere between $4,000-$13,000.
Will Insurance Cover Repairs?
If the prices listed above scare you, take a deep breath. The good news is that most homeowners insurance policies will cover hail damage. After inspecting your roof, it is important to call your insurance company as soon as you can. Be sure to take extensive pictures of your roof hail damage to submit to the insurance company, along with your claim.
Be aware, though, that filing an insurance claim could raise your premium for the upcoming year. If the damage is small, you may be better off paying for the damage to your roof out of pocket, as opposed to filing an insurance claim.
How to Prevent Hail Damage
Many homeowners wonder if there is a way to prevent hail damage to their roof shingles in the first place. While there is no foolproof method, there are things you can do to help strengthen your roof and add an extra layer of protection against hail damage.
- Invest in Impact-Resistant Shingles – Impact-resistant shingles are an investment, coming in at about a 10-20% price increase over traditional asphalt shingles. That being said, they can save you money in the long run, as they can stand up to an extreme weather event like a hail storm. This means that you can avoid having to replace shingles and other parts of your roof.
- Good Roof Maintenance – When it comes to protecting your roof, the most important factor is to ensure that your roof is in good shape to begin with. Maintaining your roof can help extend its longevity. Making sure that you keep your roof free of debris and trimming tree branches around the roof line will help make sure that your roof can last for years to come.
- Replace Your Roof – Many homeowners try to avoid the cost and inconvenience of replacing their roofs as long as they can. However, this can lead to more problems in the long run. Replacing your aging roof in a timely manner will ensure that your roof is strong enough to stand up to hail and wind speed.
The Best Way to Spot and Fix Hail Damage
Ready to make your roof free from hail damage? The team at Best Exteriors can help! We are a team of qualified roofers who specialize in storm damage-related repairs. We offer free inspections to help homeowners feel confident that their roof is working properly. When you work with us, you can rest easy knowing that your home is cared for.
Contact us today to get a free estimate!
